Travellers heading to Bucharest in 2026 will be stung by a new tourist tax, despite growing backlash from the hotel industry.
The General Council Municipality of Bucharest published a draft for a special levy to help promote tourism in the capital earlier this month. The measure was adopted just four days later, on Tuesday 23 December, sparking concern that there is no “concrete plan” on how the funds will be used.
Officials say the tax, which aims to generate 15 million Romanian Leu annually (around €2.9 million) will help the city promote itself as a tourist destination. However, specifics on how this will be done remain unclear.
Bucharest’s tourist tax: How much will you have to pay?
Starting next year, each tourist staying in accommodation in Bucharest will be charged 10 Romanian Leu (around €2) per night. Unlike many other cities, the tax will not vary based on accommodation price.
The levy will be collected by accommodation providers, online booking platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com, or travel agencies.
According to local media, non-compliance may result in fines of up to 1,5000 Leu (€294) for individuals or 4,000 Leu (€785) for businesses.
Deputy Mayor Stelian Bujduveanu says the tax will bring “added value” to the city through promotions and events that benefit the region.
Why has Bucharest’s tourist tax stirred controversy?
The Federation of the Romanian Hotel Industry (FIHR) has warned that the measure could have a negative impact on tourism in Bucharest, which has recently been witnessing a surge in visitors thanks to attractions like itsTikTok famous spa.
Industry leaders argue that while promoting Bucharest is important, the legislation has been hastily passed in a “non-transparent way” - risking the city remaining an "expensive fiscal desideration" that is poorly promoted.
“Tourism needs partnership, not administrative improvisation,” the FIHR adds.
