In the first three months of 2009, the Golden Tulip hotel chain recorded a 9-11% decrease in occupancy rate, amid the economic crisis. However, expansion plans in Romania will equate to a doubling of accommodation capacity over the next 10 years, stated Paul Marasoiu, regional director for Romania, Moldova, and Bulgaria of Golden Tulip Hotels, Inns & Resorts.<\/p>\n
In April, a more pronounced decrease in occupancy was observed, up to 18-20%, caused by the two Easter holidays, Catholic and Orthodox.<\/p>\n
Marasoiu stated that investments in the hotel sector will strongly relaunch from 2011, with existing capacity in Romania needing at least a doubling over the next 10 years.<\/p>\n
For the 2010-2012 period, projects for Golden Tulip are being evaluated in Timisoara, Arad, Satu Mare, Bistrita, Sucevita, Tulcea, Brasov. Currently, six Golden Tulip units operate in Romania.<\/p>\n
The Golden Tulip representative stated that three more units will be included in the company’s portfolio this year. Golden Tulip Ana Dome in Cluj will have a capacity of 109 rooms and will open by the end of May, following an investment of approximately 11 million EUR. Golden Tulip North Palladium Bucharest will have 144 rooms, required an investment of approximately 16 million EUR, and is estimated to open in December this year. Tulip Inn-Moeciu will have 91 rooms and will be inaugurated in July, with the investment amounting to 10 million EUR.<\/p>\n
Also, at the end of next year, the opening of the 5-star Royal Tulip Lighthouse Golf Course hotel will take place in Balchik, Bulgaria, with an accommodation potential of 220 rooms.<\/p>\n
On the local market, the construction of a 5-star unit is targeted within the next 3 years.<\/p>\n