BUDAPEST, July 16 (Reuters) – The tourism industry is facing challenges this week due to nearly record low water levels on the Danube River. Many cruise ships are stranded north of Budapest, which has halted sightseeing trips and negatively impacted this vital economic sector.
According to Hungary's Water Authority, the water level of the Danube in Budapest dropped to just eight centimeters (3.15 inches) above a record low set eight years ago on Thursday morning. However, levels are predicted to increase next week.
MAHART-PassNave, a sightseeing operator in Hungary, stated that this decline is part of a longer trend. Despite efforts from shipping companies and ports to adjust, water levels continue to drop below what is needed for safe operations.
“River cruise vessels can still enter Hungary, but many are stuck or waiting in ports due to the low water levels,” said Laszlo Somodi, Chief Executive of MAHART-PassNave, late on Wednesday.
According to Somodi, international river cruises have become a crucial part of Hungary's shipping industry as tourism grew, carrying about 600,000 passengers each year and providing broader economic benefits.
He noted that the northern ports of Gonyu and Komarom are experiencing the most traffic, while several cruise liners are currently inactive in Budapest and Mohacs, unable to continue their journeys due to the unusually low water levels.
MAHART-PassNave has reported an 18% decrease in bookings this July due to cancellations, with sightseeing tours to cities north of Budapest suspended this week. These services could start again next week if water levels rise as anticipated.
Avalon Waterways, a river cruise operator, mentioned earlier this week that it had to cancel a few upcoming departures due to low water levels on the Danube and Rhine rivers.