Budapest Boom: How Robust Security And Strong Israeli Ties Catapulted Hungary To A Top-Tier European Tourist Sanctuary

Published on December 1, 2025

A significant recalibration of European travel preferences has recently been observed, positioning Hungary as a singularly prominent destination within the global tourism landscape. This notable shift is highlighted by the country’s impressive leap from sixth to second place among Israeli travel destinations. This substantial repositioning is clearly linked to two critical factors: the demonstrable commitment to public safety within the country and the consistent application of pro-Israel policies by the Hungarian government. Consequently, expectations are now being managed for a record number of visitors from Israel to arrive in Hungary during the impending holiday season.

The Restructuring of European Travel Preferences

The broader European context is being subjected to a significant reordering of appeal, as summarized by the findings of the insurance company PassportCard. A notable strengthening of Eastern Europe as a travel region is being noted, running concurrent with a perceived weakening of Western Europe in this specific context. Index data compiled by the insurance provider indicates that a sharp increase in travel to destinations located in Eastern Europe has been observed for the recent winter period. Globally, Thailand has been elevated to the most popular destination for Israeli travellers, having occupied the second position prior to the commencement of the wartime period after 7 October 2023.

The dynamic shifts in global rankings further illuminate the context of this change. The United Arab Emirates, which had previously been ranked first, has moved down to the fifth position. Meanwhile, the United States has experienced a rise in popularity, climbing from eighth to third place. The Czech Republic is now placed in the fourth position. Both the United States and the Czech Republic are recognized for their consistent support of Israel during the recent conflict and their repeated backing in UN votes, suggesting a direct correlation between political alignment and tourist appeal.

A Decline in Traditional Western European Appeal

Several long-established Western European favourites have seen their appeal diminish significantly. France, typically a popular selection owing to its renowned Christmas markets in Paris and Strasbourg, along with its extensive array of ski resorts, has fallen from fourth to eighth place. The United Kingdom has entirely dropped out of the top ten rankings. Germany, historically celebrated for its festive holiday markets, is similarly absent from the current ranking. This collective downturn is understood to be related to an observable increase in mass anti-Israel demonstrations and antisemitic incidents that have been reported across all three countries over the past two years.

Furthermore, Spain, which was already situated near the bottom of the list before the conflict, has completely disappeared from the rankings. This is widely attributed to the notably anti-Israel rhetoric that has been articulated by prominent Spanish officials, including Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The diplomatic and political postures adopted by these nations are thus being perceived as having a tangible impact on the decisions made by Israeli tourists.

The Foundations of Hungary’s Appeal: Safety and Policy

Hungary’s decisive jump from sixth to second place is directly ascribed by Israeli news outlets to the openly pro-Israel stance that has been maintained by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán throughout the conflict. The Hungarian government’s position has been demonstrated through key diplomatic actions.

A clear statement of solidarity was issued when it was declared that the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrants, which had been issued against Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, would not be enforced within the sovereign territory of Hungary. Furthermore, the Hungarian government has consistently used its influence on international platforms, regularly exercising vetoes against resolutions that are viewed as unilaterally condemning Israel or denying Israel’s fundamental right to self-defence. This pattern of sustained support is being recognized by the Israeli travelling public as a crucial sign of governmental friendship.

The Assurance of Public Security

The growing concerns regarding the rise in antisemitic incidents and general anti-Israel sentiment across certain Western European countries have elevated public safety to a primary consideration for Israeli tourists. In this environment, the security measures implemented by the Hungarian government are being seen as highly reassuring.

A rigorous zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of antisemitism is strictly enforced within Hungary. This policy is explicitly applied to include antisemitism that is deliberately disguised as anti-Zionism or anti-Israel activism, thereby encompassing a wide range of hostile expression. This firm stance on security and tolerance is a cornerstone of the country’s renewed appeal.

Moreover, following the events of 7 October 2023, a comprehensive ban was placed on all pro-Palestinian demonstrations within the country. This proactive measure was instituted to maintain public order and ensure the safety of all residents and visitors, further cementing the perception of Hungary as a secure environment.

Factual Evidence of Safety

The prevailing sense of security is substantiated by authoritative research. A study published in October 2024 by the Action and Protection Foundation (TEV) concluded that Hungary stands out as practically the only European country where antisemitism did not experience an increase following the commencement of the Gaza fighting. The data gathered within the study further indicates that, since the 7 October terrorist attacks, a greater degree of sympathy toward Jews has been exhibited by Hungarians. This sociological finding provides a compelling, evidence-based reason for the shift in tourism preference, as travellers seek out destinations where they feel genuinely welcomed and safe from prejudice.

Statistical Context and Economic Implications

The dramatic shift in destination popularity is occurring within a larger context of growing outbound Israeli tourism. According to the ranking compiled by the insurance company PassportCard, the volume of Israeli tourists who are planning air travel abroad in the coming months is projected to be 20 per cent higher than the pre-war record that was established in the winter of 2022. This overall surge in traveller numbers is compounded by a trend toward longer vacations. Trips exceeding 21 days in duration have reportedly doubled when compared to the 2022 winter season.