EU-presidency and Hungarian Hospitality

Only a few days left and its our turn to take over the presidency of the EU! In the first half of 2011 Hungary will be the next country to act as the president of the EU. According to the surveys of the association of hotels and other organisations involved with tourism, we have good reason to have our hopes up in connection with the next six months. On the basis of the data of the countries that have already been presidents, there will be more than 40000 foreign diplomats and businessmen visiting the country, thereby increasing the turnover of four and five star hotels with 30%. Other service providers involved with tourism, such as taxi companies, restaurants and nightclubs should expect the same level of increase in turnover.

Since the past couple of years weren’t completely smooth in the fields of the restaurant and taxi businesses, not to mention other areas of the entertainment business, the task ahead of us is far from easy. The role of taxi drivers and nighttime bars should be especially highlighted. If we look back to examine how much damage these two segments have caused to Hungary’s reputation abroad, it immediately becomes clear that intervention is necessary, maybe even from the highest level. We can’t just sit around and wait for the arrival of 35-40 thousand high ranking politicians and diplomats without being sure that we can provide them with appropriate services, catering to their every need. Especially not if we consider the number of crimes committed against foreign tourists by some bars and the taxi drivers cooperating with them. It is frightening to imagine what might happen if these criminals are not removed immediately, but are left to continue to hunt for prey during our EU presidency.

Hungary will get special attention from the foreign press and public. This is a wonderful PR opportunity for the capital and the entire country, but as all advertisements, this can also go sour if not done right. The responsibilities of our leaders have increased with this, to say the least. We can’t allow even one case of overbilling, fraud or - just to name some of the shenanigans of the past couple of months - unlawful restraining to occur. The country will not a chance to hush up cases like this. Even one occurrence might damage the reputation and tourism of the country in a way that could take years to undo. Therefore, it would be best if the authorities started acting immediately and closed down the clubs engaged in this kind of “services”. The occurrence of such cases would not only thereby become impossible, but this would allow more opportunities to honest club managers who earn their money the hard way, the way they are supposed to. Quite bafflingly, what is happening right now is the opposite: it is these bars and clubs that get the least visitors, as tourists who are interested get sent somewhere else by maffiosi-like taxi drivers and hotel receptionists. People who try to reach such clubs will surely get hijacked, sidetracked or diverted.

The authorities are well aware of this phenomenon poisoning Hungarian tourism since decades ago. They clearly see which clubs are corrupt and which are the honest ones providing high quality services. Their task is clear, their responsibilities are enormous. They should finally act as well!!!

Night Clubs in Budapest