The number of Chinese tourists visiting Hungary has nearly quadrupled in the first seven months of this year compared to the same period last year. Budapest, Hungary’s capital, has emerged as the top choice for Chinese visitors.

In March of this year, Hungarian authorities welcomed the first group of 22 Chinese tourists at Budapest airport after nearly three years of strict COVID-19 restrictions.

According to AboutHungary, a website managed by the Hungarian Prime Minister’s international communication office, picturesque towns like Szentendre and Pécs also enjoyed great popularity among Chinese travelers.

TV programs highlighting Hungary, such as the reality show “Chinese Restaurant” filmed in Budapest during June and July, have played a significant role in sparking the interest of Chinese tourists. The first episode of the show drew over 160 million viewers in its initial week and featured Budapest’s attractions and Hungarian gastronomy.

The latest statistics also reveal a significant increase in South Korean tourists, quadrupling during the first seven months of this year. Hungary has also seen a 35% increase in tourists from the United States.

In terms of demographics, the 25-44 age group has played a crucial role in shaping the composition of visitors. Hungarian Tourism Agency CEO Péter Horváth reported that guest nights saw a 4% increase in July 2023, reaching a total of 12.2 million from January to May 2023. The positive trend extends to visitors from Italy, Israel, Poland, and Germany.

Hotels are the preferred choice for tourists from the US, China, and South Korea, with four-star hotels being particularly popular. However, only a quarter of guests chose private or alternative accommodations during their stay.