Lake Balaton tourism gains billion‑forint funding and award as Hungary’s travel sector grows

Tourism in Hungary grew 5.1% in 2025 but has not yet reached the pre‑pandemic 2019 level. Foreign visitors spent 3,729 billion forint, with Budapest and the Lake Balaton region accounting for the largest shares of spending and guest‑night volume.

The Balaton area was named the International Travel Awards “Best Family Destination in Europe,” highlighting its growing appeal. VisitBalaton365, the organisation coordinating regional marketing, cycling tourism and programmes, operates on a 1 billion‑forint budget split equally between the Hungarian Tourism Agency and the Hungarian Tourism Association Foundation. Officials suggest the model could be expanded to boost tourism nationwide.

Guest‑night figures show that destinations such as Siófok, Hévíz and Hajdúszoboszló each surpassed one million stays, and the Balaton region accounts for 19% of all domestic guest‑nights, underscoring its significance within the national tourism landscape.