War heritage impact on museum dynamics in Budapest

This study examines the museums in Budapest, Hungary, particularly those themed around World War and Cold War history. Recent years have witnessed these institutions attracting substantial domestic and international attendance, accompanied by elevated visitor satisfaction rates. Notably, numerous war memorials in Budapest are integral components of the conventional sightseeing circuit, while a burgeoning interest in alternative tourism, focusing on ‘hidden treasures’ such as bunkers, has emerged. Beyond presenting the current state and potentialities of Budapest's tourism heritage supply, specifically within the war-themed subcategory associated with dark tourism, this paper adopts a critical lens to assess both the supply and the motivations and expectations driving demand. Additionally, the study scrutinizes the interpretative challenges inherent in addressing this complex and sensitive historical subject. The findings of this research offer valuable insights that can contribute to repositioning Budapest within the context of post-COVID tourism. Anticipating evolving trends, the study underscores the growing significance of prioritizing safe, local attractions and the preferences of more informed and responsible travellers. Importantly, it argues that capitalizing on the city's war heritage could become a pivotal strategy for enhancing both domestic and international tourism.