Brașov Airport: 600,000 Passenger Target and County OMD

Brașov-Ghimbav International Airport (AIBG) aims to reach a traffic volume of 600,000 passengers this year, driven by a 10% increase in the number of foreign tourists, despite an overall decline in local tourism. This target was announced during a working meeting organized by the Brașov County Council, which brought together local authorities and relevant hospitality industry stakeholders to discuss the tourism development strategy and the operationalization of the Destination Management Organization (OMD) at the county level.

Adrian-Ioan Veștea, President of the Brașov County Council, stated that the airport has entered its third year of full operation, showing an upward trend. For the current year, the boarding/disembarking platform is expected to expand by five additional stands, an investment aimed at supporting the increased passenger flow. Although the total number of tourists in the county decreased by approximately 8% last year compared to the previous year, the foreign tourist segment recorded a 10% advance, largely attributed to air connectivity.

Daniel Micu, General Manager of AIBG, highlighted the interdependence between aviation and tourism, pointing out the objectives for 2026: growing the incoming segment, developing integrated tourism packages, and consolidating charter flights. In this context, Corina Martin, Vice President of FPIOR, insisted on the necessity of the Brașov County OMD’s functioning to attract airlines and facilitate external promotion funded by the tourism tax, considering incoming charter flights essential for the destination’s revenue.

Silviu Costea, President of the Brașov Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized the importance of infrastructure investments, such as the Polyvalent Hall and facilities in Ghimbav, alongside major events like the Rockstadt Festival, for attracting tourists. The main objective remains increasing the average length of stay to balance the tourism trade balance, a necessity heightened by the decrease in Romanian tourists’ purchasing power and the reduction in sales based on holiday vouchers.

Currently, the documentation for the establishment of the Brașov County OMD is undergoing approval at the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship, and Tourism. Founding members include the Brașov County Administrative-Territorial Unit, the Airport Authority, Romsilva, as well as private operators such as the administrators of Dino Parc and the Bran Estate. The new structure’s priority will be the development of the Brașov County Tourism Destination Promotion Strategy and remains open to new members.