Romanians spent EUR 852 million on the trips abroad between January and June this year, compared to EUR 856 million during the same period in 2015.

In parallel, foreigners spent EUR 730 million in Romania in the first six months of the year, compared to EUR 706 million in the first half of 2015, according to the central bank’s data, reports local Ziarul Financiar.

The number of foreign tourists in Romania went up by 12% year-on-year. Most foreigners came from Germany, France or the UK.

If Romania fails to promote its image as a safe destination, it will be hard to attract more tourists, said Gheorghe Fodoreanu, president of tourism agency Invitation Romania.

“Foreigners choose cultural circuits, many end up in Transylvania," he added.

editor@romania-insider.com