Over 78% of Romanians who participated in a survey between May 10 and 19 want to return to the Romanian coast this summer, despite the current context generated by the coronavirus pandemic.
The most important criterion based on which tourists will choose their seaside stay is the special measures taken by hoteliers. Among these, most indicated that the placement of disinfectant dispensers, the wearing of masks by staff, and the disinfection of children’s playgrounds would provide them with a sense of safety, according to the survey conducted by the online travel agency Litoralulromanesc.ro.
More than 78% of the Romanians who participated in the survey claim they want to return to the Romanian coast this season, 20% have not yet decided whether or not they will vacation in domestic Black Sea resorts, and less than 2% deny the possibility of a vacation in this destination.
Despite the current context, all-inclusive remains the preference for seaside tourists, being chosen by 60.8% of respondents. Over 29% of them have not yet made a decision, and only 10% want something else.
The most important criterion for choosing a stay this summer on the Romanian coast is represented, for nearly 40% of the study participants, by the special measures taken by hoteliers.
For 26.2%, the primary factor is the decrease in the number of Covid-19 infections, for 23% special rates take precedence, and for only 12.5%, the most important are the measures taken by the authorities.
In the opinion of tourists, the most effective measures that should be taken by hoteliers are the placement of disinfectant dispensers (88.2% of respondents), the wearing of masks by staff (70.4%), the disinfection of children’s playgrounds (62.3%), and plexiglass panels at the reception.
Some tourists also want disposable bed linen, the removal of beach mattresses, room disinfection after each guest, daily temperature checks for employees and tourists, tables for a maximum of four people, room service, and distance between sunbeds and between tables.
Although they want masks for hotel staff, if the requirement for tourists to wear masks in enclosed public spaces remains valid during the summer months, the number of those wanting to go to the seaside drops from 78% to 64%, and the percentage of undecideds increases to 30%. Under these conditions, 5.6% of respondents no longer want to come to the coast.
Asked about the main reason why they will choose a stay on the domestic coast this year instead of a beach destination abroad, 48% of survey participants stated that they prefer vacations in Romania in general, and 17% choose Romanian Black Sea resorts because they feel safer here.
For 15.3%, the fact that they can reach the seaside with their own car matters, and for 10.3% that it is close to home, while 7.5% feel more protected because they do not have to cross the border.
The survey was conducted online on a sample of 1,181 people between May 10 and 19, 2020. People from all counties of the country participated in the study; 69% of them are in the 25-44 age category, and 40% have university degrees. Over 67% of respondents stated that they last vacationed on the Romanian coast last year, and 19% two years ago. Nearly 85% spent their stay with family, 12.8% with friends, and the rest alone.
Of the total respondents, 77% specified that they go on vacation to the Romanian coast once a year, 11.4% twice a year, and 5.8% several times a year. Nearly 35% spent their vacation in Mamaia last year, 21.4% in Eforie Nord, and the rest in other resorts. Almost half of the study participants stated that they prefer all-inclusive vacations on the Romanian coast, and most choose 3-star structures (58.6%), while approximately 24% choose 4-star ones. Only 3.1% choose 5-star accommodation units, and 13.8% choose 2-star ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary safety measures tourists expect at the seaside?Tourists prioritize the availability of disinfectant dispensers, staff wearing protective masks, and the regular disinfection of children’s play areas.
Is all-inclusive still a popular choice among Romanian travelers?Yes, despite the pandemic context, over 60% of survey participants still prefer all-inclusive packages for their seaside stays.
Why are Romanians choosing local resorts over foreign destinations?Key reasons include a general preference for domestic travel, feeling safer within the country, and the convenience of traveling by personal car.