Travel and tourism in Romania - statistics & facts
The tourism sector, as such, has become one of the most important contributors to a country’s growth and economic development. In 2024, Romania’s tourism sector accounted for almost five percent of the country’s GDP. Romania's unique relief features, such as the Carpathian Mountains, the Black Sea, the Danube Delta, and many wooded areas, rivers, and lakes, make the country one of the most intriguing tourist attractions in Europe. Romania also boasts several world heritage sites protected by UNESCO, namely the Churches of Moldova, Maramures, Transylvania, several Dacian Fortresses, and the Danube Delta. In 2023, 6,400 tourist accommodation establishments hosted over 13.65 million tourists.
Despite the thriving nature of the hospitality sector in Romania, it is overshadowed by the fact that its workers receive the lowest pay in the economy. This stark disparity underscores the urgent need for measures to improve the industry's labor conditions and ensure fair compensation for its workforce.
Romanians spend per trip a fourth of the average monthly salary
Romanian tourists' spending power is on the upswing, with their expenditure abroad reaching 4.87 billion euros in 2023. This substantial increase in overall expenditure has not only influenced the average spending per trip but also led to a 39.5-percent surge. Europe remains the preferred destination for Romanian travelers, with many choosing for car travel over air. Asia emerged as the second most popular destination for holidays and business trips in 2023, underscoring the sector's potential for growth.Hospitality is flourishing, but the workers have the lowest pay in the economy
The Romanian hospitality industry had the lowest average monthly salaries, although it increased by 17 percent in 2023. Most of the hotels in the country had three stars, but 204 were awarded five stars, representing only 1.6 percent of the total. Ana Hotel chain was the leading local hotel owner in revenue — 206.8 million Romanian lei, with a net profit of 28 million Romanian lei. On the other hand, Nemo Investment Vehicle, the legal representatives of the owners of Radisson Blu and Park Inn Hotels in Romania, ranked fourth by revenue but was the only company in the ranking to register a net loss — 49 million Romanian lei.Despite the thriving nature of the hospitality sector in Romania, it is overshadowed by the fact that its workers receive the lowest pay in the economy. This stark disparity underscores the urgent need for measures to improve the industry's labor conditions and ensure fair compensation for its workforce.
