In 2024 Hungary set a new tourism record, with close to 18 million people staying at domestic accommodations. Nearly 9.3 million of these travelers were Hungarian residents, showing a significant rise in domestic tourism. According to the National Tourism Data Supply Centre (NTAK), the highest number of domestic tourists, relative to population size, came from Pest, Győr-Moson-Sopron, and Komárom-Esztergom counties.
Among all regions, Veszprém County emerged as the biggest winner, welcoming over one million domestic tourists to its accommodations. The most popular destinations for Hungarian travelers included Siófok, Balatonfüred, Zalakaros, Hajdúszoboszló, Hévíz, and Eger.
When examining the origins of travelers, most domestic tourists came from Budapest, followed by residents of Pest, Győr–Moson–Sopron, and Borsod–Abaúj–Zemplén counties. Notably, tourists from Komárom–Esztergom primarily traveled to Siófok, Zalakaros, and Balatonfüred.
In terms of long-distance travel, residents of Békés and Nógrád counties journeyed the farthest from their home regions, favouring destinations like Hajdúszoboszló, Siófok, and Eger. Meanwhile, travelers from Bács–Kiskun County primarily visited Siófok, Gyula, and Balatonfüred.
NTAK data also revealed differences in travel preferences across age groups. Younger travelers from Pest County, around 77,000 in number, preferred destinations like Siófok, Eger, and Szeged. Meanwhile, senior travelers (65+) from the same region—approximately 131,000 individuals—were more inclined to visit spa towns such as Hajdúszoboszló, Hévíz, and Cserkeszőlő.
Luxury travel preferences also varied by region. Tourists from Győr–Moson–Sopron were the most likely to book high-end accommodations, with 63 per cent of their stays occurring in 4- or 5-star hotels, particularly in Bük, Zalakaros, and Hévíz. On the other hand, campers from Pest County made up the majority of those booking campsites, favouring locations in Siófok, Zamárdi, and Balatonfüred.
With domestic travel booming and Hungarians exploring their own country more than ever, 2024 has proven to be a milestone year for tourism in Hungary. As travel trends continue to evolve, the country’s picturesque destinations remain as popular as ever among local and international visitors alike.
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