Romanian Tourists Drive Record €3 Billion Spending in Europe’s Top Destinations in Early 2025
Bucharest, Romania – July 2025
A dramatic rise in outbound tourism has placed Romanian travelers at the center of Europe’s tourism economy, with over €3 billion spent abroad in the first four months of 2025, according to new data released by national and EU tourism boards. This represents a 15% year-on-year increase, signaling a transformative shift in how Romanians travel and what they prioritize when exploring international destinations.
Countries such as Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and France have emerged as the top recipients of this booming Romanian tourism spend, benefitting from longer trips, premium experiences, and a desire for deeper cultural engagement.
Romania’s Outbound Tourism: A New Powerhouse in the EU
Romania is no longer a minor contributor in European travel flows. The current spending trajectory puts Romania’s outbound travel expenditure on track to exceed €11 billion by the end of 2025, up from €9.6 billion in 2024. This reinforces Romania’s position as one of the most dynamic source markets in Europe.
Tourism economists and analysts now view Romanian tourists as highly engaged, experience-seeking travelers who are extending their stays and prioritizing cultural immersion, gastronomy, and responsible tourism.
Germany: Cultural Travel and Diaspora Connections
Germany remains a top destination, drawing in over €1 billion in Romanian tourism spending in 2024. That number is expected to rise in 2025 due to increasing interest in cultural heritage, city experiences, and family visits. Cities like Berlin, Munich, and Heidelberg are popular among Romanians, thanks to historical attractions, efficient infrastructure, and strong diaspora links.
New cultural initiatives—such as Bavaria’s push for UNESCO World Heritage status for its iconic castles—have further elevated Germany’s appeal among Romanians looking for authentic, high-value experiences.
Italy: Timeless Appeal with New Tourism Controls
Italy remains a classic favorite, also recording over €1 billion in Romanian tourist spend in 2024. Cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice remain high on the travel list, driven by the allure of history, cuisine, and direct air connections from Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Iași.
Amid surging visitor numbers, Italy has begun tightening local tourism regulations to manage overtourism. From Florence’s vehicle bans in historic zones to Venice’s visitor taxes, Italy is balancing demand with sustainability—something increasingly important to Romanian travelers seeking quality over quantity.
The Netherlands: Weekend Breaks and Responsible City Tourism
The Netherlands has quickly risen in popularity, with Romanian tourists spending nearly €700 million there in 2024. Amsterdam leads as a top choice, especially among young travelers and couples, who enjoy the city’s bike-friendly design, canal views, and museum culture.
In 2025, Dutch authorities introduced increased tourist taxes and cruise ship levies to manage urban congestion and promote more respectful tourism. These changes align with Romanians’ growing preference for eco-conscious travel and immersive, walkable city experiences.
Spain: Leading in Overnight Stays and Family Travel
Spain topped all EU countries in 2024 with 485 million overnight stays, and Romanian travelers contributed significantly to this milestone with €600 million in travel spend. Spain’s enduring appeal lies in its beach resorts, historic cities, and affordable packages that attract both young couples and families.
Cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia remain magnets for Romanian tourists, while destinations like Costa Brava and the Balearic Islands are gaining popularity for extended summer holidays. Spain’s move toward regulating short-term rentals and cruise tourism is likely to further improve travel quality for Romanian visitors.
France: Premium Travel Experiences and Cultural Depth
France, a long-time dream destination for Romanian travelers, saw €600 million in Romanian tourist spend in 2024. Paris remains a top attraction, along with Nice and Strasbourg, as Romanian tourists embrace France’s blend of art, architecture, and high-end gastronomy.
Despite some climate disruptions in summer 2025—including heatwaves and air travel delays—France remains resilient. New regional tourism policies, such as cruise restrictions in Cannes, show France’s pivot toward more controlled, sustainable tourism, in line with Romanians’ growing interest in slow, seasonal, and regional exploration.
Top City Picks for Romanian Tourists in 2025
Germany:
Berlin – Museums, Cold War history, nightlife
Munich – Oktoberfest, royal palaces, Alps access
Heidelberg – Romantic castle city, student culture
Italy:
Rome – Ancient landmarks, Vatican City
Venice – Gondolas, pre-booked access required
Florence – Art, Renaissance architecture, pedestrian zones
Netherlands:
Amsterdam – Canals, eco-hospitality, nightlife
Rotterdam – Modern art and design
Utrecht – Quiet charm and easy transit links
Spain:
Barcelona – Beach and culture combo
Madrid – Royal heritage and nightlife
Valencia – Family-friendly, paella, futuristic museums
France:
Paris – Romance, museums, fashion
Nice – Riviera charm, retiree favorite
Strasbourg – Cross-cultural and scenic
Romania: A Rising Force in Europe’s Travel Market
With outbound travel spending projected to surpass €11 billion by the end of 2025, Romania is transforming from an emerging travel economy into a dominant player shaping European tourism trends. Romanians are not only spending more—they are traveling more responsibly, seeking authentic experiences, and helping to reshape the tourism offerings in many of Europe’s most visited destinations.
From eco-conscious short breaks in Amsterdam to slow travel through Tuscany, Romanian travelers are influencing everything from city infrastructure to tourism taxation and hospitality design. As this trend continues, their role as key stakeholders in Europe’s tourism future becomes undeniable.
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