Israeli Tourists Flock to Safe and Friendly Hungary

Tourism organization Visit Hungary participated in the recent IMTM tourism trade fair in Tel Aviv with its own national stand and ten professional partners. Interest in Hungary proved to be exceptional, as Israeli tourism to the country reached an all-time high in 2025.

At the exhibition, ten Hungarian tourism partners showcased their offerings to industry professionals, turizmus.com reports. The delegation included hotels and tour operators, with a strong emphasis on premium urban accommodation, spa and wellness experiences, and rural destinations. Professional interest was particularly strong in Budapest’s city experiences and the Lake Balaton region, while destinations such as Tokaj, Szentendre, and the Danube Bend are playing an increasingly important role in the market.

The famous Tokaj wine region. Photo: Pixabay

Alongside the trade fair, a professional gala evening was held in Tel Aviv, bringing together leading Israeli tourism decision-makers and the Hungarian delegation to review the past year’s achievements. The event provided clear confirmation of the market’s confidence in Hungary’s tourism offer and highlighted the strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

Official statistics show that

over 362,000 Israeli visitors traveled to Hungary in 2025, generating approximately 1.15 million guest nights.

This marks an increase of over 60 percent compared to the previous year, with Israeli guest nights surpassing the one-million mark for the first time. As a result, Israel has become Hungary’s 11th most significant source market by visitor numbers.

Lake Balaton. Photo: Hungary Today

Beyond volume, Israeli inbound tourism also carries considerable economic weight. Israeli travelers demonstrate notably high average spending levels, particularly on premium accommodation, gastronomy, and experiential services, making Israel one of Hungary’s leading markets in terms of tourism revenue.

When selecting destinations, Israeli travelers prioritize safety, followed by value for money and direct air connectivity.

They seek a combination of vibrant urban cultural experiences and waterfront or nature-based relaxation, alongside a strong interest in gastronomy, spa, and wellness offerings. These preferences closely align with Hungary’s tourism strengths and contributed significantly to the record-breaking performance in 2025.

The sustained growth in demand has been strongly supported by stable direct air connections. In 2025, over 30 direct weekly flights operated between Israel and Hungary, primarily on the Budapest–Tel Aviv route. Based on professional feedback, the Israeli market is expected to remain one of Hungary’s most dynamically expanding inbound segments in 2026.

Szentendre. Photo: Pixabay

The successful presence at IMTM and the record tourism results of 2025 clearly indicate that Hungary is a stable, versatile and long-term competitive destination for Israeli travelers. Further strengthening this trend, Tel Aviv will once again be accessible from Debrecen during the summer season starting March 31, 2026, with Wizz Air operating three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Wizz Air Expansion in Israel Could Bring New Flights to Budapest