Romania's Schengen accession boosts Hotel Cismigiu's occupancy rate

Romania’s full accession to the Schengen Area has already had a tangible impact on the country’s tourism sector, with Hotel Cismigiu, in Bucharest reporting a 10% increase in bookings in the first month and a half of 2025.

The hotel experienced a surge in demand between September and December 2024, coinciding with Romania's entry into the Schengen Area for air and sea travel. This positive trend has accelerated in early 2025, fueled by increased foreign visitor confidence in Romanian destinations.

"We anticipate that our full Schengen accession, including land borders, will further enhance Romania’s appeal to international tourists," said Mirela Cojocaru, General Manager of Hotel Cismigiu. "The impact is already visible in our bookings: in January, we recorded a 65% occupancy rate, up 10% compared to the same period in 2024. The trend continued into February, with a 70% occupancy rate in the first week alone. Looking ahead, we already have 25% of our rooms booked for March, compared to just 14% at this time last year," she added.

Hotel Cismigiu, part of the Hercesa Romania portfolio since 2004, recorded strong financial performance in 2024. The hotel’s revenue grew by 2%, with an annual occupancy rate of 76%, maintaining the same level as in 2023. Additionally, the Average Daily Rate (ADR) increased by 5%, and the double occupancy rate rose from 1.4 in 2023 to 1.52 in 2024.

International travelers continue to dominate Hotel Cismigiu's guest profile. In 2024, 85% of its visitors came from abroad, with the largest groups arriving from Israel (23%), the United Kingdom (10%), Italy (9%), the United States (8%), Germany (7%), and 4% each from Spain, France, and Greece.

Romania’s Schengen integration is expected to further drive inbound tourism, solidifying Bucharest's position as a key European travel destination.

Photo: Mirela Cojocaru, Director General, Hotel Cismigiu Bucharest