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Explore Hungary with Connections debuts in Budapest
Programme blended networking with destination experiences over three-day itinerary
Connections Luxury has marked the completion of its inaugural Explore Hungary with Connections programme, a destination-focused gathering designed to strengthen Hungary’s position within the international luxury travel market.
Held in partnership with Visit Hungary, the programme took place in Budapest from 26 to 29 April 2026. During the three-day event, international luxury travel professionals met with Hungarian hotels, tourism partners and experience providers through one-to-one meetings, networking sessions and immersive destination experiences delivered under the ‘Connections Way’ format.
The programme opened with a cruise on the Danube hosted by Duna Cruises, followed by a rooftop reception at Aria Hotel Budapest near St Stephen’s Basilica. Business meetings later took place at Kozmo Hotel Suites & Spa, a restored early-20th-century landmark now operating as a luxury hotel.
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Destination experiences throughout the programme included wine tastings from Sauska, traditional embroidery showcases from Matyodesign and Hungarian confectionery from Szamos, alongside networking receptions at W Budapest in the restored Drechsler Palace on Andrássy Avenue.
The itinerary included visits to historic venues such as Café Gerbeaud and Gundel Restaurant, as well as a gastronomy experience at Onyx Restaurant, recognised as East-Central Europe’s first two-Michelin-starred restaurant.
Live audience insight from the programme highlighted growing interest in Hungary’s luxury tourism offering, particularly around cultural heritage, architecture, gastronomy, wine, wellness and premium short-break experiences.
Máté Terjék, Head of International Markets at Visit Hungary, said: “Explore Hungary with Connections was created to give international luxury travel professionals a deeper understanding of what Hungary can offer their clients. The response has been extremely encouraging, with Hungary’s cultural, culinary and wellness offerings resonating strongly with the luxury travel trade.”
Sam Blunsdon, Commercial Director at Connections Luxury, said: “What stood out was the strength and breadth of Hungary’s luxury story. This first edition showed exactly why destination-led engagement matters. Delegates were not simply hearing about Hungary, they were experiencing it through its people, venues, craftsmanship and hospitality.”
Explore Hungary with Connections forms part of Connections Luxury’s wider strategy to expand destination-led programmes combining curated business meetings with immersive local experiences for the international luxury travel trade.
Connections Luxury events take place globally. To book your place at a Connections Luxury event, contact aysha@weareconnections.com. For more information, email enquiries@weareconnections.com or visit www.connectionsluxury.com/events
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