Tourism in Nógrád County Thrives with Somoskő Excursion Center’s Recognition as Tourist House of the Year – Travel And Tour World

Report on Sustainable Tourism Development in Nógrád County, Hungary

Executive Summary

The Somoskő Excursion Center in Nógrád County has been awarded the “Tourist House of the Year 2025” by the Active Hungary Development Centre. This recognition highlights the facility’s significant contributions to sustainable tourism, aligning with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The award underscores a broader national strategy focused on renovating tourism infrastructure to promote eco-friendly and culturally authentic travel experiences, thereby boosting regional development and preserving natural and cultural heritage.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The operations and recognition of the Somoskő Excursion Center directly support the advancement of multiple SDGs, positioning it as a model for sustainable development in the tourism sector.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth & SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The center’s success fosters sustainable economic growth and community resilience in rural Nógrád County.

• Economic Impact: By attracting domestic and international visitors, the center stimulates the local economy, supporting local businesses and creating employment opportunities, which is central to SDG 8.
• Cultural Heritage Preservation: The facility promotes authentic Hungarian culture through local music and cuisine, contributing to SDG 11.4 (strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage).
• Sustainable Infrastructure: The award is part of a wider initiative by the Active Hungary Development Centre to renovate over 110 tourist homes. This modernization of existing infrastructure, rather than new construction, supports SDG 11 by thoughtfully upgrading heritage architecture to meet modern standards while preserving its character.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production & SDG 15: Life on Land

The core philosophy of the Somoskő Excursion Center is rooted in environmental responsibility and the promotion of eco-tourism.

1. Sustainable Practices: The center exemplifies SDG 12 by integrating sustainable practices into its operations. Key features include:
   • Green construction materials
   • Use of solar technology for energy
   • Commitment to eco-friendly hospitality
2. Promotion of Ecotourism: The facility serves as a base for exploring the natural landscapes of Nógrád County, including the Somoskő Castle and Cserhát Hills. It promotes low-impact outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, bird watching, and wildlife tours, directly supporting the objectives of SDG 15 to protect terrestrial ecosystems.
3. Raising Environmental Awareness: By offering an eco-conscious travel experience, the center encourages responsible tourism that values nature and a slower pace of living, fostering greater appreciation for the environment among visitors.

Contribution to Hungary’s National Tourism Strategy

Fostering a Sustainable Tourism Sector

The recognition of the Somoskő Excursion Center aligns with Hungary’s strategic vision to become a leading destination for eco-tourism and cultural travel. The initiative to renovate and modernize tourist homes is a key component of this strategy, aiming to rejuvenate rural communities through sustainable tourism.

• Active and Adventure Tourism: Nógrád County is being developed as a prime destination for active tourism. The success of the Somoskő Excursion Center demonstrates the region’s capacity to cater to this growing market.
• Model for Development: The center serves as a successful case study of integrating heritage preservation with modern, sustainable accommodation, providing a blueprint for future projects across the country.

Conclusion

The designation of the Somoskő Excursion Center as the Tourist House of the Year 2025 is a testament to its excellence in sustainable hospitality and its role in advancing Hungary’s tourism objectives. By embedding the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals into its model—focusing on local economic benefits, cultural preservation, and environmental responsibility—the center not only enhances the appeal of Nógrád County but also establishes a benchmark for the future of sustainable tourism development in Hungary.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article highlights the growth of the tourism sector in Nógrád County, which contributes to local economic development. It mentions that the region is expected to improve its “tourism potential and attracting visitors,” which directly relates to creating economic opportunities and fostering growth in rural areas. The focus on the “rejuvenation of rural communities” through tourism is a core aspect of this goal.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • This goal is addressed through the article’s emphasis on safeguarding cultural and natural heritage. The renovation of “more than 110 tourist homes” and the modernization of “Hungary’s antique architecture” while retaining its elegance are direct efforts to protect cultural heritage. The Somoskő Excursion Center is praised for successfully integrating “heritage tourism with modern accommodation facilities,” which aligns with making communities more sustainable by valuing their cultural assets.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The article strongly connects to this goal by focusing on sustainable tourism practices. The Somoskő Excursion Center is recognized for its “eco-friendly lodgings,” “green construction, solar technology, and sustainable practices.” This commitment to “green hospitality” and creating an “environmentally sustainable tourism destination” promotes sustainable consumption and production patterns within the tourism industry.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The promotion of eco-tourism and activities that rely on the natural environment connects to SDG 15. The article describes Nógrád County’s “beautiful landscapes,” “mountain ranges, forests, and river valleys” as ideal for outdoor pursuits like “hiking, biking, and eco tourism.” The center’s focus on “appreciation for nature” and offering activities like “bird watching and wildlife touring” supports the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

2. Specific SDG Targets

1. Target 8.9: “By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.”
   • The article directly reflects this target. Hungary’s strategic vision for tourism, as mentioned, aims to be a leader in “eco-tourism and cultural travel.” The Somoskő Excursion Center’s model promotes local culture through “Hungarian folk music and food” and creates a “culturally sustainable tourism product,” thereby contributing to local economic development through sustainable tourism.
2. Target 11.4: “Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.”
   • This target is evident in the description of the Active Hungary Development Centre’s work in “supporting and funding the renovation of several tourist homes.” The article specifies that this involves thoughtfully modernizing “antique architecture to retain the elegance of the building.” This initiative, combined with promoting historical sites like the “Somoskő Castle,” is a clear effort to safeguard cultural heritage.
3. Target 12.b: “Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism…”
   • The “Tourist House of the Year 2025” award serves as a tool for monitoring and promoting sustainable tourism. It recognizes and validates the Somoskő Excursion Center’s “dedication and specialisation in providing quality and eco-friendly lodgings.” This award system encourages and showcases best practices in sustainable tourism, aligning with the goal of monitoring its impacts.

3. Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. Number of renovated tourist accommodations:
   • The article explicitly states that the Active Hungary Development Centre has supported the “Renovation of more than 110 tourist homes.” This number is a direct indicator of investment in sustainable tourism infrastructure.
2. Adoption of sustainable practices in tourism facilities:
   • The article implies this indicator by highlighting the Somoskő Excursion Center’s use of “green construction, solar technology, and sustainable practices.” The prevalence of such features across the tourism sector could be a measure of progress.
3. Awards and certifications for sustainable tourism:
   • The central theme of the article is the “Tourist House of the Year 2025” award. Such awards serve as an indicator of the quality and commitment to sustainability within the tourism industry.
4. Growth in visitor numbers for sustainable tourism:
   • While no specific numbers are given, the article implies this indicator by mentioning the “growing interest towards Nógrád County” and its success in attracting “domestic tourists and international travellers seeking for genuine travel experience.” Tracking these numbers would measure the economic impact of sustainable tourism initiatives.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: travelandtourworld.com