He underlined that tourism has greatly contributed to the country's economic growth as it accounts for some 9.9 percent of Hungary's GDP, adding that increasing this number by one percent is a realistic objective.

The Prime Minister also spoke about the success of the Government's Széchenyi card programme (the so-called SZÉP cards), introduced in 2011, a scheme providing luncheon, recreation and holiday vouchers, noting that 23,000 employers were participating in the programme, allowing 920,000 employees to benefit from it.

He also mentioned that in the 2007-2013 budget period Hungary received HUF 290 billion (EUR 932 million) in European Union funds to finance 1,132 tourism projects, adding that the Government expects to acquire another HUF 250-300 billion for the same purpose in the current seven-year period.

Furthermore, additional funding will be earmarked for the development of the Lake Balaton region, the Prime Minister said.

Source: kormany.hu