Romanian tourism on the up
Romania's popularity as a tourist destination was rising before it even acceded to the European Union, figures from the National Statistics Institute show.
As the country readied itself to become a full EU member, it attracted a significant 20% increase in visitors in December.
More than half a million people visited in the month, and close to half (43%) of those came from other EU countries.
Romania is not resting on its laurels, however, and realises the benefits to its tourism industry, which currently accounts for 4.8% of gross domestic product, EU membership can offer.
The government has pledged to invest Ôé¼325 million (~£211 million) in the industry in the coming year. The money will be invested in a variety of projects - including nature trails, beach-cleaning initiatives and the diversion of mineral waters for spas - all of which are designed to attract more foreign tourism.
It is not just the Romanian government that are confident of the country's prospects as a popular holiday destination, however. Last March the World Travel and Tourism Council predicted Romania's tourism industry would be the fastest growing in Europe for the next decade.
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