The results of the 2017 season were analyzed by member agencies of the National Association of Travel Agencies (ANAT) and hoteliers from the southern and northern seaside, as well as from spa resorts, during the annual meetings held in September to find ways to increase sales.
In a press release, ANAT contested the data from the National Institute of Statistics (INS), claiming that tourism on the Romanian seaside decreased this summer due to bad weather, rates 10% higher than last year, and unfulfilled government promises regarding the issuance of holiday vouchers for public sector employees.
Unpredictable weather, offers for foreign destinations, direct sales by some seaside hoteliers, and rates averaging 10% higher than last year led to a decrease in the number of tourists in seaside resorts during the 2017 season; sales recorded through travel agencies remained, in general, at last year’s level, according to the ANAT statement.
Mamaia remained the most sought-after resort, followed by Eforie, Venus, Jupiter, and Neptun, chosen especially by families with children. The average stay on the seaside was 5.5 days.
The value of stays purchased with holiday vouchers amounted to only EUR 10.3 million by the end of July, as these are currently granted only within the private sector.
„We expected that public sector employees, totaling 1.2 million people, would also receive holiday vouchers this year and that the market would grow from EUR 10 million in 2016 to EUR 380 million, according to our calculations. Meanwhile, for public employees, their value was set at only RON 1,450 per person, and the budget rectification, which allowed public institutions to grant holiday vouchers, only took place at the end of the summer,” stated Adrian Voican, First Vice-President of ANAT.
Demand for holidays in spa resorts brought 20% higher sales in the 2017 season, and even more in more developed areas, followed by mountain resorts and the Danube Delta, while seaside sales were below expectations, according to a statement from the National Association of Travel Agencies (ANAT).
According to ANAT, families with children, who preferred hotels with aqua parks, thermal pools, and SPA centers for their holidays, were the main clients this year. The most requested resorts were Baile Felix, Baile Herculane, Sovata, Covasna, Vatra Dornei, Calimanesti-Caciulata, and Baile Olanesti, with an average stay of 7.5 nights.
Source: Capital
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did seaside tourism decrease in 2017?
The decline was caused by unfavorable weather, a 10% increase in rates, and the government’s failure to issue holiday vouchers for public employees on time.
Which resorts were most popular on the Romanian coast?
Mamaia remained the top destination, followed by Eforie, Venus, Jupiter, and Neptun, particularly among families with children.
Which tourism sectors performed well in 2017?
Spa tourism saw a growth of over 20%, while mountain resorts and the Danube Delta also experienced increased demand.