Romania, promoted in the USA as a top destination

The Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism (MEAT) organized last week an information tour for nine tourism companies from the United States of America, with the aim of promoting Romania as a destination of interest on the American market. This initiative took place in the context of a significant increase in post-pandemic global tourism, with Romania registering a more than 25% increase in the number of American tourists in 2023, according to the National Institute of Statistics.

• Exploring key destinations

The itinerary included some of the most representative tourist attractions in Romania, emphasizing the historical and natural attractions of Transylvania. Among them were the Turda Saltworks, the Alba Carolina Fortress and the Corvinor Castle, all highlighting the cultural heritage and natural beauty of the region. In addition, spa tourism, with millennial traditions, was promoted through visits to Geoagiu Bai, where participants explored the ruins of the Roman baths at Germisara and the famous Clocota waterfall. Cultural cities such as Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu and Bucharest were also included in the list of promoted destinations, offering a complete picture of Romania's cultural riches. The itinerary was completed by the castles of Valea Prahova, a region famous for its mountain landscapes and historical attractions.

• Growing destination for US tourism

Romania is becoming more and more attractive for American tourists, and the information visit of US tourism companies represents an important step in strengthening this trend. According to MEAT, in 2023, approximately 218,000 Americans visited Romania, compared to 173,000 in 2022, and the USA ranked fourth in the top foreign markets from which tourists in Romania come. In 2023, a record 98.46 million Americans traveled outside the U.S., and according to estimates, their tourism spending will increase significantly in the coming years, from $108.81 billion in 2024 to $422.26 billion until 2034. Romania wants to take advantage of this positive development to attract as many American tourists as possible, promoting both cultural and spa tourism as well as the natural and historical potential of its regions. This action is part of MEAT's ongoing efforts to strengthen Romania's position on the American tourism market and attract new flows of tourists from the United States, thus contributing to economic growth and the sustainable development of Romania's tourism sector.