Debrecen4U February 20, 2026

Debrecen Hosted Hospitality Industry Conference

A conference entitled “Hospitality on a New Foundation!” was held at the Hajdú-Bihar County Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The aim of the event was to inform industry players about recent government measures and, ultimately, to support the effectiveness and competitiveness of hospitality establishments.

Last year was a record‑breaking one for tourism in Debrecen. The number of guest nights increased by 6 percent, while visitor numbers rose by 5 percent compared with the previous year. Tourism in Debrcen may receive an additional boost thanks to the Hungarian government’s acquisition of a majority stake in Debrecen International Airport, where developments are planned to increase the number of flights.

Deputy Mayor Lajos Barcsa highlighted that the expansion of business tourism and rising wages have also contributed to the sector’s growing performance. The average salary in Debrecen has recently reached HUF 770,000, a level of purchasing power that is clearly reflected in the hospitality industry.

“Tourism has, in my view, come through a challenging period. The energy crisis and especially the Covid years placed a heavy burden on the hospitality sector, but I believe it is now on an upward trajectory. With the government measures introduced recently, I am confident that further opportunities will open up for hospitality businesses,” the Deputy Mayor emphasized.

A professional forum examining the current situation and future opportunities of the tourism and hospitality sector was organised by the Hajdú‑Bihar County Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with the aim of further strengthening the competitiveness of local gastronomy and hospitality. “We would like to see a competitive, high‑quality service landscape that reflects and builds on Debrecen’s traditions—competitive in its offerings, in value for money, and in the standard of services provided—and one that is used by as many people as possible, so that more resources remain within the local economy,” Ferenc Miklóssy, President of the Hajdú‑Bihar County Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized.

The Chief Executive of the Hungarian Tourism Agency Katalin Firtl Egresitsné also attended the event. She noted that domestic tourism likewise closed a record year, with visitor numbers increasing by 8 percent compared with the previous year. The target of 20 million visitors set for 2030 was already reached in 2025. The forum also presented the Hungarian Government’s 5+1 support package, which provides assistance to more than 9,500 restaurants and 3,000 confectioneries. “It is very important to inform the entire sector that the Hungarian Government has recognised the challenge that, despite the hospitality industry generating revenues of more than HUF 2,200 billion, support is still needed,” she emphasized.

The Government has allocated HUF 112 billion for the package. Among its key elements are the exemption of representation expenses from taxation, a reduction in the tourism development contribution, and the provision of non‑repayable grants combined with loans to support investments and working‑capital needs.

Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu