Germany aligns with Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and France as top travel destinations for Romanian tourists spending over three billion euro abroad in early 2025, reflecting a historic surge in outbound tourism fueled by rising demand for premium experiences and cultural immersion. In just the first four months of the year, Romanians shattered previous spending records, marking a 15% increase over 2024 and positioning themselves as one of Europe’s most influential traveler groups. This explosive growth is redefining how Romanians engage with international destinations, with millions favoring iconic cities, lifestyle-driven holidays, and longer, more meaningful stays across Western Europe.

Outbound Romanian Expenditure at Record Levels

Romanians travel further afield in larger numbers with ever larger budgets than ever before. Outbound travel spend in just January-April 2025 topped three billion euro, registering a healthy 15% surge vis-à-vis January-April 2024. With this sort of momentum, Romanians will spend upwards of eleven billion euro on foreign trips by year-end—beating the previous record of 9.6 billion euro in 2024, and establishing Romania as one of Europe’s most vibrant sources of outbound tourism.

This abrupt surge is not only a harbinger of a post-pandemic bounceback but of a inherent cultural shift as well. No longer does the Romanian traveler settle for short, affordable getaway holidays. Instead, they crave longer expeditions, higher-quality experiences, and longer periods of culture immersion in Europe’s top attractions.

Let’s examine further how five of the continent’s beloved countries—Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and France—are profiting from this boom in travel among Romanians.

Romanian Outbound Travel Data (2025)

• Romanians spent over €3 billion on foreign travel in the first four months of 2025.
• This marks a 15% increase over the same period in 2024.
• Total outbound spending for 2025 is expected to exceed €11 billion, breaking the 2024 record of €9.6 billion.
• Romanian spending on travel abroad:
  • Germany: Over €1 billion (2024)
  • Italy: Over €1 billion (2024)
  • Netherlands: Nearly €700 million (2024)
  • Spain: Approximately €600 million (2024)
  • France: Approximately €600 million (2024)

Germany Keeps Remaining a Top Destination among Romanians

Germany is particularly favorite among Romanian tourists, driven equally by cultural proximity, large diaspora communities, as well as growing demand for experiential city breaks. Romanians accounted for more than one billion euro in German outbound in 2024—ranking among the top two spend destinations among Romanians.

Eurostat indicates that in 2024, Germany accounted for 431 million overnight stays, putting it in fourth place as the most visited EU nation in accommodation nights. During Q1 2025 as it fell below the previous year by 3.5 million nights, Germany did, however, realize a 20.2% market share of foreign guests, almost the same as with Romania’s inbound tourism share.

Until Q2 2024, Germany’s share of foreign tourists was at 18.7%, revealing its well-balanced mixture of domestic as well as overseas fame. These tourists account for this share with frequent business journeys, holiday trips, as well as trips with families. With over 880,000 residents of Romania in Germany, travel between these two nations is among Europe’s busiest lanes.

As Romanian tourists continue to spend heavily in Germany—crossing the one billion euro mark in 2024—the country is strengthening its appeal with new cultural initiatives. Bavaria has launched a high-profile campaign to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for its iconic palaces, including Neuschwanstein and Linderhof. These moves aim to draw even more international attention while managing visitor volume through structured access. In May 2025, Germany saw a 1.5% rise in foreign overnight stays, underscoring its stable popularity among experience-seeking travelers like those from Romania.

Germany City Guide: Berlin, Munich, and Heidelberg

Berlin
Germany’s capital remains a top draw for Romanian tourists seeking history, culture, and modern energy. From the Berlin Wall Memorial and Brandenburg Gate to world-class museums on Museum Island, Berlin offers a deep dive into European heritage. Romanian visitors enjoy its affordability, thriving nightlife in Kreuzberg, and the abundance of cultural festivals held year-round.

Munich
Munich blends Bavarian charm with a cosmopolitan feel. Romanian families and couples often visit for its elegant architecture, traditional beer halls, and proximity to the Alps. Don’t miss Nymphenburg Palace or the English Garden. During Oktoberfest, flights from Romania to Munich spike as locals join the celebrations.

Heidelberg
For those seeking a quieter, romantic getaway, Heidelberg’s riverside beauty and castle ruins provide the perfect setting. With its historic university and old-world streets, it’s increasingly favored by Romanian couples and older travelers looking for relaxed sightseeing.

Italy Tightens Tourism Rules as Romanian Interest Rises

Italy continues to dazzle Romanian tourists with history, cuisine, and vibrant landscapes. Romanian spend in Italy was worth more than one billion euro in 2024, on a par with Germany’s figures, testifying once again to Italy’s timeless charm.

Statistical data on tourism shows that in 2024, Italy had 447 million overnight stays, thus standing as third among EU member countries. Demand was maintained throughout 2024, particularly in the fourth quarter of 2024, with an 11.1% increase in overnight stays. In Q1 2025, Italy reported another 5.9% increase in online reservations for short stays—a true indication of positive recovery as well as positive inbound demand.

