Romania’s Capital Bucharest Takes Steps to Promote Tourism with New EUR 2 Per Night Tax Set to Begin in 2026

Published on December 29, 2025

In an effort to boost its tourism sector, Bucharest, Romania’s vibrant capital, will introduce a new tourist tax beginning in 2026. Starting next year, tourists visiting this historic and cultural city will be required to pay a RON 10 (EUR 2) accommodation tax per night. The decision, which has sparked considerable debate among the city’s hospitality industry, is expected to generate RON 15 million annually, aimed at supporting the local tourism promotion efforts. As the Romanian capital continues to grow in popularity, the city’s move to implement this tax reflects a broader global trend of municipalities imposing similar fees to fund tourism-related activities. However, the introduction of this measure has stirred concern within the local hotel industry, raising questions about its effectiveness and impact on the city’s tourism sector.

Introduction to Bucharest’s New Tourist Tax

Bucharest, Romania’s bustling capital, is embarking on an ambitious plan to bolster its tourism sector by introducing a tourist accommodation tax of EUR 2 per night starting in 2026. The new measure is expected to help generate significant revenue for the city’s tourism promotion efforts, contributing an estimated EUR 15 million annually to the local budget. As Romania’s largest city and one of Eastern Europe’s most dynamic urban centres, Bucharest has long been a popular destination for travellers seeking a mix of historical landmarks, vibrant culture, and a lively nightlife scene.

With the introduction of this new tax, city officials aim to create a more sustainable tourism model, directing the funds raised towards improving tourism infrastructure, enhancing visitor experiences, and promoting Bucharest as a premier travel destination in Europe. This move is in line with a growing trend of cities around the world implementing tourist taxes as a way to fund the growing demands of tourism while also ensuring that local communities benefit from the influx of visitors.

However, the hospitality industry in Bucharest has raised concerns about the tax’s potential impact on tourism. Hotel operators and representatives from the Federation of the Romanian Hotel Industry (FIHR) have expressed dissatisfaction with the decision-making process, noting that the sector was not consulted prior to the tax’s approval. Many argue that the lack of a clear, transparent tourism strategy and action plan to complement the new tax could undermine its intended benefits, potentially making Bucharest less attractive to potential visitors.

In this article, we’ll explore the details surrounding the new tourist tax in Bucharest, its potential effects on the tourism industry, and what visitors can expect from the city in the coming years.

Bucharest’s New EUR 2 Tourist Tax: Key Details

• Effective Date: The EUR 2 accommodation tax will apply to all tourists staying in Bucharest starting in 2026.
• Amount: Each tourist will be charged RON 10 (approximately EUR 2) per night of accommodation.
• Revenue Generation: City officials estimate the measure will raise approximately RON 15 million annually for tourism promotion efforts.
• Tourism Funds: The funds generated from the tax will be directed towards tourism marketing and promotional campaigns aimed at enhancing Bucharest’s global profile.
• Controversy: The Federation of the Romanian Hotel Industry (FIHR) has criticized the decision for lacking consultation with hotel operators, expressing concern that the tax could harm Bucharest’s tourism market by failing to provide clear objectives and measurable outcomes for tourism promotion.

Impact on Tourism in Bucharest

The Bucharest tourist tax is poised to have significant implications for both visitors and local businesses. The city has already seen a notable increase in tourism over recent years, with its blend of historic sites, modern amenities, and cultural festivals attracting visitors from across the globe. However, the introduction of the tourist tax could present challenges, especially if the revenue generated is not efficiently used to support and enhance the city’s tourism sector.

Potential Benefits of the Tourist Tax:

• Improved Tourism Infrastructure: With the additional revenue, Bucharest will be able to fund much-needed improvements in its transportation, accommodation, and cultural infrastructure, making it more attractive to visitors.
• Enhanced Tourism Marketing: The funds will be used to enhance tourism campaigns, targeting potential visitors and positioning Bucharest as a must-visit destination in Europe.
• Sustainable Tourism: The introduction of the tax aims to ensure that tourism remains sustainable, allowing the city to continue growing as a top European destination without overwhelming its infrastructure.

Potential Risks of the Tourist Tax:

• Decreased Visitor Numbers: While the tax is relatively small, it could dissuade budget-conscious travellers from visiting Bucharest, especially if they perceive the city as being too expensive for a short stay.
• Industry Concerns: Local hospitality businesses, particularly small hotels and guesthouses, may struggle to adjust to the tax, particularly if the city’s tourism promotion efforts are not clear or effective.
• Lack of Transparency: Critics argue that tourism tax revenue should be tied to a clear action plan with measurable goals, which is currently absent from the local government’s proposal.

What the Industry is Saying

The Romanian Hotel Industry Federation (FIHR) has voiced concerns over the introduction of the tourist tax, arguing that the process was rushed and lacked sufficient consultation with key industry stakeholders. Hotel operators have raised questions about how the revenue will be spent and whether it will be used to improve the city’s tourism infrastructure and services effectively.

The FIHR believes that the local authorities must develop a comprehensive tourism plan that includes clear objectives and performance indicators to ensure that the tax benefits the local community and supports the growth of Bucharest’s tourism. They have urged the municipality to reopen dialogue with the private sector, ensuring that any future tourism tax measures are implemented with the input of those most affected by the changes.

What Visitors Can Expect

For visitors planning to explore Bucharest after the tax takes effect in 2026, the EUR 2 per night tax will be an added cost on top of accommodation expenses. While it may seem like a minor addition, the move highlights the city’s ambition to invest in its growing tourism sector. Bucharest’s diverse attractions — from its old town and national museums to its modern shopping districts and vibrant cultural scene — make it a compelling destination for tourists from around the world.

• Tourist Attractions: Visit iconic sites such as the Palace of Parliament, Romanian Athenaeum, and Revolution Square, along with Bucharest’s parks, museums, and galleries.
• Local Cuisine: Indulge in traditional Romanian dishes, such as sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) and mititei (grilled sausages), and explore the city’s bustling food markets.
• Cultural Events: Enjoy events like the Bucharest International Film Festival, George Enescu Festival, and Bucharest Jazz Festival, which highlight the city’s cultural richness.
• Shopping and Entertainment: Discover Bucharest’s trendy shopping malls, boutiques, and nightlife hotspots.

Bucharest’s Future as a Leading European Destination

As Bucharest continues to grow as a destination for international travellers, the city’s tourism tax may become a key part of a broader strategy to enhance its appeal. The decision to implement this measure is part of a larger trend in Europe, where cities are seeking ways to sustainably manage tourism growth while improving visitor experiences.

By reinvesting the funds into tourism promotion, infrastructure, and sustainability efforts, Bucharest hopes to position itself as a modern and vibrant city that offers a rich cultural experience for visitors. However, it remains to be seen whether the tourist tax will have the desired effect, and how the local industry will respond to the evolving tourism landscape in Romania.

Conclusion

Bucharest is at a crossroads as it introduces its new EUR 2 per night tourist tax, which will have far-reaching implications for the city’s tourism sector. While the initiative holds potential for generating crucial revenue, concerns about the lack of a clear action plan and the potential negative impact on the hospitality industry have left many wondering how it will all unfold. As the city moves forward with this measure, the collaboration between local authorities, the private sector, and visitors will be key to ensuring that Bucharest remains a top destination for tourists in Europe.