5.9% drop in foreign tourist arrivals in Romania in the first two months

In the first two months of the year, foreign tourist arrivals in Romania, reported at border crossing points, were of 897,400, declining 5.9% compared to the same period of the previous year. Most visitors came from European countries – 96.3%, according to the National Institute of Statistics.

64.6% of the total number of foreign tourist arrivals came from the European Union countries, Hungary ranking first – 44.1% followed by Bulgaria – 17.0%, Italy – 7.5%, Germany – 7.2% and Austria – 3.9%.

According to the INS, the departures of Romanian visitors abroad, reported at borders, were of 1,642,300, declining 5.5%, the road transport being the most used mean of transport.

From January 1 to February 28, 2010, arrivals registered in accommodation facilities cumulated 630,000, decreasing by 8.4%. Romanian tourist arrivals accounted for 78.5%, while foreign tourist arrivals accounted for 21.5%.

Arrivals in hotels account for 76.1% of the total arrivals in accommodation establishments, declining 3.9%.

The number of overnight stays in accommodation facilities were of 1,273,900, decreasing by 12.9% compared to the first two months of 2009. The overnight stays of Romanian tourist represented 78.1%, while those of foreign tourists represented 21.9%.

In the first two months of 2010, the net occupancy of bed places was 16.3%  for the total accommodation facilities, by 3% lower.

In February this year, the arrivals of foreign visitors in Romania, reported at border were of 427,400, declining by 6.9% compared to February 2009, according to the INS. Most of foreign tourists came from countries from Europe – 96.4%.

Departures of Romanian tourists abroad, registered at border crossing points declined 5.8% down to 704,200. Transport road was the most used – 76.9%.

Arrivals in accommodation facilities in February 2010 cumulated 321,500, decreasing by 8.5% compared to Feburary 2009.

At the same time, the overnight stays in accommodation establishments registered 644,800, decreasing by 15.1%.

The net occupancy of bed places in February 2010 was 17.3% for the total number of accommodation facilities, decreasing by 3.6% compared to February 2009.

Sursa: Bloom Biz [07.04.2010]