Romanian tourists are embracing the world, with a recent study revealing they spent over €700 million on international travel in June 2024 alone. This significant figure represents 25% of their saved income, indicating a growing preference for experiencing new cultures and showcasing social status. While Romania also attracted €300 million from foreign tourists during the same period, the growth rate remains relatively slow.
Experts attribute this disparity to several factors. The rising incomes and stable exchange rates between June 2023 and June 2024 have encouraged many Romanians to opt for vacations abroad. Additionally, Romanian expatriates contribute significantly, bringing in over €100 million during their visits, often staying with family or in their own homes instead of hotels.
However, despite the influx of foreign tourists, the growth in Romania’s HoReCa (hotels, restaurants, and cafes) sector remains sluggish, with an annual increase of only 12%. This sluggish growth is attributed to a disconnect between the prices charged and the quality of services offered. Foreign tourists expect high-quality services in return for their spending, and Romania has yet to fully meet these expectations.
The positive news comes from Avram Iancu International Airport in Cluj-Napoca, which exceeded 3 million passengers in 2023 for the first time. By August 2024, the airport had already reached 2 million passengers for the year, and it is projected to hit 7 million annually by 2030. This growth is fueled by infrastructure investments, including a new passenger terminal inaugurated after an €80 million investment.
The focus now is on encouraging Romanians to vacation within their own country while simultaneously attracting more foreign tourists. Experts point to the success of niche sectors like wine tourism and adventure tourism as examples of areas with untapped potential. Initiatives like the UBB CORE Center, a career guidance center established with European funding, aim to support researchers in improving Romanian tourism through data-driven policy recommendations. UBB CORE, part of a national network, collaborates with universities across the region to enhance the quality of research and its impact on Romanian policy-making.
