Romanian travelers shelled out approximately 3 billion Euros on global journeys during the initial four months of the year 2025, as per Colliers.

Romanian travelers shelled out approximately 3 billion Euros on global journeys during the initial four months of the year 2025, as per Colliers.

## Booming Romanian Tourism: Record-Breaking Spending on International Travel in 2025

Romania's tourism sector is witnessing a remarkable surge, with citizens spending over EUR 3 billion on international travel in the first four months of 2025. This significant increase of 15% compared to the same period in 2024 is attributed to economic growth and a shift in consumer behavior, according to data from Colliers and Eurostat [1][2][3].

### A Growing Desire to Travel

The rise in international travel spending reflects a growing desire among Romanians to travel and explore new destinations. This trend is driving increased expenditure on leisure, business trips, and family visits [4].

### Top Destinations

In 2024, Germany and Italy were the most popular destinations for Romanian tourists, each attracting over EUR 1 billion in spending. The Netherlands, Spain, and France also received substantial amounts [1][4].

### Impact on Retail in Tourist Cities

The surge in international travel is having a noticeable impact on retail in tourist cities within Romania. The growing trend of "destination retail" is transforming shopping centers into lifestyle destinations, with a synergy between retail, tourism, and experiential offerings [4].

Colliers estimates that over 190,000 square meters of modern retail space could be delivered in Romania in 2025, with a significant portion located in tourist cities like Brașov, Oradea, and Sibiu. This represents an increase of at least 10% compared to the previous year [1][4].

### Urban Regeneration and Modern Retail

Colliers predicts a significant growth in urban regeneration projects in Romania, integrating retail, tourism, and cultural components. Modern retail is no longer confined to shopping malls in major cities, with experiential retail initiatives emerging in tourist destinations, mountain resorts, and coastal areas [4].

### Domestic Tourism on the Rise

While international travel spending is on the rise, domestic tourism is not being overlooked. The number of overnight stays in hotels and other types of accommodation increased by 1% [5].

### The Strongest Year in Three Decades

The strong growth in international travel spending in 2025 follows a record-breaking year for the local tourism sector in 2023, which saw its strongest year in the past three decades [6].

References: [1] Colliers International (2025). Retail Market Overview: Romania. [online] Available at: https://www.colliers.com/en-ro/news/retail-market-overview-romania

[2] Eurostat (2025). Tourism statistics: Romania. [online] Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/tourism/data/database

[3] Romania Insider (2025). Romanians Spent Over EUR 3 Billion on International Travel in the First Four Months of 2025. [online] Available at: https://romania-insider.com/romania-tourism-spending-international-travel-2025/

[4] Colliers International (2025). Retail Market Overview: Romania. [online] Available at: https://www.colliers.com/en-ro/news/retail-market-overview-romania

[5] Romania Insider (2025). Romanians Spent Over EUR 3 Billion on International Travel in the First Four Months of 2025. [online] Available at: https://romania-insider.com/romania-tourism-spending-international-travel-2025/

[6] Romania Insider (2024). Romania's Tourism Sector Had Its Strongest Year in the Past Three Decades in 2023. [online] Available at: https://romania-insider.com/romanias-tourism-sector-had-its-strongest-year-in-the-past-three-decades-in-2023/

As the tourism sector in Romania continues to witness a remarkable surge, there is a growing desire among Romanians to travel and explore new destinations, leading to increased expenditure on leisure, business trips, and family visits. This expanding travel culture is also driving a transformation in retail, with shops in tourist cities evolving into lifestyle destinations that cater to the needs of tourists.

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