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The study analyses the impacts brought about by the economic crisis starting in 2007 on Hungarian shopping tourism. Considering the long-term symbiotic relationship of the national retail trade and international inbound tourism, the crisis, that has affected each segment of the national economy, has also influenced both the characteristics of tourist shopping and the structure and volume of retail trade, with an indirect impact on the country's GDP. The study investigates the purchases of day trippers arriving from the neighbouring countries, and focuses on changes that occurred between 2006-2010. The survey is based on the assumption that the sending markets have become more price-sensitive as a consequence of the crisis, and the changes brought about will be diverse, depending on the economic-social processes of each sending country. Demand is influenced by crisis management strategies, by the pricevalue ratio of goods and services available in the market, and by the business practices of retail companies. Based on secondary analysis of the databases of the Hungarian Central Statistical Office and the Hungarian National Bank, the paper provides an overview of how Hungarian shopping tourism was shaped by the above factors in the period of crisis.

The aim of this paper is to map some of the new developments that have been taking place in Budapest since 1989, in particular focusing on the role that tourism and cultural regeneration have played in transforming old spaces into new places. The redevelopment of former socialist cities is politically complex, as new power relationships need to be negotiated, heritage values must be reassessed, and widening economic and social disparities should be addressed. Tourism needs to be managed carefully if it is to contribute in a positive way to economic development, heritage conservation and promotion, and enhancement of the local quality of life. A number of examples are used to demonstrate the spatial transformations that are taking place in Budapest. In some cases, historic spaces have been accorded new and symbolic status (e.g.as World Heritage Sites); some attractions have been re-packaged as itineraries or trails (e.g. the Cultural Avenue project). Some socialist heritage has been removed to the outskirts of the city (e.g. Statue Park). Some previously derelict areas are being transformed and regenerated into national cultural or international business spaces. New shopping and leisure areas are also being created in accordance with Budapest's desire to be recognized as a dynamic and cosmopolitan city. Questions are then raised about the implications of these developments for the future planning of the city as a new tourism destination in a competitive market.

This paper briefly introduces the history and development of the Budapest Spring Festival (BSF) in Hungary. The visitor market of the BSF as a cultural attraction is then analysed based on the European Association for Tourism and Leisure Education (ATLAS) surveys conducted in Budapest in 1997. A total of 1042 questionnaires were filled in by visitors during the BSF. Results show that the BSF is predominantly visited by local people, as a leisure activity. The number of tourists, especially of foreign tourists, is rather low, considering the international aspirations of the event. A comparative analysis of Budapest, Prague, and Vienna is also provided because these capitals are in competitive situation in the international cultural tourism market. It is suggested that the current low levels of foreign visitation and the relatively low ranking of Budapest as a cultural destination relate to a lack of cultural capital relative to the city and Hungarian culture on the part of potential visitors.