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Călin Ile says tourism can attract young workers and reduce the balance of payments deficit

Călin Nicolescu

3 November 2026, 10:10

Economy

Foto NewMoney.ro

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Romanian tourism has significant development potential and can contribute both to integrating young people into the labor market and to reducing the balance of payments deficit, said Călin Ile, president of the Federation of the Hotel Industry of Romania and vice president of the CONCORDIA Confederation. The statement was made at the launch event of the NewMoney – INSCOP Barometer, 3rd edition, 2026.

According to Călin Ile, Romanians spend far more abroad than Romania manages to attract from foreign tourists. In this context, the development of domestic tourism and the increase in the number of foreign visitors could have a positive impact on the economy.

Investments in tourism infrastructure and the modernization of accommodation facilities are essential for harnessing this potential. Ile emphasized that, globally, more than 10% of employees work in tourism, while in Romania the share is below 5%.

The difference indicates significant room for growth for the industry. Expanding the sector could create more jobs and turn tourism into an important option for the young workforce.

Context: Romania had mixed signals for tourism ahead of the NewMoney–INSCOP Barometer

In 2025, Romania recorded the fewest tourist overnight stays per capita in the EU: 1.6 nights compared with the European average of 7. At the same time, the total number of overnight stays fell by 1.7% compared with 2024 (while at EU level it increased by 4.1%), with the decline coming mainly from visitors who live in the country.

After this decline, statistical data also showed isolated recoveries: in August 2026, arrivals at tourist accommodation establishments rose by 9%, and overnight stays by 10.2%, reaching 2.268 million tourists and 5.641 million overnight stays. At the same time, in the first six months of 2026, arrivals had fallen by 4.1%, and overnight stays by 6.7%, suggesting an uneven evolution throughout the year.

In parallel, the authorities announced programs and directions for relaunching the sector: the interim Minister of Economy proposed measures for 2027, such as reintroducing the “incoming incentive,” making employment contracts in the hospitality industry more flexible, and continuing holiday vouchers. Separately, funding of more than 12 million lei was announced for investments in spa tourism, including medical equipment and the modernization of accommodation facilities.