The development of Mecsek tourism: The “shelter” of Dömörkapu (1930–1941)

Abstract

The shelter of Dömörkapu was built in the largest city of South Transdanubia by one of the most important civic organisations of Pécs, the Mecsek Association, in 1931. From the late 1920s, Pécs was one of the first settlements in Hungary to undertake deliberate tourism development. The town had enhanced tourism infrastructure, defined its range of tourist attractions, and launched the first marketing campaigns to promote and highlight the area. The goals of the Mecsek Association also fitted perfectly in this strategy. The Mecsek Association, founded in 1891, started the active tourism in the Mecsek region. The pinnacle of its initiatives was the establishment of the Dömörkapu hostel. This accommodation fully met the needs of its guests. The tourist hostel embarked on a path of long-term development. Continual modernisation efforts enabled the accommodation to adapt to evolving tourist demands. The establishment currently operates successfully as Hotel Mediterrán.