Romania Ranks Last in Europe for Foreign Tourists, Agency President Says

Romania is struggling to attract international visitors, ranking last in Europe in this regard, according to Alin Burcea, president of the Paralela 45 travel agency.

Burcea stated on "Adevărul Interviews" that Romania should leverage its competitive advantages in niche tourism markets. He specifically mentioned ecumenical tourism, city breaks, festivals, and spa tourism as areas with potential. He highlighted cultural tourism, exemplified by the Enescu Festival, and entertainment tourism, represented by festivals like Untold and the seaside resorts of Mamaia Nord, as key attractions.

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We are the last in Europe in attracting foreign tourists.

He also offered advice to travelers, urging them to verify that travel agencies are licensed and to always sign a contract before making payments to avoid potential fraud. "Every agency must give you a tourism contract. You check the Ministry of Tourism's website to see if the agency exists," Burcea advised.

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Every agency must give you a tourism contract. You check the Ministry of Tourism's website to see if the agency exists.

Addressing the high prices on the Romanian coast, Burcea attributed them partly to a short tourist season and the level of taxation. He contrasted this with Bulgaria, which he noted has a longer, warmer season and historically lower taxes. However, he pointed out that since Bulgaria joined the Eurozone, prices there have risen significantly, diminishing its appeal as a budget destination.

Burcea criticized the lack of funding for tourism promotion in Romania, despite an announced budget of 5 million euros for this year by the Minister of Economy, Irineu Darău. He estimated that only 2.5 million foreign tourists visited Romania in 2025, a figure he considers alarmingly low for a European nation.

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In Bulgaria the season is longer, it is warmer, and taxation has been much lower for a long time.