Ministry of Tourism returned 3.5 million EUR unspent from the 2017 promotion budget to the Government
The Ministry of Tourism has returned the sum of 3.5 million EUR to the Government, money remaining from the promotion budget of 5.5 million EUR. The Ministry failed to pay even 50,000 EUR to major German tour operators to keep Romanian tourism offers in their printed catalogs, stated Alin Burcea, the president of ANAT, in a press conference.
He stated that the closure of Romania’s tourism offices abroad last May was also not a good thing, as they would not have destroyed the ministry’s budget.
The head of ANAT confesses that he cannot say that Romanian tourism benefited from extraordinary promotion last year. Unfortunately, he added, if there is no investment in promotion – spots, television, internet, foreign tourists do not come.
Source: Profit
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Ministry of Tourism return the money to the Government?
The Ministry returned 3.5 million EUR because it failed to utilize the allocated promotion budget, including missing payments to international tour operators for catalog placements.
What was the impact of closing Romania’s tourism offices abroad?
According to ANAT, the closure of these offices in May 2017 was a negative move that reduced Romania’s international presence without providing significant budgetary relief.
What is needed to attract more foreign tourists to Romania?
Industry experts emphasize that consistent investment in promotion through TV spots, the internet, and partnerships with major tour operators is essential to attract foreign visitors.