The number of Chinese tourists visiting Hungary surged this year, nearly quadrupling the figure from 2022. Hungary was the first EU country to reopen its doors to Chinese tourists following the COVID pandemic. Budapest continues to be the top choice for Chinese visitors. However, several other cities have also experienced a notable increase in travelers from China.
Pecs, a city in Hungary, has been a cultural crossroads since its Roman founding in the early 2nd Century. The enduring influence of each of the city's rulers can still be seen today, from the Roman-built Christian Necropolis to the Pasha Gazi Qasim Mosque, erected during the Ottoman occupation of Pecs in the mid-1500s.
Walking through the streets is like stepping back in time.
"If you look around just here at the main square, the architecture of the city is not only unique but shows the city's history," said Mark Kincses, Head of Tourism City of Pecs.
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Budapest and other Hungarian cities are benefiting from encouraging overseas visitors./ CGTN Europe
Kincses is in charge of promoting Pecs' history and culture to a global audience. This year, his focus was on presenting its attractions to China, whose tourists have begun pouring in.
"We've been talking to the hotel partners, and they've experienced the growing number of Chinese visitors, so they are staying overnight," said Kincses.
Zsuzsanna Szilagyi has guided tourists in Pecs for over 30 years. One of the main cultural highlights is the Christian Necropolis, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site 23 years ago. Some of its burial chambers showcase frescoes depicting early Christian motifs.
"Up there, you can see four faces, some say these four men were buried here," said Szilagyi.
Hungarian capital Budapest is pulling in the tourists./ CFP
Szilagyi said Hungary's approach to reopening to Chinese tourists after the pandemic and the city's outreach efforts have yielded positive results.
"Luckily, they are here again, they are here, and they like our culture and history," added Szilagyi. But it is not just the cultural sights in Pecs that draw in tourists.
Pecs is also renowned among tourists for its wines. This region consistently delivers highly regarded wine with a winemaking tradition dating back to the 9th century. Its climate, featuring warm summers and cold winters create the perfect conditions for grape cultivation.
Hungary's Central Statistical Office says foreign tourism is rebounding to pre-pandemic levels. This year, 6.4 million hotel nights have been booked by foreign visitors.
The city will keep captivating visitors, inviting them to discover its marvels and savor its abundant flavors.
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