In recent years, Bucharest has become a tourist city, and the summer occupancy rate of hotels has increased 2-3 times.
In the 2009-2014 period, most hotels in Bucharest lived exclusively on business tourists. The average hotel occupancy rate rose to approximately 50-60% during the period considered peak – September, October, November, and in July and August it dropped to around 20-30%, stated Mihai Acatrinei, treasurer of the Romanian Hotel Industry Federation (FIHR) and general manager of the Ramada Majestic hotel in central Bucharest.
He says that, on average, a hotel’s profitability threshold is somewhere around 50-60%, so in the two summer months, left without business travelers, Bucharest hotels operated at a loss. In the last 3 years, however, things have changed, and Bucharest has become attractive for tourists coming for relaxation.
Bucharest is considered a safe destination, given that many other cities, much more attractive for tourism, have lost this advantage.
In addition, in Bucharest, hoteliers lower summer rates by at least 30%, which does not happen in cities with a tradition in tourism. In this context, this year, hotels in the capital reached an occupancy rate of over 60% in July and August, and the trend is increasing from year to year, specified Mihai Acatrinei.
Most clients are foreign tourists, generally families with children, from Israel, France, Italy, or Germany. Their average stay is around 2.5 days.
Source: Profit
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Bucharest seeing more tourists during the summer?
Bucharest has become a safe and affordable alternative to other European cities, with hotel rates dropping by at least 30% during the summer months.
How has the hotel occupancy rate changed in Bucharest?
Summer occupancy has increased from 20-30% in previous years to over 60% currently, as the city shifts from business to leisure tourism.
Who are the typical tourists visiting Bucharest?
Most visitors are foreign families from Israel, France, Italy, and Germany, with an average stay of 2.5 days.