According to data compiled and published by the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH), 8.8 million guests spent 22.8 million tourism nights at Hungarian commercial accommodations in 2013. Parallel to the almost 5 percent increase of the number of guests and tourism nights, revenues of commercial accommodations were also up by 10 percent last year.

As a sign of the improved profitability of enterprises active in this sector average prices edged up by 3 percent in 2013, while gross revenues per avaialable room (revPAR) soared by some 10 percent.

As far as the number of guests and tourism nights are concerned, although 2012 was already a year of record results, every indicator could be further improved in 2013.

As a result of positive figures concerning domestic tourists, which advanced month for month, the weight and growth of the sector reached that of foreign tourists in 2013. Last year, 4.5 million domestic tourists spent 10.9 tourism nights in Hungary, after both indicators have gained some 5 percent.

The outstanding increase regarding the domestic tourism sector has indisputably been the consequence of SZÉP Cards. Compared to HUF 44bn in 2012, the Cards boosted the revenues of enterprises in the tourism sector by some HUF 68bn in 2013, signalling 54 percent increase in usage. Last year, the number of contracts concluded with SZÉP (Széchenyi Recreation) Card service points reached 52 thousand, and the number of employers providing fringe benefits through the system totals some 23 thousand. The Ministry for National Economy welcomes the fact that owing to the decision of employers until December 2013 almost 908 thousand employees could use the recreation card all over the country.

Currently, the amount avaialable for services is HUF 28bn on the Cards, of which some HUF 4.5bn will expire on 31 May 2013.

In 2013, 4.4 million foreign guests spent 11.9 million tourism nights at commercial accommodations. The number of foreign guests and related tourism nights was also up by some 5 percent. In light of preliminary data, on the basis of the number of tourism nights, most guests came from Germany, Austria and Italy.

(Ministry for National Economy)