Maria Pap Head of Tourism Division BFTK Non-profit Ltd. BUDAPEST

Introduction  As the official representative of the Municipality of the City of Budapest BFTK coordinates cultural festivals and touristic services in Budapest.  In fulfilling its duties BFTK maintains effective partnership with the governmental as well as the international partner institutions.  BFTK coordinates development based projects in the field of culture and tourism.

Budapest as a touristic destination  Budapest is the most developed region and the economic centre of the country.  Due to recent developments the number of tourists arriving to the city has significantly increased.  Between January-December 2014 almost 3.5 million guests and 8.06 million guest nights were registered.

Budapest as a touristic destination

Number and composition of guests/thousand 2014

Budapest - Queen Of The Danube In the international market Budapest is considered a remarkable touristic attraction. The city has lot to offer  the UNESCO world heritage sites,  the built heritage,  gastronomy,  thermal baths,  wide range of cultural and sport programs.

Budapest - Queen Of The Danube According to the users of TripAdvisor the Four Seasons Gresham Palace is the best hotel of Europe while the fourth best Hotel in the world, The Christmas Fair on Vörösmarty square is listed among the 10 best Christmas Fairs in Europe. Tram line 2 was listed among the 10 nicest tramways in the world,

Budapest - Queen Of The Danube Two stations of metro line 4 (Fővám tér and Gellért tér) won a prestigious international architectural award, Sziget Festival won the Best Major Festival award at the European Festival Awards for the second time,

International Sport events  In 2014 Budapest hosted the European Handball Championship and the European Waterpolo Championship,  Also in 2014 Budapest hosted for the first time the 70.3 Ironman  Budapest will host the FINA World Championship in 2017,  The City of Budapest is applying for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games.

Recent cultural and infrastructural developments in Budapest  the reopening of the Vigadó and the Liszt Ferenc Music Academy  the opening of the Várkert Bazár (built attraction and event hall)  the opening of Bálna (= whale) Cultural Centre,  the renovation of the Open Air Stage on Margit island,  the reopening of the Erkel Theatre.

Budapest Festivals Cultural capital of four seasons! Budapest Spring Festival  A Classical Art Festival with premium programs,  Since 1981 one of the most significant festivals in Central and Eastern Europe. Budapest Summer Festival  This is a two month festival presenting popular art pieces,  The festival focuses on the cultural needs of the tourists visiting Budapest during Summer,  The Festival hosts several international stars like the Buena Vista Social Club, the Moscow Ballet, the Globe Theatre.

Budapest Festivals CAFe Budapest Contemporary Art Festival  The main target group of this festival is the young and, innovative audience,  The aim of the festival is to showcase the mainstream artistic trends. Budapest Winter Festival  The Christmas Fair on Vörösmarty square.

Tourist Information Products  Budapest card  Budapest guide  Budapest city map  Budapest’s Finest  The web page of BFTK:  Social media appearance: facebook, instagram, youtube

Budapest Card  Budapest card is a service package for 24, 48 or 72 hours,  It offers a wide variety of touristic services free of charge or with, significant discount,  public transport, museums, thermal baths, restaurants, cultural services.

Budapest Guide  Budapest Guide is the official touristic publication of Budapest,  Published in 7 languages in copies,  Besides presenting the touristic sites of the city it offers, places to relax, to eat, to have fun and to enjoy the night life of the city.

Budapest’s Finest  Budapest’s Finest is an exclusive, quarterly magazine published in English,  It is a five star city guide, a touristic and cultural, magazine offering quality and luxury products and services.

Budapest InfoPoints BFTK operates three info points in the city  at Liszt Ferenc International Airport  in the City Centre, in Sütő street  in Városliget, in the building of the ice rink

Thank you for your attention! Maria Pap Head of Tourism Division BFTK Non-profit Ltd.