Posted by: Marian Visser van Klaarwater Posted on: Thursday 20 January 2011, 10:15

The Hungarian government has finalised the tender issues of the New Széchenyi Plan, which will make funding amounting to HUF 7000 billion (2.7 billion euros) available for the economy between 2011-14. This year, 55-60% of the available HUF 2000 billion EU funding will be distributed according to the seven criteria, including the Healing Hungary Health Industry Programme. Tourism enterprises will have the chance to apply for tenders in all regions for the formation and development of tourism destination management associations and for rehabilitation services in six regions.

Sziget Festival

Budapest municipality to impose gigantic fee on Sziget Festival Under the new policy of the mayor of Budapest, all events held in public venues will have to pay a fee for the usage of the area, although some of the sum may be eligible for subsidy by tender. In the case of Sziget, one of Europe s largest festivals, the charge would reach HUF 2.5 billion (9.8 million euros), but organizers would also be eligible for a discount of HUF 1-1.5 billion. Last year, the budget of the Festival was HUF 2.4 billion, so the proposal would have a serious impact on the event. Organisers have said they will try to negotiate a compromise, and their efforts are being backed by many organisations including the Hotel Association of Hungary. The HAH published a notice highlighting the economic importance, the tax generating impact and the image-building role of the Festival, the contribution it makes to hotel turnover, and asking decision-makers to reconsider their decision.

Hungarian Grand Prix

More than HUF 13 billion budgeted for tourism Along with support for the Formula-1 Hungarian Grand Prix, this year more than HUF 13 billion is being allocated for tourism purposes, said Mr Erik Bánki, head of ruling party Fidesz s tourism committee. He added: one of the key areas of the New Széchenyi Plan is tourism, therefore this year HUF 30 billion worth of tenders are set to be announced, while between 2011-13 the total value of tourism funding will reach HUF 100 billion. The government will examine the new tourism strategy defining the priorities of the industry for the coming 10 years. A key element of the strategy will be the development of domestic tourism, meaning tax breaks for holiday cheques. These cheques will be replaced by the Széchenyi Recreation Cards at a later date.

Qatar Airways arrives

The first plane in the Qatar Airways fleet landed at Budapest Airport on 17 January. From now on, the Airbus A320 jets will connect Doha and Budapest four times weekly. The new connection not only facilitates traffic between the Middle East and Hungary but it also opens new routes to South-East Asia and Australia. Mr Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways, stated that the airline may well increase it frequencies to a daily basis or Budapest may be used as Central European stopover for long-haul flights.