According to statistical data provided by the National Institute of Statistics (INS), by the end of July 2017, a 5% increase in the number of tourists was recorded compared to 2016.
Mamaia, Eforie Nord, and Venus were the resorts with the highest demand, while Costinesti, Neptun, and Eforie Sud were at the opposite pole.
In the period from May to July, approximately 590,000 tourists arrived on the Romanian seaside, of which over 26,000 were foreign tourists.
The top 10 countries of origin for foreign tourists arriving on the Romanian seaside in July 2017 were: Germany, USA, Israel, France, Poland, United Kingdom, Italy, Belgium, Austria, and the Republic of Moldova.
As of September 1, 2017, according to the official website of the Ministry of Tourism, there were 1,510 classified accommodation structures in the Romanian seaside resorts, including Constanta, Eforie, and Mangalia, which had 49,201 accommodation units and provided a total of 107,112 beds, according to the FPTR.
Accommodation units in 1 and 2-star hotels were sold 60% through travel agencies and 40% through other booking systems. Accommodation units in 3, 4, and 5-star hotels were sold 35% through travel agencies and 65% through other booking systems.
Although the number of tourists statistically increased by 5% compared to last year, the profit did not exceed that of the previous year, being even lower. The causes were the increase in the wage fund, the rise in utility costs, and the increase in food prices.
For a product to be competitive nationally and especially internationally, it must be identified in the market and present itself as a coherent product that addresses specific consumer niches, presenting precise attributes. Unfortunately, a major problem for the Romanian seaside is that, for years, the resorts have not maintained or developed these attributes in a way that defines the destination.
Even though expenses increased significantly in 2017, some investors will reinvest the profit obtained in 2017, especially in the northern Mamaia area, the Navodari area, and the southern seaside, where they will be interested in new investments. Investments in existing tourist reception structures will continue to raise the level of comfort to at least 3 stars. The international context will continue to be favorable for the development of domestic tourism and incoming tourism.
Regarding rates, they will remain approximately the same or increase by a maximum of 5%. There will be a dispute between major tour operators with recognized creditworthiness to contract accommodation spaces, especially 3, 4, and 5-star ones, which offer half-board, full-board, and all-inclusive accommodation types.
Source: Wall-Street
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Romanian seaside resorts were most popular in 2017?
Mamaia, Eforie Nord, and Venus saw the highest demand, while others like Costinesti and Neptun lagged behind.
Why did profits decrease despite more tourists?
Rising operational costs, including higher wages, utility bills, and food prices, offset the 5% growth in visitor numbers.
How are accommodation sales distributed by hotel category?
1-2 star hotels rely more on travel agencies (60%), whereas 3-5 star hotels sell mostly through direct or online booking systems (65%).