Over the past fifteen years, tourism has become an increasingly vital pillar of the Hungarian economy. The number of days spent in Hungary by international visitors surged from 95.7 million in 2010 to a peak of 138.5 million in 2019 – an impressive 44.7% increase. Even in 2024, the figure remained robust, exceeding 115 million days, marking a 20% increase from the 2010 baseline. Yet these headline figures only tell part of the story. Tourism contributes directly to GDP – according to Hungary’s Central Statistical Office (KSH), international tourists spent 2,945 billion forints in the country in 2024. The sector now accounts for approximately 6.5% of GDP, and at least half of its added value is tied to foreign visitors.
In 2024, foreign tourists who stayed multiple days undertook 13 million trips to Hungary, spending a total of 77.5 million days in the country. However, the average length of stay has declined, falling from 6.9 days in 2010 to 5.9 days in 2024. This trend can largely be attributed to the lower cost of transportation and accommodation, which has made short breaks more accessible and appealing. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hungary saw steady growth across all major tourism metrics: number of trips, length of stay, and visitor spending. The pandemic triggered a sharp decline, but international arrivals have been gradually recovering since. Nevertheless, the number of guest nights in 2024 remained below the record levels of 2019.
Despite fewer nights spent, the average real daily expenditure per tourist has risen dramatically – by nearly 65% since 2010 – indicating that Hungary is no longer the budget destination it once was.
Foreign Tourist Guest Nights and Average Daily Spending in Hungary, 2010–2024
(in million days and thousand HUF/day, adjusted to 2010 prices)
Source: Own calculations based on data from the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH)
It is worth comparing the number of days spent in Hungary by multi-day foreign visitors with the official count of guest nights. Guest nights only include stays in registered accommodations such as hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb properties. However, they exclude time spent with family and friends, or in privately owned homes—often foreign-owned properties – which is significant, as accommodation represents nearly half of all tourist spending (KSH). When these categories are compared, a striking picture emerges: in 2024, foreign visitors spent 22.6 million guest nights in commercial accommodations (KSH), which amounts to just 29% of the total 77.5 million days spent in Hungary by foreign tourists on trips longer than one day. This implies that over 70% of overnight stays occur in non-commercial settings – an often overlooked but economically relevant segment of tourism.
The geographical distribution of tourist activity across Hungary remains highly uneven. Budapest’s share has grown from 42% in 2010 to 52% by 2024. The Western Transdanubia region, while still significant, has seen a relative decline, accounting for 14.6% in 2024. The Lake Balaton region has managed to maintain its share at 11.2%. Together, these three regions continue to attract roughly three-quarters of all multi-day international tourism to Hungary.
Regional Breakdown of Multi-Day Foreign Tourist Trips to Hungary, 2024 (%)
Source: Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH)
Looking ahead, it is in Hungary’s strategic interest to increase the number of guest nights spent by foreign visitors. Shorter trips tend to involve fewer activities, meaning that fewer domestic stakeholders benefit from tourism-related revenue. To achieve this, it is essential that regions beyond Budapest expand their share of inbound tourism. Given Hungary’s limited natural assets—such as the absence of major mountain ranges or additional lakeside areas beyond the already heavily saturated Balaton region—this shift can only be accomplished by investing in high-quality experiential offerings and cultural programs across other cities and regions. Rather than relying on the country’s former price competitiveness (“Hungary is cheap”), the tourism strategy should increasingly focus on niche segments and premium services. A transition toward value-driven tourism can ensure broader, more sustainable economic impact.
