Published on
September 6, 2025

Romania’s tourism industry is facing a tough economic moment, according to the latest White Paper on Tourism, now in its fifth edition. The report, published this week by IMM Romania in Constanța, found that 70% of tourism operators say their earnings are down, and overnight stays are falling too. Complementing this, figures from the National Institute of Statistics (INS) show that, in the first half of 2025, the total number of travellers checked into accommodations dipped by 0.8% to 7.6 million. On a more positive note, the number of overnight stays rose a tiny 0.3% to 16 million.

The White Paper, created with input from Groupama Asigurări and backed by the Ministry of Economy, Digitalisation, Entrepreneurship, and Tourism, cautions that a widespread crisis could hit the sector without decisive action. A central worry is a possible shift in tourism’s VAT rate to the standard 21%. If that change occurs, hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies may raise prices further, leading to even lower visitor numbers and revenues.

Tourism Decline Amid Economic Strain

Romania’s travel and tourism scene is feeling the squeeze in 2025, and the numbers tell the story. The country reports a small drop in tourist arrivals from 2024, barely enough to sound the alarm, yet the 0.3% rise in overnight stays barely compensates. Hospitality businesses are hearing the knock of lower revenues and starting to fret about a future where guests may choose a different beach. Operators on the front line say the slow trickle of cancellations and shorter getaways worries them the most. They see the trend and brace themselves for the months ahead.

At the seaside, Constanța is taking the tourist punch hardest. Bustling with beach-goers, the city once glowed with the scent of fresh mackerel and shouts from sun-chased children with sand on their toes. This summer, it feels different. Operators say the beach chairs are full, yes, but the fridge receipts and utility bills are so much taller. Inflation and raw costs have swept through the snack stands and family-owned pensions, making a plate of zarzavaturi or an overnight stay feel like a small revolution for the one-time family. The glimmer of the Black Sea still sparkles in the pamphlets, yet wallets have closed, and locals worry the lively music on the promenade could fade if the numbers stay tight.

Romania’s popular resorts, from the sandy shores of Mamaia to the mountain peaks of Sinaia and the winter slopes of Poiana Brașov, are feeling the pinch. These hotspots, which welcome both local and international visitors, recorded fewer reservations for 2025. Travel operators are having a tough time keeping prices low because their own costs are climbing, and, despite some areas claiming longer stays, those extra nights can’t make up for the overall drop in guest numbers.

Tour operators are especially worried about a possible VAT hike that would raise the tourism rate to the regular 21%. Experts warn that imposing this standard rate could snatch more than 10 billion RON from the tourism economy. If overnight stays, ski passes, or beach activities suddenly carry a higher VAT, customers may choose Poland, Bulgaria, or Greece instead, pushing revenues and jobs further down.

Many tourism businesses in Romania run on razor-thin margins. Hearing that taxes might go up adds stress to an industry that’s already battling rising costs. When expenses climb and flights and lodging also cost more, some travellers may decide on a different country. That’s especially true since nearby nations aren’t raising taxes the same way, letting them offer better deals.

The White Paper calls on the government to drop the idea. It says a clear, fair tax policy is the backbone of tourism growth and that stability is the only way to build lasting success.

Looking Ahead to Romanian Tourism

Even with headwinds, Romania is full of travel promise. The country combines historic charm and stunning nature, with UNESCO sites and majestic landscapes waiting to be explored. Travel hot spots like Bran Castle (often linked to the Dracula legend), the fairytale villages of Transylvania, and the soaring Carpathian Mountains offer more than scenery—they promise stories and adventures that stick with visitors long after the trip ends.

Conclusion

Romania’s tourism industry will keep powering up the economy, and the government is taking steps to solve industry challenges. Ongoing work to upgrade roads, rail, and airports will boost links between cities and the countryside. Projects are also focusing on smart and eco-friendly visits, using resources without using them up. By making these upgrades, Romania wants to keep drawing in international visitors while also encouraging locals to explore more of their own beautiful country.