From 2026, visitors to Bucharest will be charged a tourism tax of 10 Romanian lei (?2) per night, following a decision approved by the City Council on December 23. The tax applies to all paid accommodations in the city, including hotels, short-term rentals, and properties listed on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com. Collection will be handled by accommodation providers, booking platforms, or travel agencies, without requiring separate payment from guests.
Unlike many European cities, the tax is fixed for all visitors, regardless of the type, price, or location of the accommodation. This uniform approach has drawn criticism for disproportionately affecting travelers with lower budgets.
The municipality estimates annual revenues of 15 million lei (?2.9 million), which are intended for destination promotion. Deputy Mayor Stelian Buzdov?neanu stated the measure would add value through promotional activities and events benefiting tourism and the wider city.
However, the Romanian Hotel Industry Federation (FIHR) criticized the decision as hasty and lacking transparency, highlighting the absence of a clear plan for using the funds. FIHR emphasized that sustainable tourism development requires cooperation, not administrative improvisation, and called for meaningful dialogue with the private sector.
Hoteliers warn that without a targeted marketing strategy, Bucharest risks losing competitiveness, despite increased international interest fueled by social media and attractions such as the citys large thermal complex.
Non-compliance will incur fines: up to 1,500 lei for individuals and up to 4,000 lei for businesses failing to collect or remit the tax.
While the immediate financial impact on travelers is limited, the debate underscores a broader challenge for cities: balancing tourism funding with transparency, accountability, and collaboration with industry stakeholders. The tourism sector will monitor closely whether the revenue generated leads to tangible improvements that enhance the attractiveness of Romanias capital.
