Romania tourism sector sees mountain declines and seaside discounts

The Romanian tourism sector is experiencing varied results for the 2026 season. Mountain tourism has faced significant challenges, with hoteliers reporting activity decreases of 15% to 30%. National Institute of Statistics data shows a 4.1% drop in mountain resort arrivals and a 6.7% decrease in overnight stays compared to 2025. In Argeș county, Romanian tourist numbers fell by nearly 25% in the first half of the year.

Conversely, the Black Sea coast is implementing strategies to extend the season. The 49th edition of the ‘Litoralul pentru Toți’ (Coast for Everyone) program began on September 1, offering discounted accommodation in ten seaside resorts, with prices starting as low as 39 lei per person per night in Eforie Nord. Approximately 67 accommodation units have joined the initiative to boost off-season activity.

New entertainment models are also emerging, such as the Nibiru destination in Costinești, which reported 2.6 million visitors during its inaugural season through large-scale music festivals. Meanwhile, travel trends indicate a shift toward budget-conscious tourism, with Bucharest and Tirana noted as highly affordable European city-break destinations. In neighboring Bulgaria, the coastal sector is struggling with high prices and declining service quality, driving some tourists toward Greek alternatives.