Tourism operators claim the 2021 season was much better than 2020 in terms of revenue, but the 2019 level has not yet been reached, with the lack of holiday vouchers being felt in domestic tourism.
Hoteliers chose to increase prices by 10-15%, even though the rates for products and services in Romania increased by percentages between 10% and 30% compared to pre-pandemic levels, stated representatives of the National Association of Travel Agencies (ANAT).
Regarding the prices recorded this year in the Romanian tourism sector, Traian Badulescu, the spokesperson for ANAT, specified that they adjusted to inflation.
“As economic analysts have observed, for almost any product or service of any kind in Romania, rates have increased by between 10 and 30% compared to how they were before the pandemic. In tourism, especially for owners of accommodation structures but not only, utility prices have increased, salaries have increased, and there is also a problem regarding qualified personnel, who are increasingly difficult to find. Hoteliers chose to increase prices to a minimum, by 10-15% as the case may be, they did not follow the higher growth trend,” he stated.
Badulescu specified that the Romanian Black Sea coast had a recovery season in 2021. Tour operators selling the Romanian coast and their resellers made a good choice, ensuring survival and even a minimal profit, plus greater predictability.
“Several tour operators and hoteliers believe that the 2021 summer season will be, when the line is drawn, as good as the 2019 season, the last normal season, or perhaps even better. It remains to be seen. What is certain is that it was a good season, which further restored tourism on the coast.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Romanian tourism perform in 2021 compared to 2020?The 2021 season saw a significant improvement in revenue compared to 2020, though it still lagged behind the 2019 pre-pandemic levels.
What was the average price increase in the Romanian hotel industry?Hoteliers increased prices by 10-15%, which was lower than the general inflation rate for services in Romania, which ranged between 10-30%.
What factors impacted the domestic tourism market in 2021?Key factors included the absence of holiday vouchers, rising utility costs, and a shortage of qualified personnel in the hospitality sector.