Close to 7 million visitors stayed at tourism accommodations in Hungary over the summer, 8.6pc more than last year's record, the subsidiary of the Hungarian Tourism Agency said. In January-August, guest turnover rose close to 11pc nationwide and climbed over 22pc in the capital, it added.

Tourism accounts for over 12pc of Hungary's GDP and provides the livelihoods for around 400,000 families. The sector generates more than 10pc of central budget revenue and accounted for around one-third of the EUR 2.9bn surplus in the balance of trade of services in the second quarter.

Source: 
MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881.

Hungary Today reports:

This week, Tourinform offices of various towns across the country are inviting both locals and tourists to exciting guided tours with unique themes. In response to a campaign of Visit Hungary, the national tourism marketing communications agency, 62 of the network’s offices have joined the initiative to mark World Tourism Day.

In more than 60 Hungarian towns and villages, almost 100 programs, most of them free of charge, will tempt locals and visitors to discover or rediscover the local attractions on offer, Turizmus.com reports.

Since 1980, the tourism industry has been celebrating World Tourism Day on September 27 each year at the initiative of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). To join in the celebrations, Visit Hungary has involved Tourinform offices in order to promote the country’s tourism offer and its architectural and natural heritage to the public.

This year, Tourinform offices are inviting people to thematic guided tours and a number of interesting events from September 23 to October 6, organized under the slogan “(Re)discover Hungary!” throughout the country.

The 120-year-old Kaposvár (south-eastern Hungary) Town Hall opened its doors on September 23, and the guided tour of the building included old stories, historical events and interesting facts about famous people. The program included a visit to the mayor’s meeting room and a view of the Main Square from the balcony.

In Kecskemét (central Hungary), between September 26-28, visitors will have the opportunity to try themselves at a game of “space travel” with the help of a solar system model set up in the town. The most clever will be able to win prizes by answering questions related to the town and the World Tourism Day at the bronze model of the Sun and its 9 planets.

The Miskolc Tourinform office is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, with a mini-exhibition of Tourinform relics from the past quarter of a century. The exhibits are on display until September 28 and can be viewed even after opening hours.

In Tata (northwestern Hungary), visitors can join an unusual guided walk on September 27.

The tour will take in some of the town’s most famous film locations.

The program will be led by István Cserteg, the town’s youth officer and author of the book “Legendary films, legendary locations – Komárom-Esztergom County.”

The richest offer will be available on World Tourism Day, September 27, when a small train tour will be organized in Balatonföldvár (northern shore of Lake Balaton) and Komárom (northern Hungary).

In Szarvas (south-east) you can take a night bus ride, in Nagykanizsa (south-west) you can visit the synagogue and discover the forgotten treasures of the town.

The Tourinform offices’ offer of guided thematic programs is available here.

Most of the programs are free of charge but require registration.

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