Hungarian tourism is truly booming! Visit Hungary reports they greeted their five millionth guest on May 6th, 2025 – an impressive eleven days ahead of last year's record pace. It seems both Hungarians and international travelers are discovering (or rediscovering) the country, leading to a striking 18% jump in visitors compared to the same period in 2024, partially due to the holidays and, of course, the pleasant spring weather.
The Rise of Local Exploration
More and more Hungarians are opting for vacations at home. By May 6th, domestic tourist numbers had already reached 2.4 million, a 6% increase from the previous year. The Easter break saw roughly 164,000 domestic travelers, the spring school holidays attracted around 338,000, and the long May weekend a substantial 136,000 – increases of 20%, 27%, and a quite remarkable 36%, respectively. Popular spots? The Mátra-Bükk region, areas near Budapest, Debrecen, Tokaj, and Nyíregyháza are proving favorites, with four-star hotels (56% of bookings) and private rentals (34%) being the preferred choices.
This domestic tourism surge is also bolstering revenue, with accommodation businesses raking in over 16 billion forints (about €39.5 million) during that long May weekend alone, a 31% increase year-on-year.
Hungary's International Appeal
The international side of tourism in Hungary is doing very well, too, with 2.6 million foreign visitors counted. Most come from Germany, Romania, Italy, the UK, and Austria. Budapest is still a major draw, reporting a 20% rise in foreign overnight stays, with Italy, the UK, Germany, Spain, and Israel sending the most visitors. And it's not just Budapest – wellness destinations such as Sárvár, Hévíz, and Bük, for example, are also seeing a surge in international interest.
What’s Behind the Success?
According to the National Tourism Information Centre (NTAK), this achievement of Hungarian tourism is a result of effective timing combined with lucky circumstances. The combination of Easter, spring holidays, and that long May weekend really tapped into the Hungarian's desire to travel. On top of all this, mild spring weather made it even more appealing to explore Hungary's various regions, from its culturally rich cities to its pretty country landscapes.
The Broader Economic Picture and What's Next
Hungarian tourism sector's impressive performance only highlights how crucial it is to Hungary’s economic health. Reaching the five-million-guest mark so early points to even more growth potential, supported by the combination of domestic enthusiasm and Hungary's international pull. Moving forward, investments in the country's infrastructure and ongoing promotion are likely to boost its profile as a top European destination.
Essentially, with its mix of lively cities, important historical attractions, and a really quite pleasant natural environment, Hungary is showing it can attract visitors all year round, setting the stage for even greater success in 2025—and beyond.
