Posted by: Marian Visser van Klaarwater Posted on: Monday 04 October 2010, 12:00

Discussions about the tenders of the New Széchenyi Plan s Healing Hungary chapter are on the way, while the aims and the budgets have yet to be decided, said Mr Endre Horváth, state secretary responsible for tourism. He was speaking at a trade consultation last week.

Participants of the conference, which focussed on the health industry, could gain an insight into the new strategy and comments of the trade concerning the preliminary documents. Participants also had the chance to air their opinions about the programme, to be launched on 15 January. The Healing Hungary Health Industry is the first chapter (with 12 sub-programmes) of the New Széchenyi Plan, defining the break-points of Hungary. This time, instead of infrastructural developments, the focus will be put on the better exploitation of thermal resources and geothermic opportunities. The planned tenders are designed to promote a health-conscious attitude to lifestyle by supporting active tourism. Spiritual health will also be highlighted along with a healthy diet.

SCD developments can kick off next yearThe flagship projects of SCD Group s Balaton Programme the Badacsony, the Balatonfüred, the Alsóörs, the Zamárdi and the Balatonszemes developments may start next year, conditional on financing. A 130-room wine hotel in Badacsony and a 150-room, 4-star superior hotel and villa-park with conference and wellness facilities in Balatonfüred are planned. In Alsóörs, an extreme sports park and a 3-star, 150-180 room hotel, a campsite and holiday homes are all in the investor s pipeline. A 150-180 room, 4-star family hotel in Zamárdi and a family leisure park with 150-room resort hotel, apartments, port, camping and sport facilities in Balatonszemes are also projected. Mr Tibor Polgár, CEO of the SCD-owned Balatontourist Co., believes that the demand has shifted towards high quality and multiple, but shorter vacations. There is still a niche in the market for good quality accommodation operating all year round at the Balaton, though the improving infrastructure, the appearance of new programmes and services are all positive indicators for the future.

Text: Marian Visser van Klaarwater