Published on
November 4, 2025
Germany, Romania, Italy, UK and Austria are driving Hungary’s tourism revival in 2025, fueling a sharp rise in arrivals, longer stays, and hotel revenues as both domestic and foreign travel rebound strongly.
Hungary’s tourism industry has continued its steady rebound through September 2025, reflecting the country’s growing appeal among both domestic and international travelers. According to the latest data from the Central Statistical Office (KSH), the sector recorded a vibrant month, with 1.6 million guests spending a total of 3.8 million nights at various tourist accommodations across the country. These figures represent a robust 8.3% rise in tourist arrivals and a 5.6% increase in overnight stays compared to the same month last year — signaling a tourism sector that has not only recovered but is now thriving with renewed confidence and vitality.
Across the first nine months of 2025, total guest numbers climbed 6.4% year-on-year. The growth was driven by two key forces: a solid 2.2% rise in domestic arrivals and an impressive 11% jump in international arrivals. The data indicates that Hungary’s tourism recovery is no longer confined to Budapest’s global appeal but has expanded nationwide, with both city and countryside destinations benefitting from revived travel confidence and a broader visitor base.
Seasonally adjusted data further underscore this positive momentum. Compared to September 2024, tourist arrivals expanded by 9.1%, while the number of nights spent grew by 5.3%. Commercial accommodations captured the lion’s share of this increase, hosting 71% of all guests — a 7.5% improvement year-over-year. Private and alternative accommodations also performed well, showing a 10% surge as travelers sought more personalized and authentic experiences across Hungary’s diverse regions.
Domestic Tourism Reinforces the Foundation of Growth
Domestic tourism continued to play a vital role in maintaining industry stability and resilience. In September alone, 781,000 Hungarian guests spent nearly 1.7 million nights at tourist accommodations, translating to year-on-year increases of 5.3% in arrivals and 3.3% in nights spent. Hotels dominated the domestic segment, accommodating 72% of these stays and recording a healthy 5.8% growth rate.
Several destinations stood out for their strong performance. The Sopron region experienced a remarkable 17% increase in domestic arrivals, emerging as one of the country’s top-performing areas. Conversely, only the Gyula region reported a mild decline of 2.9%. Meanwhile, Budapest posted a 16% increase in domestic tourist arrivals, reaffirming its continued popularity among Hungarian travelers. Lake Balaton — a timeless favorite for recreation and relaxation — also saw a meaningful 2.1% rise, highlighting its enduring importance to local tourism.
International Tourism Accelerates with Double-Digit Gains
The international segment delivered even stronger results, underscoring Hungary’s expanding visibility in global travel markets. A total of 861,000 foreign visitors spent 2.1 million nights in Hungary during September, representing increases of 11% and 7.5%, respectively. Commercial accommodations hosted 591,000 of these guests, accounting for nearly 1.5 million overnight stays.
Hotels remained the top choice among international travelers, welcoming 83% of all foreign guests — up 6.6% compared to the same period last year. Every region of Hungary reported growth in foreign arrivals, with the most significant surges in Greater Budapest (19%), the capital city itself (12%), and Lake Balaton (18%). These figures reflect not only Hungary’s cultural magnetism but also its success in promoting regional destinations that offer authentic and diverse experiences to global travelers.
The Hungarian hospitality industry recorded an impressive 31 percent year-on-year increase, underscoring the sector’s strong revival and growing international appeal. The majority of foreign visitors arrived from Germany, Romania, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Austria — markets that continue to play a vital role in sustaining Hungary’s tourism growth. As in previous years, Budapest remained the top destination of choice, captivating travelers with its blend of architectural beauty, rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and world-class hospitality. From the Danube River to the thermal baths and iconic landmarks, the city continues to embody the soul of Hungary’s tourism renaissance.
Accommodation and Revenue Indicators Reflect Continued Strength
The availability of lodging remained extensive, with 28,913 tourist accommodation establishments operating in September 2025. Among them, 2,759 were commercial facilities — including 1,011 hotels and 1,108 boarding houses — while 26,154 were private or other accommodation types. This widespread operational capacity ensured that Hungary could effectively handle growing visitor demand while maintaining quality and service excellence across regions.
In terms of financial performance, gross sales revenue at tourist accommodations reached HUF 103.7 billion, representing a 6.2% increase year-on-year at current prices. The Széchenyi Recreation Card program, an important pillar supporting domestic travel spending, recorded HUF 2.4 billion in usage during September, showing a slight 2.2% decline compared to the previous year. Despite this minor dip, the overall revenue outlook remains encouraging, supported by high occupancy rates, steady demand, and a balanced flow of domestic and foreign guests.
Steady Growth Outlook for Hungary’s Tourism Recovery
From January to September 2025, Hungary’s tourist accommodations welcomed a total of 15.1 million arrivals — comprising 7.6 million domestic and nearly 7.5 million international guests. These numbers mark a defining milestone in Hungary’s post-pandemic tourism recovery. They also reflect the successful synergy between enhanced air connectivity, creative destination marketing, and the continued investment in infrastructure that has strengthened Hungary’s standing in the European travel market.
Looking ahead, Hungary appears poised to close 2025 with continued momentum. With its captivating blend of cultural festivals, wellness retreats, nature escapes, and historic treasures, the country is attracting a wider spectrum of travelers seeking both authenticity and comfort. As Budapest continues to shine as Central Europe’s cultural heart and regional destinations rise alongside it, Hungary’s tourism narrative in 2025 tells a story of resilience, innovation, and renewed confidence — one that reaffirms its position as a truly world-class destination.
Image: AI
