Romania’s tourism to benefit from Greek crisis

Romania and Bulgaria could attract a significant additional number of foreign tourists this summer as the crisis in Greece and fear of a euro zone exit has made the country a less popular tourist destination, according to a press release from the Federation of Tourism and Services Employers’ Associations (FPTS) quoted by Agerpress.

Another factor that should make foreign tourists consider a holiday in Romania, is the increase of vacation prices in Turkey, a popular destination in the region, say FPTS representatives.

“The relocation of tourists and foreign tour operators in the context of the problems in Greece, can be an unexpected opportunity for Romania to attract a significant number of foreign tourists. Romania can also take advantage of the fact that Turkey, a country with a developed tourism industry and with a strong tradition on western and east European markets, has increased the prices for the 2012 season, based on the country brand. This has lead to a relative decline of demand for vacation packages inTurkey,” said FPTS representatives, adding that Romania and Bulgaria are the only two countries in the region which can benefit from this situation.

Even if Bulgarian seaside resorts are more popular at a European level than their local counterparts, Romania can still take advantage of the context in Greece if certain issues are being addressed, recommends FPTS.

The all inclusive system should be expanded and brought to the standards expected by foreign tourists. The authorities and private operators should also consider investments in local spa resorts, many of which are in deplorable state, as spa tourism is a popular holiday destination abroad. Tax incentives for the hospitality industry are also necessary in order to make this sector competitive, argues FPTS.

According to the same source, representatives of the local tourism industry should work together and come up with national strategy to improve Romania’s tourism offer.

“This is an opportunity we will not have again any time soon. Romania’s economy already suffers from the financial problems in Greece. The local tourism industry should offset some of these losses as it is the only sector that can bring benefits in a situation that otherwise poses difficulties for the Romanian economy. This way the industry can slightly recover the decrease in revenues in the past years, which is estimated at 16 percent,” reads the press release.