This year, specialized operators estimate the number of foreign tourists visiting Romania will stagnate at the level registered last year, at its best. However, there are certain market segments such as cruises, tours and spa tourism, which will register demand growth.
George Marginean, manager of Karpaten Turism, tour operator specialized on incoming stated that Karpaten travel agency will bring in total 5% more tourists in Romania in 2009, than in 2008, as the demand increased on the main European markets, except England.
This year, 40 ships will arrive in Constanta port, out of which 23 will come through Karpaten Turism. 18,000 foreign tourists are thus expected. The number of foreign guests reaching Constanta will be 12% higher than the one registered last year.
A pronounced increase compared to last year is envisaged for cruises on Danube river. Thus, 117,000 tourists are expected to arrive in the main ports, taking into consideration that in 2008, less than 100,000 tourists came with cruise ships on Danube river.
Moreover, Karpaten Turism specified that tourists also show interest in tours around the country. The agency counts on a number of 21,800 clients on this segment this year.
Karpaten Turism estimates the turnover will be maintained at the same level as in 2007, when the agency registered EUR 12 mil. turnover.
Julian Andrei, General Manager of Blue Line International, tour operator specialized on incoming, stated the number of German tourists coming this season in Romania through ITS partner will drop 40% compared to 2008, down to 3,000 persons.
A 20-30% drop is forecasted for Israel market. In 2008, the agency registered approximately 5,000 tourists from Israel.
Blue Line International estimated for the current year, the business travel segment will register a decreasing demand by 30% compared to 2008.
Nicu Radulescu, President of the Organization of Spa Owners’ in Romania foresees for the crisis period that the interest for spas will increase, especially on wellness category. The number of foreign tourists on this segment is also expected to grow, especially from traditional generating markets, such as Israel or Germany but only in resorts where investments have been developed.
Nicolae Demetriade, Manager of World Travel, exclusive representative of Royal Caribbean Cruises for Romania and Moldova Republic, stated the demand for cruises increased by approximately 20% this year compared to 2008.
Demetriade estimates the cruises market in Romania is valued at EUR 4 mil. annually, on all cruise companies.
According to the data provided by the European Commission, Romania registered 19.1 mil. overnight stays in accommodation facilities, 1% more than in 2007. Only 3.3 mil. of the total number of overnight stays came from foreign tourists, decreasing to 6.2% compared to 2007.
Sursa: Financiarul [25.03.2009]
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Fivestar Hospitality Consulting 
