Tourism, an industry employing over 300,000 people and generating over €10 billion in investments over the last 25 years—more than 99% of which is private—needs its own standalone ministry. However, its establishment must be followed by a series of measures to help develop this field.
In the opinion of the Federation of Romanian Tourism Employers (FPTR), the new minister should invite all tourism employer associations and stakeholders to jointly establish a calendar of actions regarding the development of the promotion strategy. We consider last year’s tourism promotion budget of only €2 million to be derisory, failing to cover even Romania’s participation in international tourism fairs.
FPTR believes there are four aspects that must be resolved urgently. First, a promotion strategy to put Romania on the international tourism map.
At the same time, there is a need for a correct definition of what a tourist resort of national interest means, so that they are no longer allowed to transform into apartment block neighborhoods. From all points of view—urbanistic and administrative—resorts should have a clear line to follow.
Another aspect is finding a correct formula regarding the workforce. Romanian tourism needs a solution through which employees can be kept in the country through a series of salary advantages.
Creating a clean, responsible business environment with obligations and rights is another expectation of the employer associations from the new Government.
Also, the National Association of Travel Agencies (ANAT) welcomes the initiative to establish the Ministry of Tourism in the new Government, after years of the field being moved from one ministry to another without being given due importance in the national economy.
“The employer association’s expectations from the new ministry are high, matching the need for its existence: we want a consistent multi-annual budget for promoting Romania as a destination abroad through a coherent promotion policy. We request state involvement to increase incoming activity through various stimulus measures for agencies that bring foreign tourists to the country, with direct effects on the national economy. We expect the application of the Holiday Vouchers Law in the public sector as well, a measure intended to increase domestic tourism. We also want a VAT reduction to 9% for travel agencies to eliminate the discrimination created by the rate reduction for related industries, hotels, and restaurants, as well as development programs in mountain areas and the extension of the seaside season,” stated Alin Burcea, president of ANAT.
The future Minister of Tourism, Mircea Titus Dobre, stated at the end of the hearings in the specialized parliamentary committees that the National Authority for Tourism (ANT) will be abolished, with the ministry taking over all employees. Dobre received a positive opinion from the parliamentary committees, with 38 votes in favor, 8 against, and two abstentions.
Additionally, Dobre said he wants to develop religious tourism.
The proposed minister promised that holiday vouchers for public sector employees, a measure included in the governing program, will be introduced this year. ”We want to take this measure in the first half of 2017,” Dobre stated.
Furthermore, the proposed Minister of Tourism estimates that the Tourism Law will enter into force in the second half of this year.
He maintains that tourism could reach a share of 4% of GDP in Romania through the application of new programs, up from less than 1% of GDP currently.
Source: Economica
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main demands of the FPTR from the new ministry?
FPTR is requesting an external promotion strategy, a clear definition of resorts of national interest, solutions for workforce retention, and a transparent business environment.
What measures does ANAT propose for the sector’s development?
ANAT seeks a multi-annual promotion budget, the granting of holiday vouchers to public sector employees, and a reduction of the VAT rate to 9% for travel agencies as well.
What is the new minister’s objective regarding tourism’s share of GDP?
Minister Mircea Titus Dobre estimates that through new programs and laws, tourism can reach a 4% share of GDP, up from less than 1% currently.