Romania Increases Budget to Promote International Tourism

Romania’s ministry for regional development and tourism has approved a special budget of 5 million euros ($6.8 million) for promotion. Extra funding is to go in particular into expanding the country’s presence at major international travel trade fairs.

Minister Elena Udrea has also given the green light for financing the upgrading of tourism infrastructure. Projects include construction of a new golf course to the north of Bucharest.

Experts’ views on the prospects for Romania’s tourism industry in 2010 diverge. The majority though expect an upturn in the second half of the year. The most optimistic prognoses see the branch achieving growth of 5 percent over 2009 levels.