Romania’s hospitality industry reached its highest level of hotel overnight stays in three decades in 2025, exceeding 2024 volumes by nearly 1%. According to the annual report by consulting firm Colliers, the primary engine of this growth was international leisure tourism, which generated a record level of nearly 5 million overnight stays, offsetting economic fluctuations in the second half of the year. Although domestic tourism covers 80% of total demand, the dynamics were largely supported by foreign visitors, indicating increasing attractiveness for the local market.
In the first half of the year, the market recorded generalized growth, followed by a slowdown in the second semester. Mountainous areas such as Brașov, Prahova, and Argeș saw a decline toward the end of the year, while the seaside, dominated by Constanța, reported a summer season superior to previous years. Bucharest performed above the national average throughout the year. In the first 11 months of 2025, 5-star hotels in the Capital reached an occupancy rate of 72% ( a 10% annual increase) and an average rate of approximately 140 EUR per night. 4-star units in central areas recorded 80% occupancy at a rate of about 110 EUR per night. These figures confirm the recovery of business travel and the gradual alignment of rates with regional standards.
Despite the record results, Romania still lags behind the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region. Hungary attracts double the number of international overnight stays, and Poland three times more. Eurostat data indicates that local accommodation prices have approached those in CEE, with Romanian tourists spending only 14% less per night domestically compared to the European Union average. However, the total cost of a trip keeps Romania competitive relative to Western markets.
The investment segment was active in 2025, with openings of boutique hotels and units operated under international brands. A major signal was the institutional transaction in which Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Airport was sold to an international investor. For the coming years, projects are scheduled in Bucharest that will add over 1,000 new rooms (a 10% capacity expansion), and cities such as Brașov, Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu, Constanța, and Craiova continue to attract global hotel chains.
Raluca Buciuc, Director at Colliers, estimates that international interest, especially for the premium and luxury segments, will continue to grow and could offset a possible contraction of domestic tourism in 2026, driven by inflation and fiscal measures. The Colliers Group, which manages global assets of 91.52 billion EUR and reports annual revenues of approximately 4.66 billion EUR, anticipates a diversification of the local profile market, conditioned by attracting new specialized developers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main driver of hotel growth in 2025?
The primary driver was international leisure tourism, which reached a record of nearly 5 million overnight stays, compensating for late-year economic volatility.
How did the luxury hotel segment in Bucharest perform?
5-star hotels in the capital achieved a 72% occupancy rate and an average daily rate of 140 EUR per night, outperforming the national average.
What are the development prospects for the coming years?
More than 1,000 new rooms are planned for Bucharest alone, while regional hubs like Brașov and Cluj continue to attract major global hotel chains.