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Hungary Sees Record Tourism Numbers in May 2025, Attracting Over Five Million Visitors

by Alice
Spanish

Hungary has experienced a significant surge in tourism this spring, with over 5 million visitors arriving by May 6, 2025. This marks an 18% increase compared to the same time last year and comes 11 days earlier than in 2024. The growth reflects a rise in both domestic and international travel, making tourism a key driver of economic growth in the country.

According to data from Visit Hungary and the National Tourism Information Centre (NTAK), Hungarians are showing a renewed interest in local travel, and international visitors are returning in large numbers. This upturn is benefiting Hungary’s hospitality sector and attracting more regional investments, positioning the country as a year-round destination with global appeal.

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Domestic Tourism Drives Growth

Industry experts point to favorable weather, public holidays, and a shift toward staycations as factors that boosted domestic tourism in Hungary this spring. By May 6, the country welcomed 2.4 million Hungarian travelers, a 6% increase from 2024. Holidays like Easter, the spring school break, and the early May long weekend played a crucial role in this growth.

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Tourism officials reported:

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  • 164,000 domestic travelers during Easter
  • 338,000 during the school holidays
  • 136,000 over the May long weekend

Each of these figures showed a significant rise compared to last year: 20%, 27%, and 36%, respectively.

Popular destinations for domestic travelers included the Mátra-Bükk region, Budapest, Debrecen, Tokaj, and Nyíregyháza. Most domestic tourists preferred staying in four-star hotels (56% of bookings) or private accommodations (34%).

Revenue Surge from Domestic Travel

In addition to a higher number of domestic tourists, Hungary also saw a financial boost from local travel. Accommodation providers earned over 16 billion forints (about €39.5 million) during the May long weekend, reflecting a 31% year-on-year increase. This spending surge highlights growing confidence in Hungary’s tourism infrastructure and the popularity of affordable, local travel options.

These trends suggest that Hungarian travelers are increasingly seeking cultural, meaningful experiences close to home, reshaping the vacation model in Europe.

International Tourism Recovers

While domestic travel has been a major contributor to Hungary’s tourism boom, international travel has also rebounded strongly. By early May 2025, Hungary had welcomed 2.6 million foreign visitors, marking a significant recovery from the pandemic-era downturn. This shows that Hungary’s reputation as a tourist-friendly European destination is resonating globally.

The top source countries for foreign visitors included:

  • Germany
  • Romania
  • Italy
  • United Kingdom
  • Austria

Budapest remains the primary draw for international tourists. The capital recorded a 20% increase in foreign overnight stays, led by travelers from Italy, the U.K., Germany, Spain, and Israel.

Beyond Budapest, there is growing interest in Hungary’s wellness and spa destinations, including Sárvár, Hévíz, and Bük. These locations are gaining popularity for their scenic beauty, high-quality services, and wellness offerings, making them highly attractive post-pandemic destinations.

Perfect Timing for Tourism

Experts attribute Hungary’s tourism success to a mix of good planning and favorable seasonal factors. The overlap of key public holidays like Easter, the school break, and the May Day weekend perfectly aligned with travelers’ readiness to explore. Additionally, the pleasant spring weather encouraged outdoor activities, further boosting travel interest.

Hungary’s diverse landscapes, from forests and hills to wine regions and lakes, provided ideal settings for short getaways, wellness weekends, and cultural tours. Tourism stakeholders were quick to capitalize on this “perfect storm” with targeted campaigns, special offers, and local experiences.

What International Visitors Can Expect

With rising international interest in Hungary, travelers can expect improved accessibility, more personalized itineraries, and higher service standards. Several airlines are planning to increase flights to Budapest and regional airports, and rail connectivity within Central Europe is continuing to improve.

In 2025 and beyond, travelers can look forward to:

  • Expanded air services from Germany, the U.K., and Italy
  • New wellness and culinary tourism packages
  • Enhanced digital platforms for booking and custom itineraries

These developments make Hungary an even more appealing destination for travelers seeking affordable and culturally rich European experiences.

Looking Ahead: Hungary’s Tourism Future

Tourism officials are optimistic about continued growth throughout 2025. With major events such as summer festivals, wine harvest celebrations in the fall, and Christmas markets in December, Hungary is being marketed as a year-round destination.

The tourism board plans to promote lesser-known regions to help distribute tourism more evenly across the country, reducing the pressure on popular areas like Budapest.

Future plans for Hungary’s tourism sector include:

  • Investment in sustainable tourism initiatives
  • Strengthened partnerships with neighboring countries
  • Development of niche tourism products like wine tours, rural retreats, and historic city tours

In Summary

Hungary’s record-breaking start to 2025 showcases the power of combining local enthusiasm, smart timing, and strong international appeal. As Hungary continues to grow as a European tourism hotspot, the country is setting a new standard for what Central Europe has to offer.

This year’s success demonstrates that a focus on cultural richness, infrastructure development, and effective marketing can create lasting benefits for both the tourism industry and the broader economy.

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