For the expat community living in Hungary, these figures reflect a bustling domestic travel market. The Ministry attributes this growth largely to increased disposable income — fueled by wage hikes and tax adjustments — which has encouraged more residents to explore the country.

Outpacing the Region

While tourism is rebounding across Europe, Hungary is currently outperforming many of its neighbors. Visitor numbers grew by over 7% compared to 2024, a growth rate nearly two and a half times the European Union average.

Specifically, the influx of international travelers rose by 12%. To put this in a regional context, Hungary’s growth in foreign arrivals more than doubled that of Austria and was five times higher than Croatia’s.

A Pillar of the Economy

Tourism now accounts for more than 14% of Hungary's GDP and supports the livelihoods of approximately 400,000 families.

To maintain this momentum, the government is rolling out several initiatives aimed at smaller businesses:

* Subsidized Loans: Through the Kisfaludy Tourism Credit Centre, small businesses can access financing with interest rates as low as 2.5%.
* The "Start 2=3" Scheme: Launched on January 26, this program allows hospitality businesses seeking loans between 1 and 2 million forints to receive up to an additional 1 million forints in non-refundable state grants.
* Hospitality Support: A separate 100-billion-forint action plan is currently in place, offering tax cuts and wage incentives specifically for the restaurant sector.

Strong Finish in December

The year ended on a high note, with December 2025 seeing 1.4 million guests—a 12% increase over the previous year. International visitors led the charge during the holiday season, with 819,000 arrivals (up 13%), while domestic travel grew by a steady 10%.

2025 Key Figures at a Glance
 

Whether you are a business owner in the hospitality sector or an expat enjoying the local travel scene, these figures suggest that Hungary’s infrastructure and appeal are successfully competing on a global stage.
 

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