The 2010 summer season hasn't brought relief for the tourism industry of lake Balaton. Hit by the looming economic downturn. Hotels around the lake in Western Hungary had 10.6% less income than during the same period last year.
Despite being a traditional destination for Hungarians, this year up to 4% less showed up on the gray sand beaches. Unlike in past years, many of them only stayed for a long weekend, the Hungarian Office for Statistics reported.
Germans, Russians, Ukrainians and other regulars from the region also came in smaller numbers.
Affectionately dubbed the "Hungarian Sea", it reminds in most parts socialist era vacations. But lake Balaton has improved its services in the last 20 years.
The biggest lake in central Europe now has an international airport, spa hotels and clean beaches. Only an hour drive away from the capital Budapest, the region hosted some 30 festivals this year ranging from elegant wine-tastings to music festivals for backpackers.
Experts say, other than this period of austerity, bad weather can be blamed for much of it, canceling main attractions such as the cross-Balaton swimming contest.
One local paper nicknamed the 2010 season as "picnic summer", since many tourists staying through weekends, brought packed lunches from home, avoiding restaurants and cafeterias.
The August 20th national holiday may bring Hungarians to the beach. But, as local hotel and restaurant owners say, it will be yet another long weekend, practically closing the holiday season.
