This is the shortened English-language summary of the 44th Hungarian-language episodeof the Dunakavicsok tourism podcast. In the season-opening episode recorded in February 2026, hosts István Nagy-Szász and Balázs Kovács guide listeners along the Budapest–Vienna axis, reviewing the most important developments in “new tourism” over recent months. The central theme of the episode is the sustainability shift — presented not on a theoretical level, but through concrete events, market data and strategic decisions shaping tourism in Hungary and across the Danube region.

The first part of the programme highlights major milestones marking a new era in Austrian rail transport: the opening of the Koralmbahn, ongoing works on the Semmering Base Tunnel, and the growing market influence of the private railway company Westbahn. The hosts explore how intensifying market competition is transforming sustainable mobility, regional connectivity, and the mental and tourism spatial structure of the region.

Balázs then shares insights from his role as an EU Climate Pact Ambassador, reporting on the lessons of a sustainable tourism workshop in Vienna, trends observed at this year’s Vienna Ferien Messe, and key characteristics of the Austrian outbound travel market. The episode also analyses Wien Tourismus’ performance over the past year and places the current tourism results of Vienna and Budapest into a broader regional context.

In connection with the HOTCO conference, István discusses the future of the hotel industry, emphasising the importance of “frictionless” operations, trust and human connection, the fading role of traditional brands, and the strategic significance of managing technological and cybersecurity risks.

Turning to Budapest, the hosts review the main announcements of the Tourism Gala held on 1 February, reflect on the future of the Danube tourism axis, and highlight the growing importance of sustainability considerations, including lessons from the Sustainability Award. A key focus of the episode is the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) summit held in Budapest, interpreted as a milestone in Hungary’s international tourism integration and in the practical implementation of sustainability standards. Listeners also hear first-hand reflections on the background of this prestigious professional event.

This season opener serves both as a retrospective and as a compass for the coming years. The professional dialogue between István Nagy-Szász and Balázs Kovács remains approachable, rigorous yet humorous, critical but optimistically future-oriented — recommended for all who view tourism not merely as anindustry but as a strategic field and a personal passion. As always, the episode concludes with a colourful closing segment featuring several “sensational announcements.”

The 44th episode was recorded online on 26 February 2026 at noon, connecting Budapest and Vienna. Feedback is welcome via email at podcast@dunakavicsok.hu, on major podcast platforms, on the Dunakavicsok tourism podcast Facebook page, and through LinkedIn. Episodes are also available in audioformat on the podcast’s YouTube channel and can be followed via its WhatsApp news channel.