Hungary’s tourism sector shattered records in 2025, welcoming nearly 20 million guests who spent 46.8 million nights at accommodations, the strongest year since the pandemic. Foreign arrivals soared 12%, more than double Austria’s growth and five times Croatia’s, while total guest numbers rose 7% from 2024, outpacing the EU average.
Domestic travelers added 22.5 million nights (up 1.1%), but international demand drove the boom: 24.3 million foreign guest nights, a 7.5% increase. December capped the year with 1.4 million arrivals and 3.2 million nights, up 12% and 9.2% respectively.
Budapest powers the surge
Budapest dominated, hosting over 8.1 million guests for 18.5 million nights, a 13% rise in visitors and nearly 10% in stays. International arrivals to the capital jumped 31% in January alone, fueling hotel revivals along the Danube and in historic districts.
Lake Balaton saw foreign arrivals climb 32% in early 2025, with overall growth hitting 18% as families and wellness seekers extended trips. Spa towns like Hévíz and wine regions in Tokaj and Villány attracted health-focused and gourmet travelers, boosting off-season occupancy.
Hotels hit highs, Szép Cards fuel spending
Commercial accommodations hosted 70% of guests, with hotels leading at 79% of December’s domestic stays. Occupancy and rates rose steadily, especially in Budapest. Szép voucher spending hit HUF 492 billion for the year, with December alone at HUF 3 billion (up 13%), powering family travel and local hotels.
