46% of small Romanian tourism entrepreneurs did not apply for economic support measures during the state of emergency, and 5 out of 10 owners of such businesses stated they can resume activity without any problems, according to the results of a study conducted by the Association of Ecotourism in Romania (AER) among small businesses in ecotourism destinations.
According to the specialized research, 92% of those managing small tourism businesses said they plan to implement additional protection measures, while 8% have not yet considered such steps. At the same time, 37% believe that the set of safety measures should be developed by central authorities, but 41% of respondents felt that they themselves are responsible for developing these measures.
Furthermore, approximately half of all small entrepreneurs claim they can resume activity without any problems, but 40% remain cautious regarding the possibility of contamination for themselves, their guests, and the local community.
At the same time, 11% intend to delay the resumption of activity due to fear of contamination.
The majority of respondents (39%) will resume activity as soon as possible; two-thirds believe they will return to the market in June, and over a quarter (29%) in July.
The AER study was conducted between May 1 and May 5 and included interviews with 119 respondents, consisting of guesthouses (73%), travel agencies (12%), and guides (15%). These represent small businesses from various destinations with a representative distribution across the country: Eco Maramureș, Pădurea Craiului, Țara Dornelor, Țara Hațegului – Retezat, Băile Tușnad and Surroundings, Transylvanian Hills, Bison Land, the Danube Delta, and Zărnești – Piatra Craiului.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of small tourism businesses did not use state aid?According to the AER study, 46% of small Romanian tourism entrepreneurs did not apply for economic support measures during the state of emergency.
When do these businesses plan to resume their operations?The majority plan to return in June (two-thirds) and July (29%), with 39% aiming to resume as soon as possible.
Who participated in the AER study?The study included 119 respondents, consisting of guesthouses (73%), travel agencies (12%), and guides (15%) from various ecotourism destinations in Romania.