Business Forum • 18 May, 2026 at 11:44 AM
Romania's hotel industry recorded a 16% increase in turnover in 2025, reaching €2.2 billion, according to a Crosspoint Real Estate report, but the drivers behind this growth signal a structural shift. The advance is driven primarily by rate increases and the upscale segment, while overall demand has shown the first signs of softening.
The total number of tourists fell to 14.3 million (-2% compared to 2024), and the average occupancy rate across all accommodation units declined from 30.4% to 28.8%. At the same time, operators increased their rates. In the 4- and 5-star segment, ADR reached €94.68 (+8.5%), while RevPAR climbed 12.2% to €61.33.
The result is a market in which revenues grow in the absence of volume growth, pointing to a structural repositioning of the industry towards value-driven growth. "The hotel market is entering a phase where performance is no longer determined by demand growth, but by the ability to sustain rates and attract premium segments. It is a sign of maturity, but also of vulnerability in the face of potential demand declines," said Ilinca Timofte, Head of Research at Crosspoint Real Estate.
Hotels and aparthotels rated 4 and 5 stars, totalling approximately 83,000 rooms nationwide in 2025, generated €974.5 million, equivalent to nearly half of total industry revenues, despite accounting for only around 20% of accommodation capacity. Bucharest remains the largest market in this segment, with revenues of €347.7 million and an occupancy rate of 72.6%, but regional markets are gaining ground.
Hotel investment volume exceeded €60 million in 2025, up around 25% year-on-year, but remains modest in regional terms and dominated by small-ticket transactions. In this context, the combination of strong operational performance and volatile demand is creating a more selective market for investors.