The landscape of Romania’s tourism promotion at the start of 2026 is characterized by major contrasts between local initiatives, amid the blockage of central funding for participation in international exhibitions. While Timiș County mobilized its own funds for a strategic presence at the Belgrade Tourism Fair, the spring edition of the Romanian Tourism Fair in Bucharest highlighted significant discrepancies between county approaches, ranging from complex rebranding strategies for the Bihor resorts to representation based exclusively on volunteer work in the case of Caraș-Severin County.
The Timiș County Council, together with Horetim and Visit Timiș, is participating from February 19–22, 2026, in the Belgrade Tourism Fair, an event that attracts over 42,000 visitors annually. The decision to organize its own stand was made after national funds for external fairs were blocked, and Romania had no official stand in Vienna either. The delegation is promoting the candidacy of “Banat – European Gastronomic Region 2028,” considering Serbia an essential market for tourism in the western part of the country. Corina Macri, president of Horetim, emphasized that Serbian tourists are vital for the region, benefiting from geographical proximity that eliminates the need for air transport.
Simultaneously, in Bucharest, the Romanian Tourism Fair (held at Romexpo, with sources indicating the interval February 10-15 or February 12-15, 2026) was marked by low institutional participation. Caraș-Severin County was officially absent, represented only by tourism guide Nicolae Șușară, who promoted the Mountainous Banat at his own expense. The offer presented included major natural attractions such as Cheile Nerei–Beușnița National Park, Caraș Gorges, and the Oravița–Anina Railway, highlighting the lack of a unified strategy from the county authorities, in direct contrast to the coherent approach of their neighbors in Timiș.
At the opposite pole from the situation in Caraș-Severin, the Association for the Promotion of Tourism in Băile Felix and Băile 1 Mai, in partnership with Visit Oradea, demonstrated a solid repositioning strategy. The country’s largest balneotherapy resort aims to transition from a traditional medical treatment image to a lifestyle and SPA destination. Their stand highlighted recent investments in 4 and 5-star hotels, the properties of thermal waters, and leisure opportunities, including bike trails and a rich calendar of events, targeting an audience interested in wellness and international standards of comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Timiș County participating independently in international fairs in 2026?
Due to the suspension of national funding for international tourism fairs, Timiș County decided to use local funds to maintain its visibility on key markets like Serbia.
What is the main objective of the Banat delegation in Belgrade?
The delegation aims to promote the region’s candidacy for “Banat – European Gastronomic Region 2028” and attract Serbian tourists who benefit from geographical proximity.
How are the Băile Felix and Băile 1 Mai resorts being repositioned?
The resorts are shifting their marketing focus from traditional medical balneology to a modern lifestyle, wellness, and luxury SPA destination following significant 4 and 5-star investments.