Tourism and hotel industry representatives are calling on the Government for support regarding incoming tourism activities, as well as incentives for hotel construction. They state that a clear strategy for tourism development is needed, along with a rethinking of the tourism law to meet industry requirements.
Calin Ile, president of the Federation of the Romanian Hotel Industry (FIHR), states that the promotion of Romania as a tourist destination must be done through public-private partnerships and ensured by professionals in the field.
The FIHR representative also spoke about the support needed for hotel construction. “Of course, we want this, and it already exists in the form of de minimis aid and through European funds. The problem here is that cost standards for hotel (and hospital) construction should be updated and not be identical to those for residential buildings,” added Calin Ile.
One of the requests from travel agencies is to reduce VAT to 5% for tour operators as well, as it is for restaurants and hotels. Currently, travel agencies have a 19% VAT rate.
Tour operators are also asking for support for incoming activities, suggesting the adoption of former minister Bogdan Trif’s proposal, which provided for 50 EUR to be granted for every foreign tourist staying in Romania for more than 5 days.
Furthermore, tourism investors are calling for incentives for hotel construction.
Carmen Pavel specified that the legislation needs to be rethought and a unified law created. A clear and coherent strategy for tourism development must also be established. We do not have enough hotels, and there are also infrastructure problems. She also says that facilities could be granted for related industries so that, for example, food or toiletries are purchased from local producers.
In addition, Carmen Pavel believes that labor policies are necessary, as there is a need for staff, citing the Work&Travel Program in the USA as an example.
Source: Profit
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main requests of the Romanian tourism industry?
Industry representatives are requesting support for incoming tourism, incentives for hotel construction through updated cost standards, and a VAT reduction to 5% for tour operators.
What proposal exists to attract foreign tourists?
There is a proposal to grant a 50 EUR subsidy for every foreign tourist who spends more than 5 days in Romania, a measure designed to stimulate incoming tourism.
Why is a change in tourism legislation necessary?
The industry calls for a unified law and a clear strategy to address infrastructure issues, labor shortages, and to encourage purchasing from local producers.