The Federation of Employers in the Hospitality Industry in Romania (FPIOR) is calling on the Romanian Agency for Investment and Commerce (ARICE) and the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism (MEAT) to make it compulsory to present Romanian tourism promotion materials at all international fairs and economic events in which the Romanian state participates, regardless of the sector concerned. The proposal, put forward by Corina Martin, vice-president of FPIOR, comes in the context of a meeting at the Consulate General of Romania in New York and aims to create a strategic partnership for the promotion of the country through diplomatic missions.
According to FPIOR, Romania is in last place in Europe in terms of attracting foreign tourists, a situation caused by the low budget allocated to promotion and the dismantling of tourism offices abroad. Corina Martin points out that the country is not capitalizing on its considerable potential, which includes internationally recognized brands such as Dracula and Transylvania, unique natural attractions like the Danube Delta, but also major cultural events such as the Untold and George Enescu festivals. These assets are not integrated into a coherent national promotion strategy.
The initiative focuses in particular on the United States market, which is considered an important emitter of tourists to Europe, with a significant untapped potential for Romania. To this end, FPIOR has proposed to the Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) in the country to start a coordinated promotion plan in the USA, using the diplomatic missions in New York, Miami, Chicago and Los Angeles as levers. The move is supported by the existing logistical infrastructure, namely the direct Bucharest-New York flight, and by the prospect of a new direct Bucharest-Chicago route, which will be operational from 2026. The proposal also includes that the relevant ministry, together with the DMOs, will prepare and distribute promotional materials to all Romanian embassies and consulates.