Even before the end of the communist era, small numbers of adventurous British tourists and businessmen were visiting Hungary, at that time considered to be the “most cheerful of the East European barracks”. From the 90s onwards, tourism entered a period of much closer contacts between the two countries. Travel became simpler and British interest in Hungary increased. Since we joined the EU in 2004, growth has been dynamic: in 2005, more than 400,000 British visitors spent 830,000 nights in Hungary, a 50% increase on the previous year. Thereby the United Kingdom has leaped from eighth place two years ago to second in the ranking of our most important markets. In 2005 British tourism brought in about 250 million euros. These results can be credited largely to the increased number of air services. Currently five companies (British Airways, EasyJet, Sky Europe, Wizzair, Jet2.com) together operate 15 aircraft daily between the two countries, and further services are expected. Over 200 British tourist agencies offer organised tours to Hungary.

British visitors to Hungary spend on average 3-4 days in the country and are comprised largely of two groups: young people, either single or couples, in the 25-30 age group, and married couples over 45. Most of them are holiday-makers in Budapest. Apart from seeking to discover the special attractions of the city, they place a high value on the greatest possible variety of coffee-house and restaurant services and leisure activities. On the other hand, a quarter of the journeys to Budapest are for business or conference purposes.

Fortunately, in addition to the city-break trips, more and more people are looking for a wider variety of experience, including thermal spas, beauty services and dental treatments. Many are interested in golf or wine and gastronomy. Others want to see culturally significant places or world heritage sites, or visit our national parks and unique natural features, or watch our singular bird-life. As a result, an increasing number of people seek out country areas, especially the Balaton and Northern Hungary.

The aim of the marketing department of the Hungarian Tourist Office is to make Hungary popular, at home and abroad, as a tourist destination. To this end it maintains a network of offices in the sending countries. Our office in London was among the first to be set up and has been operating since 1966. Its primary tasks include handing out tourist information, publishing advertising, participating in fairs and exhibitions and preparing material for the media and for professionals involved in the tourist trade. It also represents the interests of tourism industry.

Hungarian Cultural Centre

Dedicated to enhancing knowledge and appreciation of Hungarian culture, the Balassi Institute Hungarian Cultural Centre organises and supports a wide spectrum of innovative programmes to promote Hungarian art and artists in the UK. The Hungarian Cultural Centre's ultimate goal is to bring attention to the great achievements in Hungarian art and culture while encouraging collaborations between Hungarians and people in the UK.

Engage with Hungary's thriving contemporary culture and rich cultural heritage by visiting our events. For detailed programmes, please sign up for our monthly newsletter by sending us an email to bookings@hungary.org.uk. or pop in to see us at 10 Maiden Lane in Covent Garden.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Hungarian Cultural Centre belongs to the Ministry of Public Administration and Justice in Hungary, and within that reports directly to the Balassi Institute. The mission of the Balassi Institute is to familiarise people with all the treasures of Hungary, and to highlight the values that Hungary owes to other cultures, and in turn emphasise Hungary's forever lasting bridging role in terms of intercultural relations and cultural diplomacy.

HISTORY

The Hungarian Cultural Centre in London was opened in 1999, well before Hungary's accession to the European Union, and it has, somewhat like a cultural forefront played a major role in the dialogue leading to Hungary's historic Accession to the European Union in 2004. The past of the Hungarian Cultural Centre is not without achievements: it has provided a forum for people and ideas, thus enabling Hungarian artists to introduce themselves in the UK.

The Hungarian Cultural Centre is in close collaboration with British cultural institutions such as the Southbank Centre, the Royal Academy of Arts, the Barbican Centre and the Royal Festival Hall. In 2003-2004 within the framework of "Magyar Magic" more than 500 events and 2000 artists as well as groups were presented not only in London but also all over the UK.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER

Being loyal to all the former achievements, yet responding to the challenges of recent times, the Hungarian Cultural Centre is to continue its work to contribute to the positive image building of Hungary while offering a valid and exciting experience of Hungarian classical and contemporary artistic productions. You may find all information about our programmes and activities on our website at www.hungary.org.uk.

The Hungarian Cultural Centre London has an up-to-date Facebook page where you can register for our events with the click of a button. You can also hear about Hungarian cultural events organised by other institutions in the UK, as well as interesting news items and photos about the cultural scene in Hungary. Our Facebook page can be found here: http://www.facebook.com/hcclondon.

CONTACTS

Our Centre is located in the back side of the well known Vaudeville Theatre. The event room of the Centre, where our programmes are being organised, was the former office of the director of the theatre.

Address: 10 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 7NA
Phone: +44 (0) 2072572023
Fax: +44 (0) 2072404847
Web: www.hungary.org.uk

Hungarian correspondents based in London