Even without statistics on detailed nationalities, one can spot swarms of Romanian tourists in Italian cities like Rome, Milan, Venice, and Florence. These Italian cities gratify Romania’s growing middle class with culture, shopping, as well as pleasantly direct flights accessible out of Bucharest as well as Cluj-Napoca.

With Romanians already dedicating a billion euro in Italy in 2024, Italian cities in response to rising demand are strengthening tourism regulations in hopes of safeguarding local life. Florence, one of Romanians’ go-to cultural cities, recently banned golf cart tours as well as rickshaws in its historic district. Cities such as Venice increase entry fees along with new policies related to short-term leases. These changes render Italian attractions still accessible—but better controlled—for Romanians with increasingly selective and sustainable holidays.

Italy City Guide: Rome, Venice, and Florence

Rome
A timeless favorite among Romanians, Rome offers a journey through antiquity—from the Colosseum and Roman Forum to Vatican City. Direct flights from Bucharest and Cluj make it a top pick for long weekends. Romanian travelers love the culinary scene, affordable guided tours, and historical storytelling.

Venice
Romantic and enchanting, Venice appeals to Romanian honeymooners and first-time European explorers. With gondola rides, St. Mark’s Square, and charming alleyways, it delivers on atmosphere. Due to tourism restrictions, Romanian visitors are encouraged to pre-book tickets and travel outside peak months.

Florence
Florence is an art and architecture paradise, popular with Romanian students, artists, and culture lovers. The Uffizi Gallery, Duomo, and Ponte Vecchio are must-sees. Florence’s growing regulations on vehicle traffic and rentals make it ideal for walking tours and slow travel itineraries.

The Netherlands Reinvents Urban Tourism for Responsible Visitors

The Netherlands has steadily emerged as a favorite among Romanians, with its cosmopolitan city life, culture scenes, and good transport links. In 2024, Romanian tourists injected nearer 700 million euro in the Netherlands—a significant jump over previous years.

Despite a lower population foundation and tourism trail than Germany or Italy, the Netherlands had 142 million overnight stays in 2024. However, in Q1 2025, there was an 8.1% decline in Online Short-Stay Bookings, characteristic of a seasonal decrease potential in initial years of some seasons or driven by price factors.

Amsterdam remains at the forefront of Romanians’ favorite destinations, especially among younger travelers as well as couples seeking weekend gateways. Dutch cities have attractive cultural institutions along with festival calendars commensurate with Romanians’ shifting interest in experience-based tourism.

With Romanians among those rushing to the NL—to spend almost 700 million euro in 2024—the Dutch capital of Amsterdam set out to redefine the tourism experience. Amsterdam raised its increased 12.5% tourist tax, its €14.50 cruise ship passenger levy, and new traffic restrictions in 2025 aimed at cutting traffic congestion as well as environmental pollution. These changes mirror Amsterdam’s larger effort at targeting tourists such as Romanians who value exploration of cities with attention to local culture, green mobility, as well as crowds-free tourism.

Netherlands City Guide: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht

Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a magnet for young Romanian travelers and weekenders. With its canals, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, and bike-friendly layout, it offers easy access to everything. Tourist taxes are rising, so Romanians are advised to plan in advance and stay in eco-certified hotels.

Rotterdam
This modern port city is increasingly favored by Romanian travelers seeking alternative experiences. Its avant-garde architecture, waterfront dining, and cultural districts like Delfshaven offer something fresher than traditional Dutch imagery.

Utrecht
Less crowded than Amsterdam but equally beautiful, Utrecht features medieval towers, riverside cafés, and lively student energy. Romanian tourists enjoy its relaxed pace and close proximity to Schiphol Airport for quick onward travel.

Spain is EU’s Biggest Destination in Terms of Nights Spent

Spain was the most visited member state of the EU in 2024 with 485 million overnight stays, outperforming any member state. That boom contributed to a 3.5 million night increase in Q1 2025, with only Spain among those five states recording positive first-quarter growth.

Romanian tourists spent approximately 600 million euro in Spain in 2024, and such rates will grow in 2025. Spain offers a balanced beach tourism, heritage cities, as well as child-friendly sun resorts, suitable with travel patterns of Romanian families and retirees.

Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia remain top attractions among Romanian tourists, as Costa Brava and the Balearic Islands receive increasing numbers of repeat customers from eastern Europe. Inexpensive air links together with package holidays with inclusions have maintained Spain as an attractive destination both as a short-holiday visits destination as well as a long-holiday visits destination among Romanian tourists.

