Romania and Bulgaria will start the process of joining the Schengen Area on March 31, with the removal of controls at their air and sea borders.
Although both countries have been members of the European Union since 2007, unlike many other European citizens, they must show a passport to enter other EU countries.
According to the news reported by euronews, border controls for the two countries will be simplified in 2024 and many other issues will probably change as well. There is much speculation about whether Bulgaria and Romania will follow in the footsteps of Croatia, which has just joined the Schengen Area and has been criticized for raising prices since its entry.
Bulgaria and Romania are not expected to convert their existing currencies to the euro in the near future, as Croatia has done.
WILL PRICES INCREASE?
In the news in question, with the contribution of regional experts, the changes that may occur on March 31 are listed as follows:
Elaine Warren, travel expert and founder of The Family Cruise Companion blog, is hopeful that the move to the Schengen Area will not lead to price increases that could drive away potential tourists. “Increased competition could offset the tendency for prices to rise too sharply in tourist destinations,” Warren said. "With travelers able to easily compare prices across borders, hotels and other businesses will want to stay competitive on prices," he said.
Stating that it seems too early to say exactly what may happen, Warren said, “It is also possible that some costs will gradually become more compatible among Schengen countries. But overall, the mix of effects – more visitors but also fiercer competition – suggests that price effects will be unclear. “Popular destinations may see modest increases, while rural areas and consumer prices may face downward pressures,” he said.
Robert Blaszczyk, Head of Strategic Accounts Department of Conotoxia, a global fintech company, stated that the changes are not clear, but there is hope for both countries and visitors.
Lucia Polla is a travel expert and founder of the travel blog Viva La Vita, she is a fan of both Romania and Bulgaria and is hopeful that the move to the Schengen Area will open these countries to a new generation of tourists. Polla hopes Balkan countries will take this into account as they try to attract more tourists, and thinks the change could encourage greater appreciation of local cultures and responsible tourism practices, benefiting both the environment and the communities we visit.
CAN ROMANIA AND BULGARIA BECOME A VICTIM OF OVERTOURISM?
On the other hand, although it is clear that the entry of the two countries into the Schengen Area will increase tourism and support their economies, there are concerns that overtourism, which is so common throughout Europe, may soon become a problem. Ritesh Raj, COO and CPO of CuddlyNest, an accommodation booking platform, is among those who believe that “inclusion in Schengen could lead to overtourism in popular destinations in Romania and Bulgaria.”
