In the last 10 years, tourism consumption has increased by 39%, with the largest contribution to this growth coming from people over 55 years old, accounting for 35% of the total increase, followed by “aspirants” (26-35 years old) at 21%, according to a study conducted by the tour operator Bibi Touring.
At the same time, in the last 10 years, people with low incomes, under 200 EUR/person, contributed the largest growth in tourism consumption, namely 17%, due to special “Early Booking” offers based on discounts for early ticket purchases—offers that did not exist before.
In contrast, people with higher incomes maintained their tourism consumption, though they gave up extravagant “once in a lifetime” vacations.
Adrian Voican, the initiator of the survey, general manager of Bibi Touring and president of the ANAT marketing commission, stated that domestic consumption remains constant at the 50% threshold of the total population, but outbound tourism and mixed vacations are developing rapidly. Romanians’ appetite for foreign vacations has increased 2.5 times in the last 10 years, from 9% in 2004 to 24% in 2014. Moreover, one in three Romanian tourists uses the services of a travel agency to buy a vacation.
At the same time, an increase in the consumption of mixed vacations (domestic and abroad) of over 20 times was noted, from a percentage of 0.2% in 2004 to 5.4% in 2014.
In 2014, those closest to travel agency services were those who bought foreign vacations—58% compared to 53% in 2004, while for vacations in Romania, 16% of respondents turned to agencies compared to 25% ten years ago.
In 2014, half of those who went on vacation informed themselves about destinations via the internet, while 30% used agencies and 20% used friends, whereas in 2004, the internet in Romania was only at its beginning.
According to the study, demand for 1-star hotels has disappeared, while the option for 4 and 5 stars has tripled.
This year, 55% of tourists prefer to go on vacation by plane compared to 21% in 2005. 28% of tourists choose their own car as a means of transport, compared to 15% in 2005, and only 16% still choose the coach, compared to 25% in 2005.
A vacation/family budget of under 1,000 RON is allocated by 11% of tourists in 2015, compared to 34% in 2005, while an amount of over 4,000 RON is allocated by 17% of tourists, compared to 5% in 2005.
Source: Economica
Frequently Asked Questions
Which age group contributed most to the growth of the Romanian tourism market?
People over the age of 55 were the primary drivers of growth, accounting for 35% of the total increase in tourism consumption over the last decade.
How has the preferred method of travel changed for Romanian tourists?
There has been a massive shift toward air travel, with 55% of tourists preferring planes today compared to just 21% in 2005, while coach travel has declined.
What are the current trends regarding vacation budgets and hotel quality?
Romanians are spending more, with the percentage of families allocating over 4,000 RON tripling since 2005. Additionally, demand for 4 and 5-star hotels has tripled as 1-star options have lost popularity.