The Romanian Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism (MEAT) has approved the financing of 12 investment projects in seaside and spa resorts in Romania. The financing contracts, concluded within the framework of this year’s call for the de minimis aid scheme, support economic operators in the modernization and development of tourism, spa, cultural, sports and leisure infrastructure. The total amount allocated exceeds RON 7.8 million. The funded projects include the modernization of accommodation units, the expansion of treatment facilities and the purchase of state-of-the-art medical equipment. The funding covers up to 50% of eligible expenditure, excluding VAT, and is aimed at increasing the attractiveness of tourist destinations and quality standards in spa resorts. Five projects approved in Bihor focus on the development of Băile Felix and Băile 1 Mai resorts. They include expanding accommodation capacities, upgrading treatment bases and building new facilities such as outdoor swimming pools. In the resorts of Băile Govora and Călimănești (Valcea) and Băile Herculane (Caras-Severin), projects aim to rehabilitate the tourist infrastructure and extend existing facilities, thus enhancing the attractiveness of these traditional spa destinations. Other investments:
- Slănic Moldova (Bacău): Creation of a center for physical rehabilitation through aquagymnastics and the use of natural therapeutic factors.
- Tășnad (Satu Mare) and Băile Călacea (Timiș): Purchase of high-performance medical equipment.
- Pucioasa (Dâmbovița): Expanding the local tourism infrastructure.
The de minimis scheme, carried out in collaboration with the Agencies for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and Tourism, aims to stimulate the local economy through the development of the spa and balneoclimatic sector. These investments help to diversify tourist services, increase visitor numbers and create new jobs. By supporting these projects, MEAT aims to strengthen Romania’s position as a top destination for health and relaxation tourism. Spa tourism in Romania is a significant sector of the tourism industry, benefiting from a variety of natural resources such as thermal and mineral waters, therapeutic muds and salt pans. These resources place Romania among the European destinations with outstanding spa potential. In 2023, Romanian tourism recorded a significant growth, with over 12.74 million people accommodated in tourist accommodation facilities, representing an increase of 11.1% compared to the previous year. Although specific data on revenue generated exclusively by spa tourism is not publicly available, it is estimated that this segment contributed significantly to the overall growth of the tourism industry. As of July 31, 2023, Romania had 12,697 tourist accommodation structures, 4.1% more than in the same period of the previous year, offering 433,487 accommodation places. Of these, a significant number are dedicated to spa tourism, concentrated in resorts such as Baile Felix, Baile Herculane, Sovata and Călimănești. The Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism (MEAT) has concluded 12 financing contracts under the de minimis aid scheme for the development of spa and balneoclimatic resorts. The beneficiaries are:
- Pod Serv Com SRL
- Shark Impex SRL
- Thermalis Travel SRL
- Bările Govora SA
- Cemin SRL
- Tourism and Treatment Aqva SRL Calacea
- SC ALINBOGDAN SRL
- Delianca SRL
- Cosmicom SRL
- Tourism SA
- Panlacto-Victoris SRL
- La Dolce Vita SRL