Everything You Need To Know About Bucharest’s Controversial New Tourist Tax Aimed At Raising Three Million Euros Annually, Sparking Backlash From The Hotel Industry

Published on December 30, 2025

Bucharest is set to implement a new tourist tax in 2026, designed to generate three million euros annually to boost the city’s tourism sector. The revenue will fund marketing initiatives and promotional events to attract more visitors. However, the tax has sparked significant concerns from the local hotel industry, which fears it could deter tourists and add unnecessary financial pressure at a time when the city is experiencing a tourism surge. Despite these concerns, city officials argue that the levy will provide valuable resources for enhancing Bucharest’s tourism infrastructure and overall appeal.

Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is set to introduce a new tourist tax in 2026, aimed at boosting the city’s tourism sector by raising nearly €3 million annually. However, the move has sparked concerns among local businesses, particularly the hotel industry, which fears the tax could negatively impact the city’s attractiveness as a destination.

The new tourist tax, approved by the General Council Municipality of Bucharest, will be applied to all visitors staying in accommodation within the city. Effective from next year, travelers will be required to pay a levy of 10 Romanian Leu (approximately €2) per night. Unlike similar taxes in other cities, the charge will not fluctuate based on the type of accommodation or its price. This means that whether a visitor stays in a budget hotel or a luxury resort, the same tax rate will apply.

The aim of the tax, according to city officials, is to raise 15 million Romanian Leu annually (around €2.9 million) to promote Bucharest as a key tourist destination. The funds are expected to support various marketing efforts and events designed to enhance the city’s appeal. However, there has been little clarification on the specifics of how the funds will be used, raising questions about the transparency and effectiveness of the plan.

The tax will be collected by accommodation providers, including hotels, online booking platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, as well as travel agencies. Local authorities have also outlined penalties for non-compliance with the new measure. Individuals who fail to pay the tax could face fines of up to 1,500 Leu (€294), while businesses may be penalized with fines as high as 4,000 Leu (€785).

Despite the city’s intentions to boost tourism, the new tourist tax has faced backlash from industry leaders. The Federation of the Romanian Hotel Industry (FIHR) has expressed concern that the levy could harm tourism in Bucharest, especially at a time when the city has been experiencing a surge in visitors. The FIHR has emphasized that tourism in the capital is growing thanks to attractions like the popular TikTok-famous spa, and any additional financial burden could deter potential visitors.

The hotel industry argues that the tax was rushed through the legislative process without adequate planning or transparency, making it difficult to assess its potential impact. The lack of a clear plan for how the funds will be allocated has been a major point of contention. Critics argue that without proper promotion and clear strategies for using the revenue, the tax could contribute to Bucharest becoming an “expensive fiscal destination” with little added value for tourists.

The FIHR has also called for a more collaborative approach to tourism development in the city, stressing the importance of partnerships between local authorities and the tourism sector. Industry leaders have warned that administrative measures such as the new tax could undermine efforts to grow tourism if they are not implemented with careful consideration and clear objectives.

Despite the controversy, city officials, including Deputy Mayor Stelian Bujduveanu, have defended the tax, stating that it will bring “added value” to Bucharest by funding promotional campaigns and events that could help elevate the city’s profile as a travel destination. Bujduveanu has assured the public that the funds generated will be used to enhance the city’s tourism infrastructure and provide more opportunities for local businesses to benefit from increased visitor numbers.

While the new tourist tax in Bucharest aims to generate significant revenue for the city’s tourism sector, the lack of clarity surrounding the allocation of these funds has caused unease among industry professionals. As the measure moves forward, it will be important for local authorities to address these concerns and ensure that the tax leads to tangible improvements in the city’s tourism offerings. If managed well, the levy could help strengthen Bucharest’s position as a leading destination in Eastern Europe. However, without transparent planning and effective use of the funds, the tax may face continued opposition from the hospitality industry and tourists alike.