Romanian Min Denounces Tourism Sector Privatization, Pushes For Investments

„Romania’s tourism sector underwent a lousy privatization and now the country suffers the consequences. In 2009, for the first time, the Romanian authorities began to uphold this sector with investments in the local tourism infrastructure and I truly hope our ongoing projects will lure foreign investors,” Udrea said.

Udrea added there can’t be tourism without promotions and the funds earmarked over the past few years are extremely low considering the dire need for investments and promotions, which have already been carried out by the competition.

„Good results entail constant efforts. It is more than odd that the very people who are responsible for the deplorable state of the Romanian tourism in 2009 should strongly oppose the country’s latest efforts and improvements,” Udrea said.

Detlev Hohne, manager of German Group TUI for Morocco, on Thursday said Romania is about eight years behind Bulgaria as regards tourism development and attracting foreign investors, adding Bulgaria made significant progress following privatization.

Hohne also said Romania could become a popular tourist destination, but, stressed, however, that the country is currently unable to promote its offers and has failed to take advantage of being a European Cultural Capital in 2007, when it should have used the opportunity to promote its landmarks.

Germany’s TUI, one of the world’s leading tour operators, will resume operations in Romania this spring with a charter flight from Munich to the Romanian Black Sea Coast, which will be operated by Air Berlin as of May 18.

In 2006, TUI discarded its flights to Romania and eliminated from its catalogues any destination towards Romania, citing bad accommodation conditions, high hotel prices, too much noise and dirty resorts.