The Federation of the Romanian Hotel Industry (FIHR) is calling for closer cooperation between local authorities and private operators for the development of tourist destinations, emphasizing that occasional, one-off promotion cannot compensate for the lack of investment in infrastructure, services, and integrated strategies. Following meetings held in Cluj-Napoca and Târgu Mureș with administration representatives and industry specialists, the organization indicated that the sector requires a predictable framework, shared governance, and effective measures to resolve the severe staff shortage.
According to FIHR proposals, Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) must have continuity, access to data, and predictable budgets, with the federation advocating for linking the local tourism promotion tax to the existence of a functional DMO and the transparent reinvestment of funds. To address the labor shortage, the employers’ association requests training programs tailored to market demands, simplified access to County Employment Agencies (AJOFM) instruments, and faster procedures for recruiting and integrating workers from outside the European Union. In addition, operators request that control bodies focus on guidance and prevention, while also pointing out operational difficulties in complying with new European requirements regarding packaging and food waste management. The measures are justified by industry performance: although July saw over 4.7 million overnight stays (a 6.1% increase compared to July 2025), the first seven months of 2026 recorded a 3.1% decline, totaling 15.5 million overnight stays, of which 79.9% were domestic tourists and 20.1% foreign visitors. FIHR President Simona Constantinescu pointed out that a single positive month does not solve the sector’s structural issues, and the conclusions will be translated into dialogue proposals for the authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main reforms requested by FIHR?
FIHR is calling for predictable budgets for Destination Management Organizations (DMOs), transparent reinvestment of tourism taxes, and closer public-private cooperation.
How does FIHR propose solving the labor shortage in tourism?
The federation recommends market-aligned vocational training, simplified access to employment agency tools, and expedited procedures for hiring non-EU workers.
Why are structural reforms needed despite recent tourism growth?
Although July saw a 6.1% increase in overnight stays, the first seven months recorded an overall 3.1% decline, highlighting persistent structural vulnerabilities.