Romania's Tourism Potential Hampered by Lack of National Promotion, Agency Head Says

Romania possesses an attractive tourism potential that is largely untapped due to insufficient promotion on international markets, according to Alin Burcea, president of the Paralela 45 agency.

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This is the paradox of Romania: hardly anyone comes because they don't know what they'll find here. But after they arrive in Romania, after a week or two, many tourists are delighted by what they discover.

Burcea stated that while foreign tourists who visit Romania are often pleasantly surprised by the country's offerings, their numbers remain far below potential because "nobody brings them here." He explained that individual travel agencies attempt to promote Romania through their own campaigns, including online efforts, but these private initiatives are inadequate without a national strategy.

"The paradox of Romania is this: hardly anyone comes because they don't know what they'll find here. But after they arrive in Romania, after a week or two, many tourists are delighted by what they discover," Burcea said. He emphasized that Romania is losing foreign tourists because it lacks a strong presence in external markets and cannot compete with other destinations that consistently invest in promotion.

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Each agency does its own promotion, through Instagram, through other channels, but the state does not help us.

"You can spend two million euros promoting Romania and get results. Some countries have significant promotion budgets. We are discussing very small sums for a sector that brings money to the budget and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs," he noted. Burcea added that the tourism industry employs approximately 400,000 people and generates substantial revenue for the state through taxes.

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You can spend two million euros promoting Romania and get results. Some countries have significant promotion budgets. We are discussing very small sums for a sector that brings money to the budget and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs.

He pointed to Polish tourists as an example of a market with greater potential for Romania. "Romania was a small destination for Poles. We tried to promote it more, and people were very satisfied. But you have to go there, talk to companies, do promotion. Nobody comes just because Romania exists on the map," Burcea explained. He believes the issue is not a lack of attractions but the inability to effectively market the country internationally, comparing Romania's situation to that of other nations investing heavily in tourism.

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A tourist does not automatically come to a country because it has mountains, sea, or beautiful cities. They need to know about them. There must be a strategy, campaigns, and constant promotion.