Tickets have been all but sold out until July.

László Szabó, Hungary’s ambassador to the US, said at the ceremony that currently around half a million American tourists visit Budapest annually, and the number is constantly rising.

“Budapest has had an excellent name in the US and the Hungarian government’s policy to protect security is much appreciated,” Szabó said.

 “Budapest has by now become one of the most secure cities in Europe. American tourists clearly look for safe destinations,” he said. Direct flights from Hungary to the US also help businesses, Szabó said.

“This is important as the US is Hungary’s largest trade partner outside of the EU and currently 1,700 US companies work there, employing over 100,000 Hungarians”, he said.

During the past week, Polish airlines LOT has launched its direct flight from Budapest to New York, and is about to start one to Chicago.

American Airlines simultaneously launched a flight between Philadelphia and Prague.