Bucharest's city hall has introduced a new tourist tax, sparking backlash from the hospitality industry. The tax, set at €3 per person per night, is added to a 7% levy on hotel rooms and 10% on online accommodation bookings. Officials argue the tax is necessary to cover the costs of policing and cleaning public spaces, which are strained by the influx of visitors.
Industry representatives, however, claim the tax will deter tourists and harm businesses. Romania's tourism sector has been growing, with Bucharest seeing a significant increase in visitors in recent years. Critics argue that the tax could reverse this trend, especially as the city competes with other European destinations that have not implemented similar charges.
The move comes amid broader concerns about overtourism in Europe. Cities like Amsterdam and Barcelona have adopted tough measures, including banning new hotels and restricting short-term rentals. Bucharest's tax is seen as a more moderate approach, but it has still provoked strong reactions from hoteliers and travel agencies.
City hall maintains that the tax is a necessary tool to manage tourism sustainably. The revenue will be used to improve infrastructure and public services. However, the industry remains skeptical, warning that the tax could lead to a decline in bookings and force some businesses to close.
