The six natural salt mines opened to tourists by Salrom S.A. and Turda Salina S.A. have annual revenues of over 30 million RON, according to data collected by ECONOMICA.NET. The revenues come from both tourism services for all ages and access to spa facilities.
In 2014, over 1.2 million people visited the five tourist salt mines belonging to the National Salt Company, Salrom S.A., in which the government is the majority shareholder.
Salrom’s revenues from tourism services amounted to over 21 million RON and will remain at the same level in 2015, stated General Manager Alexandru Duca.
Salrom’s gross profit from tourism reached nearly 5.1 million RON in 2014, meaning that, in this business line, the company achieved a gross profit rate of nearly 24%, one of the highest in the economy.
Salt mines and tourism services bring about 20% of Salrom’s total profit.
Salina Turda was visited by 500,000 people in 2014 and recorded revenues of over 8.5 million RON. It is managed by SC Turda Salina Durgau SA, controlled by the Turda Local Council. The company boasts a gross profit of nearly 740,000 RON in 2014.
Salt mines are attractive not only for their therapeutic and spa benefits but also for attractions that bring tourists of all ages.
Salina Turda has entered the gallery of the world’s most attractive underground tourist sites and has drawn enough attention for Google Street View to offer spectacular images of the former imperial mines.
Salina Turda carried out a Phare project worth 8.5 million EUR, of which European funds constituted 63%, and the rest was provided by the Turda Local Council and the Cluj County Council.
In 2014, Salrom invested 1.5 million EUR at Praid and over 13 million RON in all tourist salt mines between 2010 and 2014. This year, investments of over 600,000 RON are budgeted.
Source: Economica
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the most visited salt mines in Romania?
The most visited are Salina Turda and the five mines managed by Salrom, including Praid, Slănic Prahova, and Ocnele Mari.
What is the economic impact of salt mine tourism?
Tourism in Romanian salt mines generates over 30 million RON annually, with high profit margins reaching up to 24% for some operators.
How has Salina Turda gained international recognition?
Salina Turda became globally famous following an 8.5 million EUR modernization project and its inclusion in Google Street View.