Dragos Raducan, first vice-president of the Romanian Tourism Employers’ Federation (FPTR), stated that approximately 45% of the hotels and guesthouses in the resorts of Prahova Valley are unprofitable and have been put up for sale, but for this very reason, they cannot find buyers.
He estimates that due to the weekend congestion on DN1, the national road connecting Bucharest to the northwest of the country, the resorts are becoming increasingly empty. Sinaia is the most crowded, followed by Busteni and Predeal, but mainly only during weekends.
In Predeal, the occupancy rate is around 28-30% annually, while in Sinaia, it reaches towards 40%.
The solution, in Dragos Raducan’s opinion, is the construction of a highway from Bucharest to the mountains and the development of a wider range of leisure facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are so many hotels for sale in Prahova Valley?
About 45% of accommodation units are for sale because they are currently unprofitable due to low annual occupancy rates.
How does traffic affect tourism in the region?
Heavy congestion on the DN1 national road during weekends discourages tourists, leaving resorts increasingly empty during the week.
What are the proposed solutions for the local tourism crisis?
Experts suggest building a highway from Bucharest and developing more leisure and entertainment facilities to attract visitors.