Tourism spending in Romania surpasses 5 billion euros in 2025

In 2025, tourism spending by foreign visitors in Romania exceeded 5 billion euros, marking a significant milestone for the country's tourism sector. This figure reflects a remarkable growth, nearly 2.8 times higher than in 2016, showcasing Romania as an increasingly attractive destination for international travelers.

Over the past decade, the average annual growth rate of foreign tourists' expenditures in Romania has been around 12%. Notably, Romania has enjoyed the fastest growth in this area among all European Union member states, outpacing neighboring countries like Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland, which have seen annual increases of only 3% to 5%.

The latest statistics indicate that while there was a slight decrease of nearly 4% in spending compared to 2024, the first quarter of 2026 showed a promising recovery with over 8% growth compared to the same period last year. This resilience highlights the ongoing appeal of Romania as a travel destination.

The leading markets for tourism in Romania in 2025 included the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Italy, collectively generating close to 2 billion euros—approximately 40% of the total foreign tourism spending. American tourists alone contributed 554 million euros, while German, British, and Italian visitors spent 546 million, 518 million, and 463 million euros, respectively.

As Romania continues to enhance its tourism infrastructure, it is projected to add over 5,000 hotel rooms by the end of the decade, reflecting a 5% increase in the existing stock of approximately 42,000 accommodations in higher categories. New brands entering the local market, such as The Hoxton, Hyatt, and Kempinski, signal a commitment to elevating the hospitality experience for visitors.

According to Raluca Buciuc, Director and Partner of Valuation & Advisory Services at Colliers, Romania is increasingly seen as an accessible, less crowded destination that offers unique experiences compared to other well-trodden tourist paths in Europe. This perception, coupled with the remarkable growth in spending from Japanese tourists—who now spend 13 times more than in 2016—positions Romania as a key player in Central and Eastern European tourism.

For Romania to truly capitalize on its tourism potential, ongoing investments in both tourism and hotel infrastructure will be essential. The international tourism sector could become one of the main drivers of growth for the local hotel industry, reinforcing Romania's position in the region and contributing to its overall economic development.