At the same time the number of overnight visitors was just under 2.4 million, a 4.1% increase on last year.
According to the ministry’s figures, most of those paying for accommodation were Hungarian. Some 1.3 million domestic travelers made an average of five overnight stays, compared to 1 million foreign tourists making shorter trips of under three days on average.
The ministry added that tourism is crucial for Hungary’s economy, and has bolstered its commitment to the sector’s growth with a HUF 15B (€38.1 million) investment in tourism development programs.
The Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH) also reported a jump in numbers for July.
According to the office, there was 2% increase in guest nights, which reached 6.6 million. Domestic tourists accounted for 3.9 million guest nights, while the million international visitors led to an increase of 5.4% in guest nights taken by foreigners.
The KSH added that rural areas saw 77.2% of accommodation booked in July, and that Lake Balaton region and the capital Budapest were key destinations.
Summer festivals like the four-day Strand Festival in Zamardi in August have added to the lure of Lake Balaton, Central Europe’s largest lake, this year.
Earlier in the season there were fears that local tourists were being priced out of trips to Balaton’s shores, as rampant inflation reached 27% last year. Price rises either made it too expensive to visit Central Europe’s largest lake, or less inviting than similarly-priced Mediterranean destinations.
