Romania’s “Seaside for Everyone” program started on Sunday, offering holidaymakers a hefty 70% discount for stays at hotels on the Black Sea coast.
The initiative is organized by Romania’s tourism employers’ federation and runs from September 1-30.
It’s popular with couples and retirees in September when the weather and water are still warm and the coast is less crowded.
Romanians usually go to the seaside in July and August before opting for breaks at the mountains and other destinations.
Even so, many Romanians can’t afford to take a vacation.
According to Eurostat estimates, around 29% of people aged 16 and over in the EU were unable to afford a one-week trip in 2023.
In Romania, a total of 60% of Romanians are skipping holidays, compared to 44% of Bulgarians and 43% of Hungarians.
This year’s program aims to make seaside holidays affordable for Romanians whose budget doesn’t stretch to the pricier summer months. Hotels are offering massive reductions starting at 38 lei (about 7 euros) a night for a two-star hotel.
Tourists can opt for a variety of 2, 3 and 4 star hotels which are all in the program, the federation said.
There are about 60 hotels and establishments in the program offering about 6,000 hotel beds. The federation is expecting 80 hotels to sign up this season.
“We are continuing with this successful program… when prices on the seaside are up to 70% lower than at the peak of the season, “ the federation said.
“For many tourists it is perhaps the only option for them to have a seaside vacation. Most hotels will be open until mid-September.”
“Every year, our program has proven that it can bring joy and relaxation to thousands of families who want to visit the Romanian seaside. Our goal is to offer the opportunity of an affordable vacation for all Romanians, regardless of their budget.”
“We are proud to be able to support Romanian tourism and, at the same time, bring some satisfaction and joy to Romanians”, said Dragoş Răducan, president of FPTR.
Hotels which have signed up can be found here.
The cheapest hotel is a 2-star hotel in Eforie Nord, just south of Constanta, the price of a few cups of coffee in the capital.
Prices start from 77 lei per night per person in a 3-star double room in the upscale resort of Mamaia, while a 3-star hotel other resorts starts at 60 lei per night.
All-inclusive packages are included in the program, with prices starting from 210 lei (about 42 euros) per night per person in a double room at a 3-star hotel in Venus.
The program is now in its 45th edition, and is the only one of its kind supported by Romanian businesses.
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