Romanian Tourism Revenues Lag Behind Other EU Member States

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Romanian tourism has low revenues compared to other EU member states.

The direct contribution of tourism to the national economy represented approximately 3% of GDP in 2019, being low in comparison with other European Union member states. Austria exceeds 5%, while Greece and Hungary surpass even 7%. The absolute value corresponding to the 3% share was 6.652 billion EUR in 2019. For 2020, a reduction of this figure by 30 to 50% is expected.

Travel outside of Romania was not the primary factor to which the underdevelopment of tourism is attributed. In addition to the number of accommodation places which has stagnated in recent decades, the occupancy rate of these places did not record a significant increase until 2019, remaining at approximately 40%. Another factor contributing to the underdevelopment of tourism is the transport infrastructure, both road and rail.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the contribution of tourism to Romania’s GDP?

In 2019, tourism contributed approximately 3% to Romania’s GDP, amounting to 6.652 billion EUR.

How does Romania’s tourism revenue compare to other EU countries?

Romania’s 3% contribution is significantly lower than that of Austria (over 5%), Greece, and Hungary (both over 7%).

What factors hinder the growth of Romanian tourism?

The main obstacles include poor road and rail infrastructure, stagnant accommodation capacity, and low occupancy rates.