Operators optimistic about tourism recovery in Romania by 2027

Despite a challenging first half of 2026, with a reported 4.1% decrease in tourist arrivals, half of tourism operators in Romania are hopeful for an improvement by 2027. The optimism comes in light of the recent challenges, including a significant drop in revenue, where 76.4% of operators indicated a decline for the year.

The White Paper on Tourism in Romania, launched by IMM România in partnership with Groupama and supported by the Ministry of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, aims to address these issues. President of IMM România, Florin Jianu, emphasized the need for predictability and direct support for tourism entrepreneurs.

Statistics reveal a concerning trend in the sector, with 49.5% of operators reporting revenue reductions exceeding 20%. The total number of tourists in the first half of 2026 reached only 5.55 million, reflecting a strong reliance on the domestic market.

Tourism operators also face challenges such as low occupancy rates and insufficient public support, with over 60% citing these issues as major obstacles. Additionally, more than 80% of firms depend on self-financing, while around 29.9% rely on bank loans and 27% access European funds, primarily for new equipment and infrastructure.

Județul Constanța continues to dominate Romania's tourism landscape, with a notable increase in national accommodation capacity, which grew by nearly 30% from 2020 to 2025, reaching over 464,000 places. Operators are adapting to market demands, with 58.82% of tourist packages including breakfast and a significant portion targeting leisure travel, which attracts 46% of visitors.

Looking ahead, 48.1% of operators believe vacation vouchers could have a significant positive impact on recovery efforts, alongside the benefits of reduced VAT acknowledged by 17.3% of respondents. As the industry navigates these turbulent waters, the collaborative efforts outlined in the White Paper may pave the way for a brighter future in Romanian tourism.