Romanians spent EUR 1.4 billion on holidays abroad in the first six months of this year, compared to EUR 855 million during the same period last year, according to data from Romania’s National Bank.

This represented a year-on-year growth of over 60%.

By comparison, foreigners spent EUR 909 million in Romania between January and June, up 24% year-on-year.

The deficit in tourism rose to EUR 480 million in the first half of the year, compared to EUR 124 million in the first six months of 2016. This has been the highest level since 2008.

Meanwhile, statistics show about 70% of Romanians can’t even afford a holiday per year, according to a recent study by EU’s statistical office Eurostat.

editor@romania-insider.com