The Covid-19 crisis has had a powerful impact on tourism, but the most recent study conducted by Szallas Group, which includes the online hotel platform Travelminit.ro, and Nielsen IQ highlights that the pandemic has further stimulated tourists’ desire for vacations: in 2022, Romanians’ willingness to travel will be even higher than in the pre-pandemic period, though there will be changes regarding their preferences for accommodation types and chosen services.
As expected in the midst of the pandemic context, smaller accommodation units, such as guesthouses, cabins, and apartments, which can offer tourists the privacy and safety they need, are increasingly sought after by Romanians.
In Romania, the share of hotels decreased from 26% in 2019 to 24% in 2020, while the share of non-hotel bookings increased from 20% to 24%. The non-hotel segment includes apartments, villas, and summer houses.
Although the differences do not seem significant at first glance, the figures show that the number of hotel bookings will stagnate, while the number of bookings for smaller accommodation units will see a sharp increase.
“Almost all participants (98%) in our study need flexibility and the possibility to change their planned stay and cancel their trip for free. Not surprisingly, the preference for additional hygiene services (e.g., hand sanitizer, masks, gloves) and appropriate social distancing conditions (e.g., reduced capacity, in-room dining) is also over 95%,” explained Kata Padar from Nielsen IQ.
Participants expect mask-wearing mainly by staff; nearly two-thirds of travelers would not book accommodation where masks are mandatory for guests as well. Trust and booking security are among the primary reasons why people choose a certain type of agency or booking platform.
The shift toward the online environment and platforms was also visible in the tourism industry. Over three-quarters of respondents now search for information about accommodations and travel opportunities on online booking sites.
In addition, accommodations abroad with an included wellness package will be in high demand, while the intention to travel domestically has increased by 30% for hiking, 16% for business trips, and 14% for various programs.
According to the research conducted by Szallas Group and Nielsen IQ, Romanians wish to continue traveling for recreational purposes; however, following the outbreak of the pandemic, 20% more respondents stated they chose domestic destinations in 2021 compared to other years. At the same time, the study reveals a significant increase in travel by personal car, not only in Romania but also in the Central and Eastern European region, considering that 96% of respondents generally prefer to travel in their own cars.
Currently, as before, travelers consider the same 3 essential aspects when booking accommodations both domestically and abroad. At the top of the factors influencing the booking decision are:
1) the location of the accommodation, how close or far it is from the attractions they are interested in,
2) the price per night,
3) the rating score of the accommodation given by other tourists.
According to the study, in the future, Romanians want to travel twice as often as in pre-Covid times, especially in the Central and Eastern European region, including countries such as Hungary, Croatia, and Bulgaria.
Last but not least, it is worth noting that the pandemic facilitated the digitalization of tourism operators. Given that almost all processes now happen online, both accommodation providers and clients wishing to travel have invested in their digital platforms, applications, and skills. This trend is an upward one and will continue to develop the Romanian tourism industry, offering more opportunities to travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Romanians choosing guesthouses over hotels?
Romanians are opting for smaller accommodation units like guesthouses and cabins because they provide the privacy and safety that travelers prioritize in the post-pandemic context.
What are the top factors for booking accommodation?
The primary decision factors are the location’s proximity to attractions, the price per night, and the review scores provided by previous guests.
How has the pandemic affected travel frequency?
According to the study, Romanians intend to travel twice as often as they did before the pandemic, with a strong interest in Central and Eastern European destinations.