"While other countries are investing heavily in tourism and developing clear policies to support the sector, Romania's government prefers to cut, ignoring the economic and social consequences of its decisions. In a stable market economy, holiday vouchers would be considered a strategic investment that stimulates the economy, keeps money in the country and contributes to a healthy economic climate. The eventual elimination of holiday vouchers would set Romania back 20 years, undoing all the progress made in these years," reads the UNPR press release.
The elimination of the holiday vouchers, the press release says, will freeze or cancel investments in tourism infrastructure, new and modernized 4 and 5-star hotels that are in the pipeline will no longer be built, but it will also cancel the success of the last years in eliminating black tourism.
Also, as the number of classified establishments has doubled in the last 10 years, the foreign exchange balance will be severely affected, with billions of euros going to Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria instead of staying in the country.
"Unions are anticipating riots by employees who will be deprived of bonuses, salary increases and vacation. The employees' health, need for recuperation, treatment or rehabilitation does not matter to the government," the statement said.
The source notes that the elimination of vouchers would have "catastrophic consequences", namely a 30-40% drop in revenues from tourism, a vital sector for the Romanian economy, the disappearance of opportunities for thousands of Romanians - especially those with modest incomes - to have access to vacations, recovery treatments or rest. Loss of confidence among private investors, who will be forced to downsize or close their businesses, thus contributing to rising unemployment.
Last but not least, it would have a negative impact on other related industries - transport, catering, culture and leisure - which depend on tourism for their survival.
"This protest joined by employers, federations, alliances, tourism associations and trade unions is a wake-up call to the government: Leave the holiday vouchers!" concludes the UNPR in the statement.
