“An significant trend is charters from other cities in Romania, besides Bucharest. For example, 12 charters will depart from Cluj, eight from Timisoara, two from Iasi, and one from Targu Mures. It is possible that a charter will also depart from Sibiu,” Anastasiu said.

ANAT’s President indicated that more Romanian tourists went abroad in the 2007/2008 winter period than in 2006. Departures are stimulated by offers from low-cost companies. According to ANAT data, 47 regular airline companies and nine low-cost companies operate in Romania.

Most low-cost companies are expecting an increase in passengers of 50-100 percent. Regular airlines are expecting their passenger rate to rise by at least 10 percent. ANAT representatives believe that Bucharest will become the most important tourist business destination in Southeastern Europe in a few years and they plan to transform the capital into “an attractive destination.”

Anastasiu added that Romanian business tourism has evolved continuously, with an annual 20 percent average growth.