The share of EU funding allocated to tourism has increased significantly in the 2007-2013 period, over which 7-year cycle one fifth, i.e., a total of approximately 300 million HUF, of the funding framework allocated to Regional Operational Programmes can be invested around the country in developments tying in with tourism. This implies that ten times more funding has been allocated to this sector in relation to the 2004-2006 period. Developments tying in with gastronomy and Hungarian wine culture, like the project that has just been launched in Budafok, are an interesting slice of these tourism developments.

Wine traditions in Budafok date back as far as the Roman era, in which area major grape production activities were undertaken on the local Wine Hill even during the reign of the monarchs of the Árpád dynasty (9th century-1301). By the 1800s, there were over 300 wine cellars in Budafok, where beyond wine production, campaign and cognac was also produced. In recognition of these local wine traditions, Budafok was awarded the title “International Town of Grape and Wine” in 1987. Tourism attractions tying in with wine culture will be reinvigorated in Budafok by building on these traditions.

As a part of the project to be implemented under the direction of the non-profit organisation called Fine and Applied Arts Public Foundation for Culture in the 22nd District from EU funding amounting to 297 million HUF, an over 100-capacity tourism and cultural centre will be created by next summer in parts of the cellar network of the Záborszky Cellar that are not in use today and the Pestis (Plague) Chapel above the cellar will also be renewed.

A wine street, on the characteristic cellar walls of which Hungary’s ten wine regions will be displayed, will be created to increase the touristic appeal of the cellar network in Budafok. As a part of this investment, a stage will be set up in front of Szölőhegy (Grape Hill) Church, the facade of which is to be renewed, and wine culture enthusiasts will also be able to enjoy the wine museum and indulge in wine fairs organised in Budafok."

Source: nfu.hu