According to the Romanian National Institute of Statistics, the total number of non-residents accommodated in collective tourist accommodation structures in the fourth quarter of 2015 was 477,600 and their expenses were, in total, 1269,4 millions RON. Consequently, for the whole year 2015 the number of the non-residents tourists accommodated in collective tourist accommodation structures was 2,23 millions and their expenses were, in total, 5634,5 millions RON.

The main reason why the foreign tourists came to Romania was for businesses, congresses, conferences, lectures, fairs and exhibitions (55,9% of the total number of non-residents tourists), their expenses representing 59,5% of the total.

The second reason for travelling to Romania was represented by the trips with particular purpose (44,1% of the non-residents tourists) especially leisure holidays (62%). The trips with particular purpose  include trips for holidays (leisure), shopping, cultural and sport events, visiting friends and relatives, medical treatment, religion, transit and other activities.

Of the total expenses for business trips, the highest percentage was represented by the accommodation expenses (53,3%), especially accommodation with breakfast included (90,2%). The non-residents tourists’ expenses in restaurants and bars were 16,4% and for shopping 12,7%. Of the total expenses for shopping, 38,4% represented the expenses for food and beverages followed by expenses for gifts and souvenirs 35,4%. The expenses for cars renting  had a percentage of 61.0% of the total expenses for transport and the expenses for access in entertainment parks, fairs, casinos, game halls represented 52,1% of the total expenses for recreation.

Of the total non-residents arrived in Romania, 49,0% organized their stay through travel agencies, and 28,7% organised their stay on their own.

The primary mean of transportation used by the non-residents tourists to arrive in Romania was the plane ( 77,8% of the total tourists). Personal cars represented 12,5%, followed by coaches and buses with 8,7% and other means (train, river boats, rented cars, motorcycles,  etc.) 1,0 %.

Tania Basaraba

Incoming Romania Association