Romania’s tourism sector is experiencing a remarkable surge in 2024, showcasing impressive growth in the first seven months of the year. Tourist reception structures have recorded a total of 7.666 million arrivals, marking a 3.8% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This rise in tourist numbers is accompanied by a parallel growth in overnight stays, reaching 15.975 million—a 3.4% increase over the previous year.
Romania, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, captivating landscapes, and historical landmarks, is witnessing a steady post-pandemic recovery. Both domestic and international travelers are contributing to this upswing in tourism, highlighting the country’s diverse offerings, from its bustling cities to its serene countryside and iconic castles.
Domestic tourists continue to be the backbone of Romania’s tourism industry, accounting for 82.9% of total arrivals in the first seven months of 2024. This strong domestic sector is driven by affordable travel options, a growing interest in local destinations, and various government initiatives promoting internal travel.
While domestic tourism remains dominant, foreign tourist arrivals, although representing a smaller percentage, have also seen a steady increase. From January to July 2024, 17.1% of total tourists in Romania were from overseas, with Germany, Italy, and Israel emerging as the top three source countries. Germany led the pack with 128,900 arrivals, followed by Italy with 117,800, and Israel with 83,100. This signifies Romania’s continued appeal among European travelers, with a growing interest from Israeli tourists.
The increase in both tourist arrivals and overnight stays highlights tourists’ willingness to spend more time exploring Romania’s destinations, thereby boosting the hospitality and travel sectors. This trend is reflected in the data, which shows that while domestic tourists account for the majority of overnight stays (82.8%), foreign visitors contribute significantly to the overall numbers (17.2%).
July 2024 proved to be a particularly strong month for Romania’s tourism sector, witnessing a 6.2% increase in tourist arrivals compared to July 2023, reaching a total of 880,400. Domestic tourists continued to dominate, accounting for 86.2% of total arrivals, while foreign tourists made up 13.8%. This surge reflects the peak summer travel season, with both local and international visitors flocking to Romania’s beaches, mountains, and cultural landmarks.
In terms of overnight stays, July saw an even more significant rise, with a 6.7% increase compared to the same period in 2023, recording a total of 4.659 million. Domestic tourists accounted for 88.7% of these stays, while foreign tourists made up 11.3%. The high percentage of domestic tourists in both arrivals and overnight stays underscores the popularity of local destinations for summer vacations among Romanians. Meanwhile, the steady rise in foreign overnight stays suggests that international visitors are increasingly choosing Romania for extended stays, drawn by its affordability, rich history, and scenic beauty.
The data reveals that between January and July 2024, the highest number of foreign tourists visiting Romania came from Germany, Italy, and Israel. Germany topped the list with 128,900 arrivals, followed by Italy with 117,800, and Israel with 83,100. These figures highlight Romania’s growing appeal among European and Israeli travelers, attracted by the country’s diverse tourism offerings, ranging from its medieval castles and fortified churches to its vibrant cities and natural landscapes.
German tourists, in particular, have a longstanding connection with Romania due to cultural and historical ties. Many German visitors are drawn to Transylvania, the region known for its Saxon heritage and iconic Bran Castle, often associated with the Dracula legend. Italy and Israel, on the other hand, have witnessed an increase in tourist numbers due to improved flight connectivity and promotional campaigns targeting these markets.
In addition to the data on tourist arrivals and overnight stays, the National Institute of Statistics also reported that 1.556 million foreign visitors entered Romania through border points in July 2024. Of these visitors, 85.6% opted for road transport as their primary mode of travel. This trend is attributed to Romania’s strategic location within Europe, making it easily accessible by car, bus, or coach from neighboring countries. The country’s road network, connecting major cities and tourist destinations, facilitates the movement of tourists from nearby nations. For many European travelers, road transport offers a convenient and affordable way to explore Romania’s diverse landscapes, from the Carpathian Mountains to the Black Sea coast. Romania’s proximity to countries like Hungary, Bulgaria, and Ukraine makes it an ideal destination for road trips, particularly for tourists looking to experience multiple regions in a single visit.
Romania’s tourism sector has shown steady growth in recent years, and the positive trends observed in the first seven months of 2024 indicate that this growth is set to continue. The Romanian government, in collaboration with the National Institute of Statistics and the Ministry of Tourism, has implemented several initiatives to further boost tourism. These initiatives include improving infrastructure, enhancing the quality of tourist services, and promoting Romania as a top travel destination through targeted marketing campaigns in key source markets.
One of the main objectives is to attract more foreign tourists by increasing Romania’s visibility on the international stage. Along with promoting its well-known landmarks like Bran Castle, the Danube Delta, and the Carpathian Mountains, Romania is also focusing on eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and wellness travel to appeal to a broader range of travelers.
Another priority for the government is improving the country’s hospitality infrastructure, particularly in rural areas and smaller towns that have the potential to become major tourist hubs. By upgrading accommodation facilities, improving transportation links, and enhancing the overall tourist experience, Romania hopes to attract more long-term stays and higher-spending visitors.
With 7.666 million tourist arrivals and 15.975 million overnight stays recorded between January and July 2024, Romania’s tourism sector is showing positive signs of recovery and growth. The 3.8% increase in arrivals and 3.4% rise in overnight stays reflect the country’s growing appeal as a travel destination for both domestic and international tourists. Germany, Italy, and Israel remain key source markets for foreign visitors, while domestic tourism continues to play a crucial role in driving the sector forward. As the Romanian government continues to invest in tourism infrastructure and promote the country’s unique offerings, the outlook for Romania’s tourism industry remains bright, with more growth expected in the coming years.
