Hungary is the current Vice-President of the General Assembly and Vice-Chair of the Commission for Europe

Education/Training and digital transformation

(Match: According to The National Tourism Development Strategy 2030, talent development is one of the prioritized directions of the country´s tourism policy).

• UNWTO can assist Hungary in the development of tourism educational programmes (i.e, curricula), along with the delivery of tailored-made trainings (I.e., training for officials).
• To build on the traineeship agreement signed with Debrecen University and expand the internship opportunities for Hungarian students.
• Organization of Masterclasses focused on digital skills, such as Amadeus (Better data analysis for better decision-making).
• Support through the UNWTO.Academy: Organization of dedicated trainings on efficient promotion and marketing of destinations for destinations officials / Assist destinations on the development of marketing & promotion strategy of destinations.
• Introduce the UNWTO Students League and invite to hold it on national level
• Global Youth Tourism Summit: Hungary was represented by a youth delegate in the first edition. UNWTO can support in the organization of youth development programmes on a national level.
• Disseminate information about the UNWTO Digital Futures programme: seeks to accelerate economic recovery of the tourism sector by scaling up innovative SMEs, unleashing digital technologies to create jobs, and enhancing future resilience in the linkages of the tourism value chain post-COVID-19.

Sustainable tourism development and enhancement of key tourism segments

(Match:The National Tourism Strategy puts great emphasis on explaining the new approach and directions for state tourism management in Hungary, providing a detailed explanation of the newly introduced destination-based approach as well as the new concept and logic behind state-supported attraction development).

• Segments of interest: Support Hungary in the enhancement of its tourism segments of interest through capacity-building activities and exchange of best practices with other destinations. 
• Explore the possibility of organizing joint initiatives on sustainable and responsible tourism, in particular on a regional scale.
• Provide support and technical assistance if requested in the development of medical/health and sport tourism.
• UNWTO Rural Tourism Development Programme - Best Tourism Villages of the World: International Label; Tourism Villages Upgrade Programme; Best Tourism Villages Network
  • Hungarian village “Hollókő” was chosen in the Upgrade Programme in 2021.
  • In 2022 Hungary did not submit any applications
• UNWTO One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme:
  • Global Plastic Initiative
  • The Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism

Infrastructure

(Match:To implement all the goals of National Tourism Policy Hungarian Government had earmarked a total 828 billion forints (EUR 2.7bn) to finance it.  One of the core directions of the strategy is the development of basic tourism infrastructure).

• Explore the possibility to provide support through the IEI programme, and the organization of investment and innovation-related events or activities with the support of UNWTO in Hungary.
• Inform about the launch, in collaboration with the fDi Intelligence from the Financial Times, of the practical digital tools to improve the competitiveness in regard to the attraction and promotion of foreign direct investment (FDI) as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Branding & Marketing

(Match: Hungary focuses on all dimension promotion of itself as an attractive tourist destination worldwide. This also includes the generation of tourism demand through marketing activities).

• UNWTO.Academy: Organization of dedicated trainings on efficient promotion and marketing of destinations for destinations officials / Assist destinations on the development of marketing & promotion strategy of destinations

The National Tourism Development Strategy 2030

The document puts great emphasis on explaining the new approach and directions for state tourism management, providing a detailed explanation of the newly introduced destination-based approach as well as the new concept and logic behind state-supported attraction development.

The following principles underpin delivery of the Strategy:

1. Tourism developed in balance with local communities and the natural environment.
2. An emphasis on family-friendly tourism facilities and experiences.
3. A focus on accessible tourism, particularly for visitors with disabilities.
4. A clear offer and comprehensive guidance for visitors, including multi-lingual information, signage etc.
5. The creative and innovative use of technology through digital applications and support to businesses.

Key issues for Tourism in Hungary

1. Lack of skilled workforce
2. Digitalization of the industry.
3. Rural development.

Source:1. abouthungary.hu 2. oecd.org