Tourism focuses on the country's natural landscapes and its rich history and is a significant contributor to the Romania's economy. In 2006, the domestic and international tourism generated about 4.8% of gross domestic product and 5.8% of the total jobs (about half a million jobs).[130] Following commerce, tourism is the second largest component of the services sector. Tourism is one of the most dynamic and fastest developing sectors of the economy of Romania and characterized by a huge potential for development. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council Romania is the fourth fastest growing country in the world in terms of travel and tourism total demand with a yearly potential growth of 8% from 2007-2016.[131] Number of tourists grew from 4.8 million in 2002 to 6.6 million in 2004. Similarly, the revenues grew from 400 million in 2002 to 607 in 2004.[132] In 2006, Romania registered 20 million overnight stays by international tourists, an all-time record,[133] but the number for 2007 is expected to increase even more.[134] Tourism in Romania attracted €400 million in investments in 2005.[135]

Mamaia, at the Black Sea shoreOver the last years, Romania has emerged as a popular tourist destination for many Europeans (more than 60% of the foreign visitors were from EU countries[136]), thus attempting to compete with Bulgaria, Greece, Italy and Spain. Romania destinations such as Mangalia, Saturn, Venus, Neptun, Olimp, Constanta and Mamaia (sometimes called the Romanian Riviera) and are among the most popular attraction during summer.[citation needed] During winter the skiing resorts along the Valea Prahovei and Poiana Brasov are booming with visitors. Several cities in Transylvania (such as Sibiu, Brasov, Sighisoara, Cluj-Napoca and several others) have become important touristic attractions for foreign tourists - especially for their medieval atmosphere and castles.[citation needed] Rural tourism focused on folklore and traditions, has become a major issue for the authorities recently,[citation needed] and is targeted to promote such sites as Bran and its Dracula's Castle, the Painted churches of Northern Moldavia, the Wooden churches of Maramures, or the Merry Cemetery in Maramures County. There are several major natural attractions in Romania - such as Danube Delta, Iron Gates (Danube Gorge), Scarisoara Cave and several other caves in the Apuseni Mountains - that have not received great attention from the authorities and whose potential has not been fully tapped.