Széchenyi Recreation Card: the new rules' negative effects on hospitality

Hospitality workers barely have time to rest after the holidays. The new year has already brought a major challenge through changes to the rules on using the Széchenyi Recreation Card, or SZÉP Card. The new decree could divert substantial spending away from hospitality. Here is what you need to know and how you can prepare.

What exactly has changed?

Under Government Decree 390/2024 (XII. 11.), from 2025 SZÉP Card balances can also be spent on home renovation under certain conditions. Cardholders can therefore use their balances for more than hospitality, accommodation and recreation.

Details:

• Maximum amount available: up to 50% of the balance on the card on 1 January 2025 and the amounts credited during the year may be spent on home renovation.
• Example: if someone has HUF 200,000 on their card at the start of the year and receives another HUF 300,000 during the year, they may spend HUF 250,000 on home renovation, half of the HUF 500,000 total.

New places to spend:

The amount allocated to home renovation may only be spent at shops with specified business activities, such as:

• building materials and paint shops,
• furniture and lighting shops,
• flooring retailers.

Why does this disadvantage hospitality?

Until now, a substantial share of SZÉP Card spending took place in hospitality. The new rules could divert some of that money elsewhere, as cardholders can now use their balances for other priorities.

How can we adapt?

Changes like these require a flexible, quick response. The following points are intended to help.

Understand the role of SZÉP Card payments

First, we need to know how much SZÉP Card payments currently contribute to restaurant revenue. This helps us understand the challenge and develop targeted strategies. The statistics module in ORSYS Restaurant Software provides real-time data to track the share and trend of SZÉP Card transactions easily. This gives us a clear picture of what the change means for our business.

Targeted promotions and offers

Encourage spending by offering limited-time discounts to guests paying by SZÉP Card. A well-timed promotion generates revenue and builds guest loyalty. Consider exclusive set menus or a 'SZÉP Card bonus' loyalty scheme.

Digital marketing and social media activity

An active social media presence matters even more now. Run targeted campaigns promoting SZÉP Card payments and any related discounts. Facebook and Instagram are useful places to advertise promotions and events that encourage existing guests to return. We have published several educational articles on this subject and recommend our series on Facebook marketing.

Reach new audiences

If the share of guests paying by SZÉP Card falls, consider reaching new audiences to fill the gap. Online marketing, especially social media marketing, can help here too.

Technology improvements

Modern restaurant software such as ORSYS helps simplify administration, improve stock management and reduce operating costs. These improvements provide a lasting competitive advantage and make it easier to withstand sudden negative effects such as those of the new decree.

Summary

The year has already begun with a major difficulty that has no single, immediate solution. We cannot entirely prevent a decline in SZÉP Card payments, but a thoughtful strategy can minimise losses and even attract new audiences. Suitable technology and informed decisions become more important still.