Romania Joins Italy, Portugal, Norway, Germany, Netherlands, And Dozens Of Other European Nations In Introducing Strict Fines And New Regulations With An Overnight Levy To Boost Tourism Revenue In 2025

Published on December 30, 2025

Romania joins Italy, Portugal, Norway, Germany, Netherlands, and dozens of other European nations in introducing strict fines and new regulations with an overnight levy to boost tourism revenue in 2025. This new tourist tax, set to take effect in Bucharest, is part of a broader European trend aimed at managing overtourism and generating funds for destination marketing and tourism infrastructure. By imposing a fixed fee of 10 Romanian Leu (€2) per night on all visitors staying in paid accommodation, Romania seeks to enhance its tourism offerings while ensuring a more sustainable and regulated growth of its tourism industry.

As Europe continues to grapple with rising tourism numbers, many destinations are looking for ways to manage the pressures of overtourism and to fund tourism promotion. In 2025, Romania is set to join a growing list of European nations, including Italy, Portugal, Norway, Germany, and the Netherlands, in introducing a tourist levy designed to boost local economies. The new measure, which will be implemented in Bucharest, will apply a fixed overnight levy on all visitors staying in paid accommodation. This article dives into the specifics of Romania’s new regulation, comparing it with similar moves across Europe, and examines how these levies are shaping the future of tourism.

Romania’s New Tourist Tax: What You Need to Know

In a bid to bolster Bucharest’s tourism promotion, local authorities have announced a new tourist tax that will take effect starting in 2026. Visitors staying in paid accommodation in the capital will be required to pay a fixed tourist levy of 10 Romanian Leu (approximately €2) per night. Unlike similar taxes in other European cities, Romania’s levy will be uniform and will not vary according to accommodation category or room tariff, making it easier for travelers to anticipate their costs.

The levy will be collected through accommodation providers, as well as digital booking platforms and travel agencies, ensuring a streamlined process for tourists and businesses alike. Local officials estimate that the measure will generate about 15 million Romanian Leu (€2.9 million) annually, which will be reinvested into tourism promotion activities, including marketing campaigns and events aimed at attracting more visitors to Bucharest.

Despite its potential to boost the local tourism economy, the new tax has faced some criticism from the hospitality industry. Some stakeholders are concerned about the speed of the approval process and the lack of clarity regarding how the funds will be allocated. Critics argue that the absence of a structured tourism development plan could harm Bucharest’s competitiveness, particularly when compared to other European destinations that have already implemented similar levies.

How Does Romania’s Levy Compare to Other European Nations?

Romania is not alone in imposing tourist levies. Across Europe, numerous countries and cities are following suit, implementing taxes on overnight stays to fund tourism initiatives. These levies come in many shapes and sizes, from fixed fees per night to percentages of the accommodation cost, and they have sparked both support and controversy.

Below is a table showcasing other European countries and cities that have implemented tourist taxes in 2025, along with the amount visitors can expect to pay:

These fees are designed to help fund the marketing and development of tourism infrastructure, as well as to manage the growing number of international visitors that many European cities are experiencing. With the funds raised from the taxes, cities can work towards enhancing their tourism offerings and improving the sustainability of their local economies.

Why Are Tourist Levies Being Implemented?

The rise of overtourism has placed a significant strain on many popular European destinations. Major cities like Venice, Barcelona, and Amsterdam have faced backlash from local residents and environmental groups, who argue that tourism has led to overcrowding, rising property prices, and a loss of local culture. To counter these effects, many cities are introducing levies to regulate tourist numbers and to fund initiatives that protect their cultural and environmental heritage.

Additionally, as the pandemic gradually fades into the background, countries are looking for ways to reignite their tourism industries. The tourist levies can help stimulate marketing efforts and create new tourism products that offer visitors a more sustainable, immersive experience.

In Romania, the overnight levy will also serve a similar purpose: generating much-needed revenue for the tourism sector while ensuring that the capital city, Bucharest, can compete with other European hubs. With this tax, Romania hopes to attract more international tourists by providing funding for promotional campaigns that showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage, architecture, and hospitality.

Impact on Local Economy and Hospitality Sector

The introduction of the tourist levy is expected to have a significant impact on both the local economy and the hospitality sector. Romania’s tourism industry has seen a steady increase in international visitors over the past few years, thanks to improved infrastructure and greater international visibility. The revenue generated from the overnight levy will be used to further market Bucharest and Romania to international tourists, focusing on events, festivals, and activities that will attract a wide range of travelers.

However, the levy’s impact on the hospitality sector is a point of contention. While some hotels and accommodation providers have expressed support for the measure, others are concerned that the tax could drive away budget-conscious tourists. With the cost of travel rising globally, many travelers are more conscious of additional fees, and some may opt for alternative destinations where they can avoid such taxes.

The Federation of the Romanian Hotel Industry (FIHR) has also voiced concerns that the rapid implementation of the tax, without a comprehensive tourism strategy in place, could undermine the competitiveness of Bucharest. Effective tourism growth, they argue, requires collaboration between the public and private sectors, with a clear, transparent plan for the allocation and use of the tax revenue.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Tourist Levies in Europe

Romania’s decision to introduce the overnight levy is part of a broader trend seen across Europe, with many countries and cities looking to tax tourists to fund the growth and development of their tourism industries. As more destinations implement similar taxes, it will be interesting to observe how these policies affect traveler behavior, local economies, and the overall competitiveness of European cities.

One thing is certain: Romania’s move signals the beginning of a new phase in tourism policy, where cities and nations across Europe will be focusing on long-term sustainability and finding innovative ways to manage the economic impact of tourism. While the tourist levy in Romania has faced some criticism, it may prove to be a model for other countries to follow as they look for ways to protect their heritage and improve their infrastructure in the face of growing visitor numbers.

Romania joins Italy, Portugal, Norway, Germany, Netherlands, and dozens of other European nations in introducing strict fines and new regulations with an overnight levy to boost tourism revenue in 2025. This levy, set to generate vital funds for promoting Bucharest, aims to manage tourism growth and enhance the city’s global appeal.

As Romania joins Italy, Portugal, Norway, Germany, and the Netherlands in introducing a tourist levy, the focus on funding tourism promotion and sustainability will shape the future of European tourism. While the levy in Bucharest may generate much-needed revenue for the city, its success will depend on how the funds are used and whether it strikes the right balance between regulating tourism and keeping the city competitive. With more countries likely to follow suit in the coming years, it is clear that tourist taxes are set to become a common feature of travel in Europe. The challenge will be to ensure that these measures are transparent, sustainable, and beneficial to both local residents and visitors.