Despite falling tourist number in 2025, the hotel development pipeline remains robust

Brașov is increasingly positioning itself as a major hub of attraction, driven by its unique blend of economic development, tourism opportunities, and high quality of life. The destination benefits from upgraded infrastructure, easy access to major cities, and a landscape that harmoniously blends history with natural beauty. Beyond ranking among the top three national destinations, Brașov has been a constant fixture in major international travel guides over recent years.

• National Geographic – “Best of the World 2025”: Brașov was included in this exclusive list of the 25 must-visit destinations for 2025. The publication described it as the “gateway to Transylvania,” praising its mix of medieval history, ancient forests, and the accessibility provided by the new international airport.

• CNN Travel – Top Destinations for 2025: CNN included Romania in its recommended travel list for 2025, calling Brașov a central pillar of the “Transylvanian experience.” American journalists presented it as an authentic and less crowded alternative to Western Europe’s classic destinations.

Accommodation Capacity on the Rise

Currently, hotel capacity within the municipality of Brașov recorded a 4.7% increase in 2025 compared to 2024, expanding from 47 hotels (2,427 rooms) to 50 hotels (2,542 rooms). The most substantial growth in 2025 versus 2024—a striking 21.4%—was reported in the short-term rental apartments and units category, which surged from 2,081 units in 2024 to 2,527 units in 2025. This data is based on figures from the Ministry of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship & Tourism, analyzed by Est Hospitality.

HOTEL CAPACITY IN THE CITY OF BRAȘOV

A Temporary Cooldown in Tourist Traffic

When it comes to tourist numbers, the 2025 figures indicate a decline compared to both the previous year and the pre-pandemic benchmark. In 2025, the county ranked 3rd nationally, attracting nearly 1.39 million visitors and registering 2.62 million overnight stays. A solid performance in the first half of the year was followed by a slight deceleration in the second semester—a trend observed across the entire mountain region.

In 2025, tourist arrivals and overnight stays remained below 2019 levels and lower than in 2024. Compared to 2024, the hotel market experienced a contraction of approximately 4%. Conversely, arrivals and overnight stays in short-term rental apartments remained relatively stable in 2025 compared to 2024.

TOURISM IN THE CITY OF BRAȘOV

Source: Est Hospitality based on NIS (National Institute of Statistics) data

International Brands Bet Heavily on the Pipeline

Interest from international hotel chains remains exceptionally high. The most anticipated entries are in the ultra-luxury 5-star segment: Hyatt (rebranding the former ARO Palace) and Kempinski, which is debuting with a brand-new development in Poiana Brașov.

HOTEL DEVELOPMENT PIPELINE (2026-2028)

Source: Est Hospitality

Industry Insight

“This year will mark the opening of the 4-star Hilton Garden Inn, which represents only the third hotel affiliated with an international chain in the city. Brașov will also welcome its first internationally branded 3-star hotel in 2027. Concurrently, in 2026, the number of short-term rental apartments is projected to surpass Brașov’s total hotel capacity.”

— Mircea Drăghici, Managing Partner, Est Hospitality