National
Development Agency

Encouraging school and excursion groups to plan programmes in these regions is one of the highly interesting special components of these programmes. 
The fundamental aim of this initiative boils down to getting the highest possible number of individuals to get to know and like these regions to be able to generate as much income as possible in these most needy regions.  

In Hungary, discrepancies in economic development among specific regions are considerable, even in international comparison. To reduce these discrepancies, the National Development Agency is implementing a targeted programme in the 33 most disadvantaged micro-regions (such as, Cserhát, Ormánság, Szatmár-Bereg, etc.). Real results, however, can only be reached through wide-scope social collaboration, which is why - to complement this programme - the Development Programme Office for Most Disadvantaged Micro-Regions of the National Development Agency devised a series of initiatives to help disadvantaged regions. One of these is that the Office commissioned highly experienced teachers to compile school excursion programme offers for these regions. One of the key components of this initiative boils down to getting the highest possible number of individuals to get to know and like these regions, whilst the other relates to generating as much income as possible in these most needy regions.

In the first phase of this programme, a detailed programme guide presenting 18 micro-regions – namely, the region of Szatmár, Tokaj-Hegyalja and Zselic – was compiled, and the programme guide presenting every micro-region will be ready by summer. Documentation published on the website www.nfu.hu/lhh_turizmus not only offers help to class excursion organisers by simply listing attractions, but anyone interested is also able to read a methodological recommendation based on experience-oriented teaching. Besides providing a description of micro-regional tourist attractions, the subjects in the syllabi of which these attractions are included are also indicated according to grade, as well as what kind of accommodation is available. The way in which pictograms offer a thematic guide makes things easier for readers. This programme builds on the basic principles of fair tourism by thematically promoting excursion destinations in the less-developed parts of the country, since it matters where the money spent on accommodation, meals or entry tickets is used. The Programme Office not only hopes that the number of overnight stays in these regions will increase, but equally builds on the assumption that if anyone gets to like a region in their youth, they are bound to return to the same spot later in life. 

The class excursion offer package available on the Internet will move to a new independent website in summer, hence ensuring the opportunity for ongoing content development, interactive use and the presentation of current programme offers. The micro-regions presented are in a disadvantaged situation; however, they are among the prettiest spots in the country, so becoming acquainted with the customs, traditions and values of these regions – ranging from medieval churches to national parks and contemporary art - is useful for any particular age-group.

Visit www.nfu.hu/lhh_turizmus for details.