The owner of the Depo construction materials warehouse chain is developing one of the hotel projects in Sfântu Gheorghe that began more than two years ago. The total investment will exceed 4 million euros, part of which is allocated by the Pro Economica Alapítvany Foundation.
The hotel was developed based on an existing workers’ hostel and was acquired by the current owner in 2017. Until 2019, the building underwent structural and foundation renovation and restoration processes to withstand earthquakes. Starting in 2019, the development of the four-star hotel began. It features a total of 45 rooms with an area of approximately 33-35 sqm, including 3 suites, single rooms, twin rooms, deluxe rooms, and even rooms with kitchenettes. The initial estimated investment was 2.5 million euros, to which 1.5 million euros from the Pro Economica Alapítvany Foundation were added. The hotel will feature: bars, restaurants, meeting rooms, and with the recently acquired adjacent land, it will include an urban spa, a meeting and event hall in the future. The project will be completed this winter and is currently in the interior design phase. The hotel will have 20 new employees, and the recruitment process will begin next year.
The main issue for hotel investments in the last two years relates to the increase in construction material prices and the waiting time for the delivery of various items. In percentage terms, the increase in material prices means exceeding the budget by 25%. The opening deadline remains in the second quarter of 2022. The price of a double room will be at least 60 euros/night, and for single occupancy in the range of 45-50 euros/night.
Although most hotel investments in the Brașov-Covasna area are primarily for leisure tourism, the future development prospects of Brașov International Airport are optimistic regarding business tourism in the region. In addition to business travel, the owner’s goal is to host athletes training and competing in the area. Monika Kozma, executive director of the Pro Economica Foundation, stated: “We want to encourage the economic development of the Transylvania region, including through urban reconversion projects like the one in Sfântu Gheorghe, which practically transformed an abandoned building in the city into a hotel for business tourists. This project not only will generate new jobs in the area but will also emphasize the investment potential of the area by attracting business tourism.”
The Pro Economica Alapítvany Foundation will invest 44 million euros in non-reimbursable funds in several tourism projects in Transylvania. The region is a highly successful one that has demonstrated potential over the last few years, so the investments will bring considerable economic growth, create new employment opportunities, but also bring new opportunities for tourists. Through the project selection, 11 tourism development projects were approved, including four-star hotels and tourism support facilities. According to preliminary estimates, these projects will create about 500 new jobs, with a total investment of about 100 million euros. These 11 hotels will create nearly 500 new jobs and approximately 700 rooms. Among the funded projects are 20 apartments in Vârșag, Harghita County, and a 115-room hotel in Târgu Mureș. Accommodation facilities include spas, treatments, bobsleigh tracks, ski slopes, and private plane access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total investment value for the hotel in Sfântu Gheorghe?
The total investment exceeds 4 million euros, partially funded by the Pro Economica Alapítvany Foundation.
When is the new hotel scheduled to open?
The four-star hotel is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2022.
How many jobs will this hotel project create?
The project will create 20 new jobs, with the recruitment process set to begin next year.