A tourist hostel in Pilisszentkereszt, a favoured tourist destination north of Budapest, was inaugurated today by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The hostel was refurbished at a cost of 70 million forints (EUR 240,000) with support from Pilis Park Forestry Company Ltd (Pilisi Parkerdő Zrt.) and the Hungarian Development Bank (MFB) within the framework of the agreement the Government signed with the Hungarian Hiking Association this summer.

At the ceremony, the Prime Minister said that the Government, faithful to its promise, will secure funding for tourism and hiking-related developments such as the upgrading of walking trails. With such an aim, an eight-point action plan has been elaborated for renovating some 22 thousand square metres of trails at a cost of 990 million forints.

An additional 150 million forints have been earmarked for rail, bicycle and waterway upgrades as well as signposting and trail markers. The Prime Minister also noted that the Government would deliver on its promise that there should be a facility for cheap, good quality accommodation for walkers every 30km along Hungary's official walking trails.

The Hungarian Government signed an agreement with the President of the Hungarian Association of Hikers (MTSZ), the umbrella organisation of Hungarian social organisations involved in hiking activities, in July with a view to enhancing the standards of hiking tourism in Hungary.

Under the terms of the agreement, the association may receive territory and facilities from public property, the renovation and maintenance of which would be supported by the Government.

(Prime Minister’s Office)