Bucharest is known for the second biggest building in the world (former Communist leader Nicolae Ceausescu’s giant House of the People, only dwarfed by the Pentagon), its charming parks, eclectic architecture and open all hours vibe.
Tourism to the southeastern European capital, the second most eastern capital in the European Union (after Nicosia, Cyprus), has been gradually going up in the post-pandemic years.
But now there are fears that a new tourist tax that will come into effect in the new year will put a dampener on the growth. The measure has sparked a backlash from the hospitality sector which is vying with other European cities to attract tourists.
The new tax_ €2 per tourist per day_ aims to raise almost €3 million annually. The number of tourists visiting the Romanian capital has increased in recent years, with almost 2 million people visiting Bucharest in 2024, according to official statistics. Even more are predicted for 2025 when figures are released.
Tourism agents who are keen to promote the city of about two million as a vibrant 24-hour destination say that the legislation has been hastily passed in a “non-transparent way” and the city risks remaining an “expensive fiscal destination” that is poorly marketed.
The General Council Municipality of Bucharest published a draft for the extra charge earlier this month and the measure was adopted just four days later, on Dec. 23. Critics say there is no “concrete plan” on how the funds will be used and the plan was passed “under the radar.”
But officials say the tax, which aims to generate 15 million Romanian lei annually (about €2.9 million) will help the city promote itself as a tourist destination. However, it was unclear how this would work.
Bucharest’s tourist tax: How will it work?
Starting in 2026, each tourist staying in accommodation in Bucharest will be charged 10 Romanian RON (around €2) per night. However, unlike in other cities which have a tourist tax, the fee will not vary based on accommodation price.
The money will be collected by hotels, online booking platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com, and travel agencies.
Failing to collect the tax could result in fines of up to 1,500 RON for individuals or 4,000 RON for businesses.
Deputy Mayor Stelian Bujduveanu who is in favor of the measure says the tax will bring “added value” to the city through promotions and events that benefit the city.
Tourist tax stirs controversy
But the Federation of the Romanian Hotel Industry (FIHR) has warned that the measure could have a negative impact on tourism in Bucharest, which has recently been witnessing a surge in visitors thanks to attractions like its Therme famous spa just north of the capital that regularly appears on TikTok and other social media.
“Tourism needs partnership, not administrative improvisation,” the organization said.
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