As another milestone in the support program aimed at developing tourism and enhancing its competitiveness, significant grant funding was once again allocated last year to help modernize the Tourinform offices. Thanks to this funding, ten offices were able to reach a new level of quality. As a result, by the peak season, nearly three-quarters of the network will be able to welcome guests with barrier-free, visitor-friendly reception areas and an even wider range of services than before.
For 40 years now, the Tourinform network has served as a reliable guide for visitors and a solid knowledge base for service providers. Acting as the “reception desks” for domestic destinations, the offices handle nearly two million inquiries annually—whether in person, by phone, or via email—and offer inspiration and personalized recommendations even before the trip begins, the Hungarian Tourism Agency (MTÜ) informed our publication.
Although travel and booking habits have changed significantly in recent decades, the demand for in-person advice remains strong. Tourists value “insider” tips from locals and recommendations for hidden gems. On average, the offices contribute to enhancing the guest experience with more than thirty different services and maintain close ties with local service providers. It is therefore no exaggeration to say that Tourinform offices are indispensable organizers of local tourism, they emphasized.
The Tourinform network ensures consistent quality, professional stability, and a genuine local presence all at once. For this very reason, the Hungarian Tourism Agency has paid special attention in recent years to the development of this network, which operates as a franchise system with approximately 90 members. Thanks to these grants, the network has undergone modernization, service expansion, and the creation of a unified brand image in recent years. In addition, staff members participate in regular training sessions.
Last year’s budget of 300 million forints made a new phase of development possible.
The most recent recipients were the Tourinform offices in Balatonalmádi, Balatonfenyves, Cegléd, Cserkeszőlő, Csongrád, Gyenesdiás, Győr, Veszprém, Vonyarcvashegy, and Zalakaros. Some of these offices received funding for the first time, while others had previously received development funds and were now able to further expand their services. In some locations, new seasonal information points were established, while in others, a complete rebranding and interior renovation took place.
The ten beneficiary offices further developed a total of 11 existing services and added 39 new ones to their offerings—including bicycle, e-bike and e-scooter rentals, Nordic walking equipment rentals, luggage storage, ticket sales, free Wi-Fi access, audio guide rentals, and guided tours.
In addition, they partnered with 74 local producers and committed to holding 35 professional workshops annually.
From boats to bikes: a new boost in Balatonfenyves
The Balatonfenyves Tourism Association, which operates the center, used the grant funds to renovate and modernize the Tourinform office and purchase new equipment. In addition, they purchased both traditional and electric bicycles, thereby expanding the office’s services.
Balatonfenyves. Photo: Pexels
In addition to the popular rowing tours on the Nagyberek, this year they are also organizing combined (cycling and hiking) tours to the Berek, promoting local natural treasures in the spirit of health and environmental awareness, according to office manager Henriette Csór.
Information Point in the Heart of Veszprém
An information point was established with the grant in one of the busiest parts of the county seat, at the beginning of the pedestrian street. The goal was to ensure that both visitors to the city and local residents could quickly access up-to-date information on the most important tourist attractions. This development significantly contributes to making Veszprém’s attractions even more visible—whether it be cultural heritage, culinary offerings, handicrafts from local producers, sports and leisure opportunities, or even the city’s tourist card system. Following the 2023 European Capital of Culture program series, expanding developments and enhancing the visitor experience remain key priorities.
Veszprém. Photo: Pexels
Henriette Gere, managing director of Veszprém Tourism Nonprofit Ltd., emphasized that the renewed infrastructure represents value not only for tourists but also for the local community, helping to raise the profile of the region’s cultural events and, in 2026, the sporting events of the Veszprém–Balaton European Sports Region program. The new information center fits seamlessly into the city’s long-term strategy, which is based on the qualitative development of tourism and enhancing the visitor experience.
It strengthens the city’s tourism infrastructure and supports the effort to make Veszprém an attractive year-round destination for multi-day stays.
A new era begins in Cegléd after 25 years
Over the past six years, this was Tourinform Cegléd’s third successful grant application. Thanks to this, the office can continue its work in a 21st-century, modern, and bright reception area, giving new momentum to the city’s tourism scene. Not only have the interior reception area and office furniture been completely renovated, but the back office—which supports the efficiency of administrative work—and storage capacity have also been expanded.
The range of services has also been expanded: to meet the needs of active tourists, the office’s fleet has been supplemented with e-scooters, as well as traditional and electric bicycles. In addition to tourists, the development represents a noticeable improvement for locals and residents of the surrounding region, as the office plays a key role in daily life by providing information, selling tickets, and showcasing programs and attractions in the city and surrounding area.
With this spectacular renovation, the office staff not only expect an increase in visitor numbers and guest satisfaction, but also hope that, thanks to the expanding range of active leisure options, tourists will spend more time in the region. “The goal is for guests to truly discover the treasures of Cegléd and its surroundings, and to return again and again to the Gateway to the Great Plain inspired by their experiences here,” said Ágnes Détári-Lukács, director of the Kossuth Cultural Center, which operates the facility.
As a result of the recently completed development phase, nearly 75% of Tourinform offices will welcome guests for the 2026 season with accessible, visitor-friendly reception areas and an even wider range of services. The network is thus further strengthening its role in the qualitative renewal of domestic tourism, the MTÜ emphasized.
Via turizmus.com; Featured photo: Pexels
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