Budapest, the Pearl of the Danube on rocky waters

Ern? Rubik was born in Budapest in 1944. The former lecturer at the Academy of Applied Arts and Crafts in Budapest was trying to create an object that would illustrate his theories in 3D design to his students. Little did he know that he was about to invent one of pop culture’s most recognizable toys that would make him one of Hungary’s richest men. Yes, the Rubik’s Cube was actually born in Budapest during the communist regime which lasted from 1945 to 1990 and eventually led to the instauration of “goulash communism”, which combined communism with some elements of a free market. The result was a country very popular for tourism, but its scope was limited to visitors from other communist nations from the 60’s -80’s. In 1977, Hilton Hotels & Resorts entered Budapest thanks to a partnership with the state-owned Danubius Hotels Group. In 1993, Accor made a big move by acquiring a majority share in local hotel company Pannonia, allowing the French group to expand largely in the Hungarian capital. Hungary became part of the European Union in 2004 and as of 1 January of this year, it is at the head of the international organization for a rotating six-month period. The city’s hotels are expecting a much-needed 40,000 visiting politicians and decision-makers during the six-month presidency because Budapest, otherwise known as the Pearl of the Danube, seems to be swimming in rocky waters.Besides the business and political activities in Budapest, one mustn’t neglect the leisure events of this centrally located city, especially motor sport fans. The Hungarian Grand Prix is one of the summer events that generate hotel nights for the industry, taking place this year from 29 – 31 July. The organizers have partnerships with local hotels offering reductions to Grand Prix ticket-holders if they meet...