More and more Romanians spend their holidays on exotic beaches

The number of Romanian tourists choosing to spend their holidays on exotic beaches in islands such as the Maldives, Cuba, or the Caribbean is increasing from year to year, and the resorts operating in these regions compete with each other in offers. Local hoteliers have told us that Romanians are looking for luxury, relaxation, and unique experiences, and that's why hotels are equipped, among other things, with modern beaches, pools, spa and wellness services, water sports activities, entertainment programs, and specialized staff. In exotic destinations, the peak season lasts from November to April, so at this time, the resorts operating on sunny beaches have a nearly maximum occupancy rate.

• Desislav Gospodinov, Lily Hotels Maldives: "Romanian tourists who go to the Maldives are looking for luxury, relaxation, and unique experiences"

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the number of Romanian visitors to resorts in the Maldives, Desislav Gospodinov, Group Director of Sales & Marketing at Lily Hotels Maldives, told us, expecting the number of Romanian tourists to continue to grow in the coming years.

"Romanian tourists visiting our resort often seek luxury, relaxation, and unique experiences. They appreciate the clean beaches, refined cuisine, and personalized services we offer. The advantages of visiting Lily Hotel include personalized spa treatments, exciting water sports activities, and unforgettable culinary experiences. Our staff is accustomed to providing personalized services, ensuring that each guest's needs are met with care and attention to detail. From special requests to anticipating preferences, we strive to create a memorable experience that exceeds the expectations of any tourist. Whether it's the warm welcome upon arrival, the careful arrangement of rooms, or the top-notch service throughout the resort, we are committed to making every moment at Lily Beach truly unforgettable," Desislav Gospodinov conveyed.

The peak season in the Maldives extends from November to April and coincides with the dry season, and the weather conditions are favorable for spending quality time at the resort, the cited source appreciates, adding: "On average, we maintain occupancy levels of over 80% per year, and our guests come from various countries in Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, the Middle East, and Asia, maintaining a balanced percentage."

• Anne Thiele, Inclusive Collections/Hyatt Hotels&Resorts: "The number of Romanian tourists in the Caribbean has increased considerably"

With over 70 properties in the Caribbean and Latin America, Executive Inclusive Collections, part of Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, hosts an impressive number of tourists throughout the warm season, which lasts from November to April in the mentioned regions, Anne Thiele, Sales & Marketing within the hotel company, told us.

She says that among the visitors, there are more and more Romanians, from year to year: "In general, our resorts in the Caribbean are suitable destinations throughout the year, but certainly the main season here is from November to April, especially for our European customers who like to travel to the Caribbean to escape the cold winter. Since we have over 70 properties in the Caribbean and Latin America, we host an impressive number of tourists, mostly from North America, but also from Europe and South America. In general, they come from all over the globe, and from Romania to our resorts, we have more clients coming through the tour operator Eturia, mainly to Curacao, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic."

Compared to last year, Anne Thiele sees an increase in the number of Romanian tourists, especially for the Dominican Republic, which has recorded a growth of over 150% in this segment. She considers that our country's potential is very high: "We look forward to strengthening our partnership with Eturia and welcoming even more Romanian tourists to our hotels in the coming years."

Regarding the resort services she represents, the cited source conveyed: "Our advantage is that we offer tourists the option of the all-inclusive regime, where everything is included, without the need for bracelets. Gourmet à la carte meals, premium drinks, and entertainment during the day/night, concierge and room service, etc. Our slogan is "Celebrate every moment' - and Inclusive Collection offers the perfect property for every request - from 4 * family resorts to luxury adult-only hotels. It depends on each individual tourist because there is a correct option for everyone. We have resorts where foodies are pampered, also some hotels work wonders when it comes to offers for SPA lovers, without neglecting families with children, for whom we prepare personalized packages and children's clubs, access to white sandy beaches, snorkeling, etc.".

• Natalia Loiko, Iberostar Cuba Hotels & Resorts: "Romanians visiting Cuba are kind and tend to go to quiet locations"

Cuba, as a tourist destination in the Caribbean Sea, used to host about four million tourists every year before the pandemic. After 2020, this number decreased, but at the end of last year, Cuba was visited by approximately two million tourists, as Natalia Loiko, Business Development Manager Eastern Europe at Iberostar Cuba Hotels & Resorts, told us. She mentioned: "If you like the city and the beach, welcome to Iberostar Cuba! This is how I like to start all my interviews. Although the figures have changed so much after 2020, we are convinced that both the resumption of flight connectivity from countries in Latin America and Europe and our promotional efforts will change this situation. Tourists visiting Cuba mainly come from Canada, which is also the top country in the list of tourist-generating countries, followed by Spain, Germany, Mexico, France, Italy, and Argentina."

According to the cited source, the Top 5 hotels requested by Romanian tourists are: Iberostar Selection Varadero, Iberostar Taínos, Iberostar Laguna Azul, Iberostar Playa Alameda (adults only), and Iberostar Bella Costa, all located in Varadero: "We started receiving Romanian tourists around 2022, and since then, their number has been increasing. Romanians are quiet, kind people who tend to seek quiet locations. They like to have more than one experience in Cuba, and therefore, their programs include visits to at least two cities: Havana, where we have Iberostar Parque Central and Iberostar Grand Packard, and Trinidad, where we have Iberostar Grand Trinidad, sun, and beach".

Natalia Loiko told us that among the advantages of the resorts she represents are:

"- Our family resorts include water parks, mini clubs, and family rooms where we can accommodate the entire family (minimum 4 people, maximum 6 people);

In some of our hotels, we have adults-only sections (the Star Prestige section at the Iberostar Bella Vista Varadero hotel, the Relax Zone at the Iberostar Laguna hotel, and the Cosmos Level section at the Iberostar Grand Packard hotel), for those customers who prefer a quiet area and exclusive services;

For those who love historical buildings, our city hotels are located in the heart of the historical centers of Havana and Trinidad".

Iberostar Cuba Hotels & Resorts is a top hotel chain that owns 18 4 and 5-star hotels in the main tourist destinations on the island of Cuba. Iberostar Cuba Hotels & Resorts offers customers three hotels in the heart of Havana and 14 hotels on the beaches of places like Varadero, Cayo Cruz, Cayo Ensenachos, Cayo Guillermo, and Holguín. Beach, entertainment activities, and the friendliness of the staff are the first on the list of offers from Iberostar resorts.

In Cuba, the peak season starts in November and lasts until April.