Guest nights up by 18.9 percent in February

The number of guest nights spent by domestic travellers increased by 13.6 percent to 1,021,000, and guest nights spent by foreign visitors climbed 23.9 percent to 1,173,000.

In January-February, the number of guest nights rose by 14.6 percent year-on-year. The number spent by domestic travellers increased by 11.2 percent and the number spent by foreign tourists by 17.9 percent. The number of guest nights spent by foreign tourists went up by 17.9 percent.

The capital was the most popular destination in February, accounting for 942,000 guest nights. Lake Balaton was runner-up, with 255,000 guest nights.

Revenue of commercial accommodations, which include hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, camp sites, resorts and hostels, rose by 21 percent to 35.7 billion forints (EUR 9m).

Commenting on the fresh data, the national economy ministry said the tourism sector was making a “meaningful contribution” to restarting economic growth.

Revenue of tourism accommodations, including private accommodations, rose by 15 percent close to 48 billion forints, it said.