Published on
December 31, 2025
Bucharest, often celebrated as the “Little Paris of the East,” is at a crossroads. Known for its eclectic mix of Belle Époque architecture, brutalist landmarks, and a nightlife scene that rivals Europe’s major capitals, the Romanian city has enjoyed a significant tourism boom in 2025. However, as we look toward 2026, a new legislative change is stirring the pot in the local hospitality sector.
Authorities in Bucharest have officially approved a fixed tourist tax of 10 Romanian Leu (approximately €2) per night, set to take effect on January 1, 2026. While the fee might seem modest, the manner of its implementation and the lack of a transparent spending plan have sparked a heated debate between city officials and the hotel industry.
The Breakdown: What Visitors Need to Know
Unlike many European cities where tourist taxes are calculated as a percentage of the room rate—meaning a luxury suite pays more than a hostel bunk—Bucharest has opted for a flat-rate model.
Starting in 2026, every visitor staying in paid accommodation will be charged the same amount:
Levy Amount: 10 RON (~€2) per person, per night.Applicability: Applies to all hotels, guesthouses, and digital booking platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com.Collection: The fee will be collected by the accommodation provider at the time of check-in or booking.
Officials project that this new revenue stream will generate nearly €3 million (15 million RON) annually. The intended purpose? To fund the marketing and international promotion of Bucharest as a premier travel destination.
Why the Backlash? The Industry Responds
While the goal of promoting the city sounds noble, the Federation of the Romanian Hotel Industry (FIHR) and other stakeholders have voiced strong opposition. The primary concerns are twofold: transparency and timing.
Lack of a Concrete Plan: Industry leaders argue that the tax was approved without a detailed roadmap for how the funds would be spent. “We are seeing the collection of money without a clear vision for the ‘added value’ promised,” one representative noted. There is a fear that the funds might disappear into general administrative budgets rather than being used for tangible tourism infrastructure.
Impact on Momentum: Romania has recently seen a surge in international visibility, particularly with attractions like the world-class Therme spa and a growing “city break” reputation. The FIHR warns that introducing a flat tax during this growth phase could discourage budget-conscious travelers and make Bucharest less competitive compared to regional rivals like Sofia or Budapest.
The Official Defense: “Added Value”
Despite the criticism, Deputy Mayor Stelian Bujduveanu has defended the measure. He maintains that the tax is essential for the city to compete on a global stage. Currently, Bucharest’s promotional budget is dwarfed by other European capitals. By creating a dedicated fund, the city aims to host more international events, improve tourist signage, and launch global digital marketing campaigns.
Bujduveanu has assured the public that the levy is a standard practice in modern tourism management, aligning Bucharest with cities like Venice, Barcelona, and Prague, which have all expanded their tourist fees in recent years to offset the impact of visitors on local infrastructure.
The Human Element: How It Affects Your Trip
For the average traveler, an extra €2 a night isn’t likely to break the bank. On a typical three-night weekend trip, the total added cost is roughly €6. However, for families or long-term travelers, the cumulative cost adds up.
More importantly, the tax introduces a new layer of bureaucracy. Travelers should be prepared to see this as a separate line item on their hotel bills. Furthermore, the city has warned of strict penalties for non-compliance, with fines reaching up to 4,000 RON (€785) for businesses that fail to collect or report the tax correctly.
A Global Trend in 2026
Bucharest is not alone in this move. The year 2026 is shaping up to be the year of the “Visitor Levy.” From Edinburgh’s new 5% tax to Japan’s increased departure fees, governments worldwide are looking for ways to make tourism “pay for itself.”
As Bucharest prepares for the transition, the eyes of the travel world are on the city’s General Council. Will the €3 million truly be used to polish the city’s image, or will it become a point of friction that slows down one of Europe’s most exciting emerging destinations?
For now, travelers planning their 2026 escapes to Romania should factor in the “Bucharest Two-Euro” and keep an eye on how the city chooses to spend its new fortune.