Both entrepreneurs in tourism and small businesses will undoubtedly suffer. This measure, which is in talks to take effect in 2025, threatens to reduce tourism revenues by up to 40%, according to recent estimates, and severely affect the HoReCa industry, which employs approximately 500,000 people.

The elimination of these vouchers will have a direct effect on 1.5 million beneficiaries, significantly limiting their access to vacations within Romania. Holiday vouchers have acted in the past as an economic catalyst, creating a financial circuit that supported not only hotels and restaurants but also local producers, transport providers, and other related industries. Without these benefits, many small businesses will face a significant revenue drop, and local communities will lose vital resources for development.

Róbert Grüman, CEO of the startup stayhere.ro, stated:
"The impact of eliminating holiday vouchers will be felt as a negative economic chain reaction: from the decline in demand for tourism services to employment losses and reduced revenues for local authorities. This decision will shake domestic tourism to its core. Vouchers were the only opportunity for many Romanians to discover the authentic beauties of their country and contribute to the local economy. Eliminating them destroys an enormous potential for economic growth and the strengthening of Romanian tourism."

Holiday vouchers were not just a benefit for employees but a strategic investment in communities and the development of domestic tourism. They generated a consistent financial flow in touristic areas, promoted local traditions and culture, and contributed to developing a resilient economy. Without them, regions dependent on tourism and related industries will face a severe economic crisis.

The startup stayhere.ro is the one that came up with a solution made specifically to help promote tourism in Romania. The idea of creating an online booking platform arose as a response to the population's positive shift towards digitalization, especially after the pandemic. The already launched travel blog, blog.stayhere.ro, is part of this project, promoting local destinations and sustainable tourism. stayhere.ro focuses on sustainability, introducing a revolutionary system for labeling sustainable accommodations.

The platform stayhere.ro, which will also accept payments via holiday vouchers, is set to launch in March 2025.