Bucharest attracted 418,000 foreign tourists in the first five months of the year, a slight increase compared to last year, but the current airport infrastructure puts pressure on the sector’s development. Representatives of the hotel industry consider the expansion of Henri Coandă International Airport to be a critical priority for Romania’s image and tourism.
Between January and May, the number of foreigners staying in accommodation units in the capital recorded a 3% increase compared to the same period last year. In total, Bucharest attracts only about one million foreign tourists annually in accommodation facilities.
In this context, Daniel Ben-Yehuda, the head of the five-star Sheraton hotel in the capital — one of the largest such units in the country —, argues that investing in a new terminal at Henri Coandă airport is an absolute necessity. He draws attention to the current congestion at the airport and emphasizes that airport infrastructure creates the first impression for foreign visitors arriving in Bucharest and Romania.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many foreign tourists visited Bucharest in the first five months of the year?
Bucharest attracted 418,000 foreign tourists in the first five months of the year, representing a 3% increase compared to the same period last year.
Why are hoteliers demanding a new terminal at Otopeni Airport?
Hoteliers argue that airport expansion is essential because the current congestion hurts tourism development and creates a poor first impression for foreign visitors.
How many foreign tourists stay in Bucharest annually?
Bucharest attracts approximately one million foreign tourists annually in accommodation facilities.