The tourism fair was opened at the Budapest Fair Center by Minister of State for Economic Planning Coordination István Komoróczki, who in his welcome speech pointed out that tourism traffic in Hungary hit a new record high last year, as – according to preliminary data – in 2013 8.8 million guests spent 22.8 million nights in the country.

He stated that as one of the growth engines of the Hungarian economy the tourism sector has been significantly contributing to the country’s economic performance and employment.

In addition to the 5 percent growth recorded last year in the number of guests and tourism nights, revenues at accommodation establishments were also up by 10 percent. As average prices increased by 3 percent in 2013 and gross revenue per available room (REVPAR) soared by some 10 percent, these facts are indicating that the profitability of enterprises active in the sector has improved.

István Komoróczki stressed that along with improved profitability another key trend is the steady growth of domestic tourism, which development also confirms the success of the SZÉP (Széchenyi Recreation) Card introduced in 2011.

The Minister of State said that in 2007-2013 1132 tourism projects won EU funding of altogether HUF 290bn. He added that the Ministry is in the midst of drafting the financial framework for the 2014-2020 development period, and some HUF 250-300bn of development resources is projected to be allocated for tourism.

He underlined that tourism is not merely a service sector division, as it widens people’s intellectual horizons and develops in them inclusion and tolerance.

The exhibition, open between 27 February and 2 March, has three special guests: Pécs, Tunisia, as well as Matyóföld with its rich cultural heritage.

Ambassador of Tunisia HE Abderraouf Betbaieb stated that the two countries are making efforts to reopen a direct flight between Budapest and Tunis.

At the opening ceremony, the awards of the Hungarian Tourism Ltd were also presented.

Deputy State Secretary for Tourism Viktória Horváth said that the almost 10 percent growth of the sector has been the result of the efforts of people working in tourism. She emphasised that it has been a great achievement to overcome hurdles over the past years and turn the sector from laggard into top performer.

She said stressed she is expecting the current upward trend in place for the past years to continue and remarked that SZÉP Cards add 25 percent to domestic tourism growth, excluding their multiplier effect.

Deputy CEO of Hungarian Tourism Plc Gergely Horváth said that last year marked a positive U-turn regarding tourism.

He pointed out that Hungarians tend to make several short trips and they make on average three-day excursions, which is a good result from an international perspective. Some 400 thousand people are employed within the sector, but the division’s key economic role makes it crucial for all the ten million residents of Hungary.

(Ministry for National Economy)