Romania’s accession to Schengen brings considerable benefits to the tourism and economic sectors, such as trade, transport and agriculture, given the freedom of movement of citizens and shorter travel times, says the secretary general of the Federation of Hospitality Industry Employers in Romania (FPIOR), Corina Martin.

Thus, Romania’s accession to the Schengen Area can generate an increase of up to 2% of Romania’s GDP next year, with benefits that will be felt over the next 10 years, the tourism organization’s press release states.

As the organization reminds, Romania will fully join Schengen as of January 1, 2025.

„The main advantage brought by Romania’s accession to Schengen is the freedom of movement of citizens and shorter travel times – which brings considerable benefits to tourism and economic sectors, such as trade, transport and agriculture. For Romanian tourism, full accession to the Schengen Area brings major benefits, by increasing Romania’s attractiveness as a destination, and not only for European tourists, but especially for those from the Asian basin and for Americans – who will now integrate Romania into their holiday plans, in combination with any other European country! Tourists from countries far from Europe mostly have European destinations in their holiday plans, but air travel with a long flight duration determines them to always combine at least two European countries – a combination that Romania has had great difficulty entering, until now,” mentioned Corina Martin, quoted in a press release.

She underscored that Schengen is the largest destination and the largest free movement area in the world, guaranteeing smooth and safe travel in a region with 450 million inhabitants.

According to the tourism organization, Europeans make 1.25 billion trips within the Schengen Area annually.

According to the same source, waiting times at land border crossing points with Hungary and Bulgaria, as well as with Greece, will disappear after Romania joins Schengen, alongside Bulgaria. This would lead to major time savings, especially during the holiday season, when thousands of Romanians go either to the beach in Greece or Bulgaria, or in Bulgaria for skiing.

AGERPRES