Why did tourism become the stepchild of the new Tisza government?

One of the biggest losers in the first weeks of the new Tisza government so far has been tourism.

25 questions for the government about the future of Hungarian tourism

Since the new government took office, we have seen personnel decisions, structural changes, strategic announcements and policy priorities in many areas. Healthcare, education, public administration, EU funds, economic policy and transport are regularly featured in government communication.

However, there is one sector that accounts for a significant portion of Hungary's GDP, directly and indirectly provides a livelihood for hundreds of thousands of people, generates significant income, and is one of the most important drivers of economic development in many rural areas. Every 7th forint produced can be linked to tourism.

In recent weeks, Szálloda.blog has covered several topics that directly affect the future of Hungarian tourism . We wrote about the relationship between public transport and tourism , the role of regional aviation , and the transport policy and country image messages conveyed by the new government's first trip abroad .

A recurring idea in these analyses was that tourism does not operate as an independent island, but is closely linked to transport, rural development, economic policy, the country's image and Hungary's international competitiveness. In light of this, it is particularly striking that in the first months of the new government, tourism is practically completely absent from public political and policy communication.

There is currently no independent tourism secretariat or ministry. There have been no public announcements about the future of Hungarian tourism, just as the future of the Hungarian Tourism Agency is unknown, and we do not know what will happen to the Kisfaludy Program. It is also unknown what will remain and what will change from the tourism development system of previous years, just as we have not yet heard about any possible improvements to the NTS 2030.

During the previous NER government , tourism was considered a key strategic sector . One can argue about the direction of developments, the distribution of subsidies and their beneficiaries, or the operation of the institutional system itself, but tourism had visible representation and political weight. Previously, at least active tourism received independent representation at the state secretary level , significant development programs were launched, and tourism regularly appeared in government communications.

Today, on the other hand, the players in the sector mostly see question marks. Of course, this does not mean that professional work cannot be going on in the background. It is also conceivable that the new government is currently reviewing the existing institutional system, assessing the ongoing programs and only then intends to decide on the future structure. However, for the tourism profession, uncertainty itself raises questions.

Simultaneously with the publication of this article, Szálloda.blog is sending the following 25 questions to the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Economy and Energy, the Ministry of Transport and Investment, and the Ministry of Rural and Urban Development regarding the future of Hungarian tourism:

Szálloda.blog's questions about the future of Hungarian tourism

Tourism management

1. What place will tourism occupy among the new government's economic policy priorities?

2. Are there plans to create an independent tourism secretariat or other dedicated tourism management structure?

3. Who is currently and in the future responsible for the strategic management of tourism within the government?

4. When is the new government expected to present its policy program or strategic ideas for tourism?

   
   

Hungarian Tourist Agency

5. Is the government planning to review the operation of the Hungarian Tourism Agency?

6. Will the NGO remain as an independent organization?

7. Are any organizational, management, or responsibilities changes planned for the non-profit organization?

8. How does the new government evaluate the operation of the NGO in recent years?

   
   

Small Village Program

9. Will the Kisfaludy Program continue in its current or modified form?

10. Are professional or financial audits of past grants and investments planned?

11. Will there be any new tourism development applications in the next 12 months?

12. What financing opportunities can small and medium-sized enterprises in tourism expect?

    
    

National tourism strategy

13. Does the government still consider the objectives of the previous National Tourism Development Strategy (NTS 2030) to be valid?

14. Are there plans to develop a new strategy or a new set of goals or to improve the NTS 2030?

15. Which tourism segments are considered priorities for the coming years?

16. What role is intended for health tourism, conference tourism, active tourism, cultural tourism and rural tourism?

    
    

Transport and tourism

17. How does the government intend to coordinate transport development and tourism development goals?

18. Are there any programs being developed that improve public transport accessibility to rural tourist destinations?

19. Are the possibilities for integrated development of airports, railway stations and tourist areas being explored?

20. Is rethinking the role of regional aviation in tourism development on the agenda?

    
    

Rural development and workforce

21. What role does the government intend for tourism in rural economic development?

22. Are targeted measures planned to alleviate the labor shortage in tourism?

23. Are there any programs being prepared to develop tourism professional training and adult education?

    
    

Strategic vision

24. According to the government, what should Hungary's tourism positioning be in 2030?

25. What are the three most important tourism objectives that the new government wants to achieve by the end of its term?

Szálloda.blog will officially send the above questions to the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of National Economy at the same time as the article is published .

If a response is received, we will present it to our readers in a separate article.

Please support our work by sharing the article and questions with the public and your colleagues, we also count on your opinion.

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The original article is in Hungarian. The translation eas automatically generated with AI.

About the author

Tamás Pakuts has been working in the world of tourism, hospitality, aviation and transportation services for nearly 35 years. During his international career, he has gained experience in management, consulting and development positions in many countries in Europe and Asia.

His professional interests focus on how tourism is linked to transport, economic policy, regional development and national competitiveness. His analyses often examine areas where tourism goes beyond the world of hotels and guest nights and has an impact on the national economy as a whole.

As the founder of Szálloda.blog, he regularly publishes on current issues in tourism, mobility and transport, paying special attention to long-term trends, international best practices and strategic connections.