Spain, which attracted some 600 million euro of Romanian spending in 2024, begins a new era of tourism reform. Following increased protests against mass tourism in such centers as Barcelona and in the Balearic Islands, Spanish authorities are implementing greater regulation of holiday rental lodging, cruise tourism, as well as population density in cities. Because of this step towards quality tourism, Romanian tourists in search of longer, extended holidays can have a less crowded, respectful holiday experience—a one in alignment with their shifting travel preferences in 2025.

Spain City Guide: Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia

Barcelona
With its Gaudí landmarks, beach vibe, and buzzing energy, Barcelona continues to top Romanian travel lists. Flights from Romania are frequent, and Romanian is widely spoken in tourist areas. Popular spots include La Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Barceloneta Beach.

Madrid
Spain’s capital offers a regal experience with the Royal Palace, Prado Museum, and vast parks like El Retiro. Romanian tourists seeking both nightlife and museums find Madrid an ideal year-round destination. High-speed trains to nearby cities add even more value.

Valencia
Valencia appeals to Romanian families and food lovers with its futuristic City of Arts and Sciences and its paella culture. It’s less crowded than Barcelona, making it a strong alternative for travelers seeking warmth and fewer crowds.

France Maintains Status as High-end Travel Destination of Choice

France rounds out this ranking of Romanians’ favorite trips, with an estimated 600 million euro being spent there in 2024. As in Spain and Italy, France is rich in sentimental as well as cultural allure. Paris is one of Romanians’ most visiting cities, especially among newlywed couples, students, as well as culture-minded tourists.

France recorded 460 million overnight stays in 2024 with a second-place ranking in accumulated EU nights. France recorded a 5.6% gain in Q1 2025 in online stays as it demonstrated resilience with sustained global demand even with price pressure stemming from inflation.

France’s tourism formula, with its combination of heritage, culinary arts, and high fashion, is particularly resonant with Romanian tourists who increasingly invest in designed and high-end trips. Its varied geography, from Provence and Loire Valley to Alsace and Riviera, is suitable both for repeat travelers coming out of Romania as well as first-time travelers.

France, once a favorite among Romanian travelers due to its sophistication and cultural depth, is slowly adjusting to new environmental and logistical considerations. In Cannes, large cruise ships will be prohibited from docking beginning in 2026 in order to reduce pollution as well as overcapacity. During summer 2025, though, France had climate-linked disruptions such as deadly heatwaves as well as air traffic controller walkouts. These shifts can impact how Romanian tourists schedule as well as space out trips to France—shifting further towards seasonal adaptability, geographic diversification, as well as slow, deliberate travel.

France City Guide: Paris, Nice, and Strasbourg

Paris
Paris remains a dream destination for Romanian travelers—from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre. With direct flights from multiple Romanian cities, it’s a preferred location for cultural and romantic escapes. Romanian-speaking guides and community groups offer added familiarity for first-time visitors.

Nice
Situated on the French Riviera, Nice blends sea views with elegant promenades and warm weather. It’s ideal for Romanian retirees or couples seeking Mediterranean charm with easy access to Monaco, Cannes, and coastal vineyards.

Strasbourg
For Romanians looking for something more offbeat, Strasbourg’s blend of French and German culture, timber-framed houses, and scenic river walks make it a gem. It’s a great entry point into France via Germany or Switzerland and appeals to heritage-focused travelers.

Romanian Travelers Redefining Tourism Trends in Europe

From Germany to Italy, in Holland, Spain, and France, there is a measurable footprint of Romanian tourists. Rising outbound spend is not only a reflection of greater travels but greater spend with intention.

They stay in premium accommodation, travel beyond the beaten track, and indulge in culture, gastronomy, and wellness tourism. This change in behavior is shaping tourism products, demanding increased personalized attention, and influencing retail and property markets in major tourism metropolises.

Overnight Stays in 2024 (All Countries)

• Spain: 485 million overnight stays
• France: 460 million overnight stays
• Italy: 447 million overnight stays
• Germany: 431 million overnight stays
• Netherlands: 142 million overnight stays
• These five countries made up over 60% of all overnight stays in the EU.

Germany aligns with Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and France as top travel destinations for Romanian tourists after Romanians spent over three billion euro abroad in early 2025, driven by a sharp rise in demand for longer, higher-quality, experience-based holidays. This surge reflects a major shift in travel behavior, as Romanian travelers invest more in culture, leisure, and premium tourism across Western Europe.

Position of Romania in Europe’s Travel Economy

With outbound tourism already at three billion euro in just four months of 2025, with an expected eleven billion euro at year-end, Romania is quickly emerging as one of Europe’s most significant players in the tourism economy. Travelers in this country are no longer auxiliary visitors — they’re among Europe’s most active, curious, and experience-hungry tourists. With Romanians converging ever further with Europe’s leading travel markets, their economic and cultural presence will only increase—reshaping travel market demand across Berlin to Barcelona, Amsterdam to Nice.