HUNGARY IN THE CONTEXT OF TOURIST VISITS FROM SLOVENIA – SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF TOURIST TRAFFIC AND INTERNET TOURISM OFFER

Abstract

Hungary established itself as a major tourist destination already decades ago, when it became renowned for its thermal spas and rich cultural and architectural heritage of the former Austro- Hungarian monarchy. In the recent years, the country has attracted tourists and daily visitors with a diverse tourism offer, which ranges from activities in natural protected areas with high levels of biodiversity to international festival events and famous traditional culinary and wine products. In 2015, the country recorded over 10 million tourist arrivals, among which foreign tourists prevailed. Due to geographical vicinity, as well as historical, social and political similarities, Hungary also represents a popular destination for visitors and tourists from Slovenia. According to the Statistical office of the Republic of Slovenia, about 46,000 tourists from Slovenia visited Hungary in 2014. This number is based on the criterion of at least one overnight stay in Hungarian accommodation establishments and is therefore underestimated in the aspect of Slovenian visitors, since many Slovenians visit this country in a single day. In the paper, authors analyse the spatial distribution of tourist traffic and present the main characteristics of (organized) Slovenian tourist visits to Hungary. The main part of the research is focused on the analysis of the internet-based tourism offer, provided by Slovenian travel agencies. The offer was subjected to a detailed review that concentrated on its spatial distribution.