Oradea remained among the country’s top tourist destinations in 2022, maintaining its 7th position with 215,000 recorded visitors.
The Director of APTOR (an association known online as Visit Oradea) presented the 2022 activity report for this destination management organization. The entity operates based on a public-private partnership launched in 2015 between the Oradea local authority and major tourism stakeholders from Oradea and Băile Felix. As of November 2022, the association added a new member—the Bihor Hospitality Association, representing nearly 60 HORECA entrepreneurs (restaurants, cafes, hotels, guesthouses, and event venues).
Furthermore, as of April 2022, APTOR was recognized by Government Decision 579/2022 as a public utility NGO.
In October, with support from the World Bank, APTOR became a member of the EU-Sustainable Tourism partnership program. This working group, featuring specialists from over 20 countries, was launched by the European Commission and the Council of Europe for experience and know-how exchange regarding urban tourism challenges, protected areas, and funding sources.
In 2022, 10.5% of total arrivals were international tourists. The top source countries for foreign visitors were Hungary, Germany, and Italy.
An important performance indicator for a destination and the financial results of accommodation units is the occupancy rate. 2022 saw an average occupancy rate of 36%, an increase over 2021, though still below the peak of 48% reached in 2019.
In the “Destination of the Year 2022 in Romania” initiative, Oradea was a finalist in the historical regions category. Due to this nomination, Oradea was featured in the Destination of the Year presentation brochure at the World Travel Market 2022 in London (November 7-9), one of the world’s most significant tourism fairs.
To support the tourism industry, APTOR continued its benefits campaign for visitors to Oradea last year, offering free admission to museums and tourist sites, free public transport, and discounts at participating local cafes and restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tourists visited Oradea in 2022?
Oradea welcomed 215,000 visitors in 2022, allowing the city to maintain its 7th place ranking among Romania’s top tourist destinations.
Which countries are the main sources of international tourists for Oradea?
International visitors accounted for 10.5% of total arrivals, with the majority of tourists coming from Hungary, Germany, and Italy.
What was the hotel occupancy rate in Oradea in 2022?
The average occupancy rate reached 36% in 2022, marking an increase from 2021 but still trailing the pre-pandemic high of 48% recorded in 2019.