Huge boost for Balaton tourism26 April 2008
The Festetics Palace in Kesztely, one of the biggest palaces in the country and the jewel of the Lake Balaton region, hosts the highest number of visitors in the country. The investment that was implemented with the help of EU funding of 688 million HUF in value is a prime example of Hungarian development strategy we can be proud of.
The renovation of the palace, as well as the establishment of the unique Hunting Museum and the Model Railway Exhibition opens a new chapter in Balaton tourism. The development of the Festetics heritage concurrently materialises objectives defined in connection with New Hungary through the renewal of our important cultural heritage, marking out new avenues for economic development by increasing tourism, creating jobs and attracting visitors to the banks of the Lake Balaton all year round.
Hungary uses EU funding made available by European taxpayers by following an accurately elaborated development strategy. Tourism is a priority area of Hungarian development strategy, as is consequently the development of the attractiveness of the country’s culture. Taking advantage of the country’s rich history, as well as its cultural and tourism treasures opens up new avenues for economic development and creates new jobs.
The development of the Festetics Palace integrates every objective of Hungarian development policy. As a result of its impact, one of our most important cultural treasures is being renewed and made more attractive for tourists who can now visit the Balaton region in all four seasons, instead of only during summer. Developing tourism creates jobs, generates increasing revenues for the entrepreneurs of the region and makes Keszthely and the Balaton region more attractive, which eventually benefits the entire country.
The Helikon Palace Museum Public Benefit Company submitted an application approved funding for the development of the Festetics Palace under the call for applications „Development of tourist attractions” announced by the National Development Agency within the framework of the Regional Development Operational Programme. 688 million HUF was earmarked for the implementation of the project, within the framework of which the building erected in the park of the palace by the army, however, not used, was renewed and two exceptional exhibitions, as well as the Hunting Museum and the Historical Model Railway exhibition was opened. VÁTI – Hungarian Non-profit Company for Regional Development and Town Planning was the assigned Intermediate Body.
The development implemented with the help of the support of the National Development Agency and the European Union created 23 new jobs; however, its long-term impacts are much more significant. Approximately 100 000 visitors are anticipated to visit the palace each year, use the hotels and entertainment and catering services offered in the region and visit other cultural attractions as well. Therefore, other entrepreneurs of Keszthely and the Balaton region, as well as the population will equally benefit from the combined impacts of the development.
In the next phase of the development, the Islam Art Museum will be opened on the palace grounds; moreover, Hotel Amazon will be renewed and developed into a cultural centre. Revenue generated by the museum established as a result of the project will ensure the financial sustainability of the project by covering operating costs; therefore the project is self-sustaining.
Beyond exhibiting nearly 200 different indigenous species of five continents, 430 trophies and 120 taxidermic animal trophies, the Hunting Museum welcomes anyone interested and keen to learn. Among others, some truly rare species, such as, a giant pig, a dwarf antelope and of course several lions, bears and a nearly three-meter tall white polar bear are also on exhibit. The collections of famous hunters, such as, Francis Joseph Windischgrätz, Zsigmond Széchenyi, Kálmán Kittenberger, Ákos Szederjei, Gyögy Dózsa and Béla Hidvégi are on exhibit at the museum.
The Historical Model Railway Exhibition consists of three completely independently operated and automatic computer controlled plotting boards on which 146 motor-powered model trains run (engine, electric train, line service). The Semmering and Zala plotting boards pay tribute to the formerly jointly operated Hungarian-Austrian Southern Railway by presenting a section of the Austrian, as well as the Hungarian line; whilst the Nürnberg plotting board models the Black Forest, Nürnberg, Saxonian Switzerland and a town built in central European style.