Recreation Area Building at the Thermal Spa Complex in Bükk Developed from EU Funding 6 November 2009
The Thermal Spa Complex in Bükk is implementing a 3-phase development programme between 2008 and 2010 worth a total of 1.75 billion HUF as a New Hungary Development Plan priority project with the help of EU funding amounting to 525 million HUF.
At the official handing over ceremony of the recreation area building implemented in the first phase of this programme held on 4 November, Mr István Ujhelyi State Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office, said that funding amounting to 38.3 billion HUF has so far been committed by applicants in the 2007-2008 period for implementing priority tourism developments.
Thanks to this EU funding of 525 million HUF, the Thermal Spa Complex in Bükk will be able to attract guests to Bükk by introducing new services, developing current services and upgrading facilities. As an outcome of this funding, the number of visitors arriving in the region will increase by 100,000 up to 2014, whilst the number of guest nights may potentially increase by 30.000 up to 2013. The Thermal Spa Complex in Bükk was overcrowded during certain periods; the recreation area available was not big enough for accommodating guests, which is why the recreation area suitable for accommodating up to 500 persons was developed. This new area offers high standard services and a lounge area for guests.
Up to 2013, the Government is investing some 20%, i.e., nearly 300 billion HUF, of the funding allocated to the regional operational programmes of the New Hungary Development Plan in tourism-related objectives. During the 2009-2010 development period alone, it will be possible to invest approximately 103 billion HUF for implementing tourism projects. Regional development objectives, among others, prioritise making better use of the country’s thermal assets, developing remedial facilities and spas and extending the range of health services offered at spa complexes.
The Government has classified a handful of particularly important thermal spa investments as priority projects, as an outcome of which, 5 thermal spa complexes around the country (Development of remedial services in Hajdúszoboszló – Aqua Palace Spa; Zalakaros – new reception building offering remedial and wellness services, transformation of the indoor pool; Development of the Thermal Spa Complex in Bükk; Development of the spa complex in Újszeged; Development of the spa complex in Sárvár) will be renewed with the help of funding amounting to 7.5 billion HUF, a part of which has been granted by the European Union.