Bucharest expects 750,000 tourists in 2007

Over 750,000 tourists are expected to accommodate into Bucharest hotels in 2007, which stands for an increase by 20 per cent as against one year ago, according to the newspaper “Evenimentul Zilei”.

The experts believe that Romania’s EU accession will bring more businessmen in Bucharest and the European Cultural Capital, Sibiu, will attract more tourists. Accommodation spaces will not be in short supply for visitors: in the around 5.700 rooms available currently, other 1,800 rooms add in 2007 – provided that all the constructions announced are finalised.

Prices expected to go up by 10 pc

“Once the new hotels are ready, the increase in prices will be a moderate one. According to estimations, this will not exceed 10 per cent”, according to Paul Marasoiu, head of the advisory company Peacock Hotels.

“This will happen with the purpose of offsetting, to a certain extent, the depreciation of EUR. The hotels will have quotations in EUR but they cash RON – hence, a disadvantage for hotels”, according to Mioara Gheorghe, marketing manager of Crowne Plaza.

Tourism directorate in the city hall

“Even if more visitors come, they do not have anything to do in Bucharest”, according to Paul Marasoiu, who affirms that there are few tourist objectives.

The city hall projects got lost somewhere toward the accession road – the famous info-kiosks are expected only this year, at a certain moment, and the perspective of visiting the inside of Triumph Arch is still at an initiative stage.

Meanwhile, a few new ideas have emerged: the development of the lake area, along with the improvement of facade lighting in case of certain buildings and churches. The authorities affirm that the first step is to be undertaken this month. “In two weeks, we shall establish Bucharest Municipal Directorate for Tourism, which will have a budget allotted for the accomplishment of these projects”, according to Vice Mayor Razvan Murgeanu. In the meantime, City Hall has learned that it could gain some money from souvenirs – such as trinkets engraved with Triumph Arch, CEC, Athenaeum and even church Stavropoleos.

Source: nineoclock.ro