* Rural tourism incl. villages, mountains and spa facilities started already in the 19th century and became quickly popular among tourists from West Europe.

* Before the Second World War, holidays taken in rural areas accounted for 35-45% of all holidays. However, the rural tourism of that period entirely disappeared after 1945 and the reorganization of the market faces significant obstacles:
- the lack of an institutional framework
- the bad financial situation of both tourists and enterpreneurs
- the relative under-development of the regions which possess the most attractive resources for tourism development
- the little interest of professional tourist organizations (since rural tourism development promises only low profitability)
- the lack of business and hospitality skills
- the lack of quality and comfort in village houses
- the ageing of the local residents

* The development of rural tourism has been included (and often emphasised) in regional development plans since the 1960’s, without too much success.

* New attempts to revitalise the traditional type of tourism started mainly in the 1980’s, especially in the least developed areas of the country. In order to change this image, the Hungarian Government through regional development agencies, tourism organizations started a campaign in 1997 to promote domestic (including rural) holidays.

* In Hungary recently, foreign tourists are mostly interested in three types of rural tourism:
- First, in accommodation in the vicinity of popular tourist destinations (being motivated by the much lower prices),
- Second, in folklore programmes and horse-shows in the "puszta" (traditionally in the Great Plain in the Eastern part of the country, but nowadays horse-shows are organised also around Lake Balaton, the second most popular tourist destination of Hungary, in order to spare tourists the trouble of taking a long trip to the original "puszta"). The development of all the other types of rural tourism (including active nature holidays or participation in farm activities) is still in an early stage.
- Third, in traditional gastronomy and wine tasting programmes

* In Hungary, in 1998, there were app. 2000 beds registered in rural tourism and the average occupancy rate was less than 10%, associated with low level of demand

* In 2001, the total number of rural accommodations grew up to 6675.

* At present, the rural accommodation capacity is around 10,000 beds as a response to a steadily growing demand.

* Both among Hungarians and foreigners, there is a relatively high proportion of faithful visitors Their satisfaction gives the indication that the product itself is perceived as a good quality product.