The data comes from the largest holiday retailer in the Black Sea resorts , both in terms of number of tourists and sales, namely litoralulromanesc.ro , and that is precisely why they can indicate what the 2024 season will look like.
The total amount of bookings made exceeds by almost 32% the figures recorded in the same period in 2023
The largest tour operator on the coast announces a 23,27% increase in the number of reservations for the summer season for January 2024 compared to the same month last year. At the same time, the total value of reservations made exceeds by almost 32% the figures recorded in the same period in 2023. In fact, the tour operator reports an increase in sales throughout the period from the launch of the Early Registration 2024 program, that is, from October 1, 2023 until the end of January, a period in which sales increased by almost 29% compared to the same period last year.
"In general, January indicates the trend for the current year, and the figures obtained in the first month of this year take us into an optimistic zone and lead us to estimate a good year for seaside tourism in Romania . The discounts and advantageous payment conditions from the Early Registration program run by tourism operators are very important, but, at the same time, it is obvious that for more and more Romanians, the local seaside is the main vacation destination they take into account when making their plans for the summer. Among the criteria mentioned by our tourists in choosing Romanian resorts are safety, proximity and a very good quality-price ratio", says Ionuț Nedea, CEO of Litoralulromanesc.ro.
Romanians want all-inclusive packages
January also confirms another trend that began in the previous season: tourists who book their seaside vacations in advance are especially looking for well-rated hotels that offer extra benefits, such as children's playgrounds, private pools, varied menus, leisure options, and activities dedicated to children. Demand remains high for all-inclusive packages. In the 2023 season, the total number of all-inclusive places in Black Sea hotels reached 18.500, an increase of 5.000 places compared to 2019.
The ranking of the most sought-after resorts so far shows that Mamaia and Eforie Nord are competing for first position, and Jupiter resort is in third place.
"Resorts where constant investments are made, both in hotels and in local infrastructure, are the most in demand. This shows us that we cannot expect tourists to be attracted to the Black Sea if we do not offer them the best accommodation conditions, meals, and entertainment options. In addition, those who arrive at the seaside must be convinced that they have every reason to repeat the experience. This objective can only be achieved through good collaboration between local and central authorities and tourism operators, which we want to see happen more intensely this year. It is worth mentioning, however, that in recent years the seaside has gone through a complex process that has led to the development of this tourist product both in terms of accommodation infrastructure and beaches, green spaces, and cliffs. We see improvements from year to year and only in this way can we hope that Romanian tourists will come to the seaside in increasing numbers and that we will also manage to attract foreign tourists," emphasizes the company representative.
The Early Booking program continues in February, when Romanians interested in booking a seaside vacation can benefit from discounts of up to 46% on the standard rate of a tourist package and have the option to pay in installments. In the middle of this month, the tour operator will organize the online Tourism Fair, with extra discounts compared to those granted through the Early Booking program. After the Tourism Fair, the discounts granted will gradually decrease, as we approach the start of a new summer season.
