The Federation of Romanian Tourism Employers (FPTR) announced that over 161,000 Romanians spent EUR 36.4 million on New Year’s Eve celebrations. Of these, 152,000 chose domestic resorts and 9,000 Romanians chose international destinations for New Year’s Eve.
The 152,000 Romanians who spent New Year’s Eve in domestic resorts spent approximately RON 142 million, 51% more compared to the previous year, while tourists who went abroad spent EUR 4.8 million, a 12% decrease compared to the previous year, FPTR announced.
The increase in the number of tourists in Romania is due to the classification campaign carried out by the National Authority for Tourism in 2014, with over 70,000 new accommodation places being classified this year.
The largest increase was recorded in the rural segment, where the number of classified places almost doubled. Out of a total of 100,000 accommodation places, 80,000 places were made available during this period, with a 70% occupancy rate by the 56,000 tourists who preferred to spend New Year’s Eve in the countryside.
Mountain areas were chosen by 37,050 people, and 31,500 people paid for New Year’s Eve offers at hotels in Romania’s major cities, an increase of approximately 5% compared to the previous year. Another 27,000 Romanians chose to spend the holidays in spa resorts, only 500 people opted for the seaside, and only 100 for the Danube Delta.
Rates increased by an average of 5% compared to the previous year.
According to FPTR, the most sought-after areas were Prahova Valley, Poiana Brasov, Paltinis, Calimanesti, Felix, and the traditional rural areas of Bran-Moieciu, Maramures, and Bucovina.
Regarding international destinations, FPTR data shows a 12% decrease in the number of Romanian tourists and an 8% decrease in the amounts spent. The most sought-after international destinations remained Austria, Bulgaria, Greece, and France.
A large part of Romanian tourists purchased tourism services using online booking systems.
FPTR also stated that for the first time in the last 25 years, it will be possible to lower rates in domestic tourism in 2015, due to the VAT reduction from 24% to 9% for all types of tourism packages containing at least accommodation, as well as the use of holiday vouchers starting January 1st.
Source: Business24
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Romanians spend on domestic New Year’s Eve trips?
Romanian tourists spent approximately RON 142 million on New Year’s Eve vacations in domestic resorts, a 51% increase compared to the previous year.
Which tourism segment saw the highest growth?
The rural segment recorded the highest growth, with the number of classified accommodation places nearly doubling, being preferred by 56,000 tourists.
What changes are expected for Romanian tourism in 2015?
In 2015, a decrease in rates is expected due to the VAT reduction from 24% to 9% for tourism packages and the introduction of holiday vouchers.