Călin Ile, president of the Federation of the Hotel Industry in Romania, says that the local market is expected, this year, to reach the level of 2019.
In 2019, the local market had total business of nearly 6.5 billion RON, but the first year of the pandemic brought a decrease of almost 50%, making it the most difficult year for the local hotel industry.
Bucharest and other large cities in the country had a better performance compared to the national average, with major hotels in the Capital recording occupancy levels in the last 3 months of 2022 more or less comparable to those in 2019, especially due to the significant recovery of both leisure and business travel.
Călin Ile believes that mountain and spa tourism will perform well this year, but uncertainty remains for the summer season.
Tenders for beach rentals have not started, although there is nearly one month left until the official opening of the summer season on May 1st. Furthermore, beach expansion created problems for tourists and, implicitly, for hoteliers as early as two years ago. At the same time, the lifting of restrictions and the possibility of traveling abroad affected the demand for the Romanian coast in 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Romanian hotel market expected to recover?
The industry is expected to reach the 2019 revenue peak of 6.5 billion RON within the current year.
Which sectors of the Romanian tourism market are performing best?
Bucharest and large cities, along with mountain and spa resorts, are showing the strongest growth and occupancy rates.
What factors are affecting Romanian seaside tourism?
Challenges include delayed beach rental auctions, logistical issues from beach expansions, and increased competition from international travel.