The Hungarian tourism industry has already approached a record level in the year to date, surpassing the benchmark set in 2019 before the onset of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, according to the State Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Cabinet Office in Budapest on Thursday.
During the presentation of the Kőrösi Csoma Sándor Award, considered the highest state honour in the field of tourism and hospitality, Csaba Dömötör expressed gratitude to the awardees for their commitment to ‘continuing to narrate the story of Hungarians and showcasing the most beautiful aspects of our country. They embark on journeys every day to present what our ancestors have bequeathed to us.’
Csaba Dömötör acknowledged the resilience of the Hungarian tourism sector, standing on multiple pillars, diverse experiences, and the commendable dedication of the awarded professionals. He thanked the awardees for their outstanding contributions.
Highlighting the industry’s achievements, Dömötör noted that, thanks to the efforts of the honoured professionals, tourism has approached the pre-pandemic and pre-conflict record levels set in 2019.
Currently, the sector is only two per cent away from its best year to date.
Despite contrary indications, the summer season proved particularly robust, with six million visitors to domestic accommodations, a six per cent increase compared to the record year of 2019. There is every hope that the strength of Hungarian tourism will be even greater next year, he opined.
Deputy CEO responsible for strategic implementation at the Hungarian Tourism Agency (MTÜ) Bálint Erdei emphasized that the number of overnight stays has already exceeded 35 million this year, showing a 1.5 per cent increase by the end of October compared to the previous year. He predicted further growth until the end of December, declaring this year a successful one for tourism.
Erdei added that the recognized professionals embody both international-level professional and human quality. Their success is especially gratifying as it confirms that choosing a career in tourism in Hungary offers opportunities worth pursuing locally.
Six individuals were honoured with the Kőrösi Csoma Sándor Grand Prize, in addition to Talentum Awards and Lifetime Achievement Awards, making a total of 12 excellence recognitions presented at Thursday’s event.
The Kőrösi Csoma Sándor Award was established in 2019 by the Hungarian Tourism Agency to acknowledge outstanding professional achievements in the tourism sector.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was granted to István Szepsy and István Szepsy Jr for their decades-long, exceptional contributions to Hungarian winemaking and wine tourism, their world-renowned work at the most prestigious winery in the Tokaj Wine Region, and their efforts in enhancing Hungary and the Tokaj Wine Region’s reputation, as well as the development of premium Tokaj wines.
Bence Dalnoki received the Talentum Award for his exceptional gastronomic activities, contributing to the enhancement of Hungary’s reputation. The Grand Prize was awarded to Ádám Barna for his innovative, rural gastronomic activities and his commitment to preserving Hungarian culinary traditions. Miklós Gyulai, as the President of the Hungarian Athletics Federation, received the Grand Prize for his leadership in bidding for and organizing the Budapest Athletics World Championships. Adrienn Hodik, Tibor Hodik, Szabolcs Szabadfi, Györgyi Szerencsés, Péter Szepesi, and Ádám Gyűjtő were also awarded the Grand Prize for the sustainable, ecological operation of the Natura Hill Zebegény slow food bistro and boutique hotel, emphasizing community building.
Andrea Tuboly received the Grand Prize for her exemplary work in tourism planning at the Tourinform Office in Zalaegerszeg.
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Sources: Hungarian Conservative/MTI/MTÜ
