To date, Romania has not registered for any of the main international tourism fairs, such as World Travel Market London, FITUR Madrid, or ITB Berlin, marking its first absence from the London fair in over 40 years, according to representatives of the National Association of Travel Agencies (ANAT) and the Incoming Romania Association (AIR).
In this context, ANAT and AIR are drawing the Government’s attention to the total neglect of incoming tourism through an open letter addressed to the interim Minister of Economy, Entrepreneurship, and Tourism, Virgil Daniel Popescu.
According to data provided by Eurostat, in July 2021, compared to the same month last year, Romania recorded the largest decrease in incoming tourism (foreign tourists) in the European Union, facing a 90% reduction in nights spent by foreigners in accommodation units.
Tourism contributes to the growth and development of the national economy, on one hand, through the numerous economic connections it generates in relation to other economic sectors, by creating jobs and contributing to GDP, and on the other hand, by building and strengthening an image identity, a notoriety in the collective mind, and by constructing a country brand that attests to the uniqueness and quality of the destination. Incoming tourism, in particular, represents an export activity for the country through the foreign currency brought into Romania by foreign tourists.
Given that the largest events of this kind abroad are already launched and in the registration process for physical participation (World Travel Market London, FITUR Madrid, ITB Berlin, etc.), ANAT and AIR request the relevant ministry to communicate as soon as possible the short- and long-term promotion strategy for Romania and the list of international exhibition events where the ministry will participate with a stand in the coming period (the rest of 2021 and 2022).
Additionally, ANAT and AIR ask the representatives of the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship, and Tourism (MEAT) to expedite the transmission of regulatory norms for exhibitor participation in Romania’s national stand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Romania missing the London tourism fair?Romania failed to register for the World Travel Market London, marking its first absence in over 40 years due to a lack of a clear promotion strategy from the authorities.
What is the impact of the decline in incoming tourism?According to Eurostat, Romania saw a 90% drop in nights spent by foreign tourists, which directly affects foreign currency inflows and the development of the national brand identity.
What are the industry associations requesting from the Government?ANAT and AIR are calling for the urgent communication of a short- and long-term promotion strategy and a schedule of international exhibitions for 2021-2022.