OPTBR: Spa tourism severely affected by energy price hikes
Spa tourism in Romania must be a national priority, but currently, it is being buried because, besides the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, with the increase in electricity and natural gas tariffs, most spa treatment centers risk no longer being able to afford their operations, warns the president of the Employer’s Organization of Spa Tourism in Romania (OPTBR), Nicu Rădulescu.
Treatment facilities consume a lot of energy, being equipped with special devices, heated baths, etc. Invoice values have increased 5 to 9 times and, as such, it is impossible to pay them anymore.
“Immunity is the most important thing. Spa tourism in Romania must be a national priority and currently, I say this with regret, I find that it is being buried,” claims Nicu Rădulescu in a press release.
In this context, OPTBR considers the implementation of an additional compensatory measure “urgent and absolutely necessary,” namely capping electricity and natural gas tariffs at the level of average 2019 tariffs for companies whose object of activity includes providing spa treatment services.
“Increasing the practiced tariffs in relation to the increases in utility tariffs would certainly mean blocking beneficiaries’ access to spa treatment service packages. The price indexing approved for 2022 for spa treatment tickets distributed to pensioners is only +5.05%, far below the growth rate of utility tariffs, given that the budget allocated for this purpose for economic agents remained the same as in 2021, decreased by a percentage of approximately 70% compared to the 2020 allocation. Social tourism is thus in great danger, and access to spa treatment services for disadvantaged social categories is very limited,” stated Nicu Rădulescu.
Reprezentatives of OPTBR emphasize that, although Romania possesses the richest spa resources in Europe, and if until the beginning of the pandemic the spa industry developed thanks to efforts from the business environment, the salvation of this field depends almost entirely on the decisions and support provided by central authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Romanian spa tourism currently at risk?
The sector is facing a severe crisis due to the explosive increase in energy and gas prices, with bills rising between 5 and 9 times higher than previous levels.
What solutions does OPTBR propose to save the industry?
OPTBR is calling for an urgent cap on electricity and natural gas tariffs at 2019 average levels specifically for spa treatment providers.
How does the energy crisis affect social tourism for pensioners?
With utility costs soaring and treatment ticket indexing at only 5.05%, many disadvantaged groups and pensioners risk losing access to affordable spa services.