Tourism : Romania's HoReCa market estimated at 7.8 billion euro; sector in its most difficult period

Romania's HoReCa market reached, in 2025, a value of around 7.8 billion euro, up from 7.3 billion euro a year earlier, according to estimates presented recently at a specialist event organised by the IMM Club.According to a press release from the organisation, while at the end of 2024 there were around 33,000 HoReCa units in Romania, updated data indicates a decline of at least 10%, in a context where operating costs have increased and the ability to raise prices is increasingly limited."The HoReCa market in Romania reached around 7.8 billion euro in 2025, up from 7.3 billion euro in 2024. At first glance, the figures show an expanding industry. In reality, the sector is going through one of the most difficult periods in recent years: the number of units is falling, margins are shrinking and consumers are becoming more price-sensitive. The real profit margin in HoReCa is estimated at only 3-5% at sector level. Even in the case of well-managed venues, net margins have narrowed to 8-12%. In these conditions, a full restaurant no longer automatically means a financially healthy one," the release reads.In the same context, total labour costs rose by around 12% in January 2026, following the increase in the minimum wage, while staff shortages could reach up to 50% in some locations.Industry specialists pointed out that prices appear to have reached a threshold that is difficult for the end customer to exceed. Thus, an average lunch in major cities has passed 70 lei, while customer traffic has fallen by around 15% nationwide and the average bill has dropped from 61 lei to 53 lei."Another important change comes from consumer behaviour. For the first time, food delivery orders have overtaken restaurant dining. Delivery accounts for 27% of the urban HoReCa market, compared with 26% for traditional restaurants. What a few years ago was seen as a trend has become a daily reality," the quoted source mentioned.Beyond the figures, the Federation of Hospitality Industry Employers warns that between 15% and 25% of restaurants could disappear in 2026, amid tax pressure and shrinking demand.The estimates regarding Romania's HoReCa market were presented at the "Secrets of the Successful Entrepreneur - Bucharest 2026" event, organised by the IMM Club.