Latest news with #Eurostat
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Romania's coastal city and popular Black Sea resort of Mamaia sees a sharp decline in tourists
According to the latest Eurostat data, only 26.6 per cent of Romanians could afford a one-week holiday last year, whether in the country or abroad. In Europe, only Bulgaria came close to this number, while other continental neighbours in western and northern Europe had vastly higher figures. On average, some 85 per cent of citizens of Sweden, Luxembourg and the Netherlands could afford a one-week annual holiday. This has translated to a sharp decline in tourism in Romania, like in the once bustling Black Sea Mamaia resort, which now looks like a skeleton of its former self, with hundreds of sunbeds lying vacant. Related 'You can see clearly, you don't have to be an expert to figure it out. You check how much you earned last year, the same day and how much you earned this year the same day, it's a decrease of about 30-35 per cent,' says Răzvan Chițan, a beach manager at a Mamaia hotel. Why are fewer people visiting Romania's Black Sea Mamaia resort? The decline in holidaymakers is a result of multiple factors, from the war in Ukraine to economic concerns. One main reason, however, is Bucharest's decision to slash the value of the popular holiday voucher scheme, to the tune of 50 per cent. These vouchers can be used to pay for hotel accommodation, food and drink and entertainment events within participating venues inside Romania, and aim to beef up local tourism, as well as attract foreign travellers. Travel agents say that in May of 2024, roughly €95 million worth of holiday vouchers were sold, but this year, only €9 million worth were sold. Hoteliers in the area say the decline has been severe, placing a serious strain on their businesses. 'Bookings are made for no more than two, three days, because tourists are fewer,' said Felicia Simion, a hotelier in Mamaia. 'In our unit, a room with breakfast is 350-400 Leu (€69-79) in July, with breakfast and sunbeds included. And the all-inclusive package varies from 700-850 Leu (€138-168) per night, all inclusive, sunbeds, drinks all day,' said Sebastian Puznava, also a hotelier. Prices have skyrocketed The decline in tourists mostly affects two and three-star hotels, where a majority of stays are paid for using the holiday vouchers. But tourists also say that prices have skyrocketed as of late, also contributing to the downturn in bookings. Related 'Very expensive, so very expensive compared to previous years,' said Cătălin Ciobanu. 'Absolutely everything [increased in price], from a water bottle to the famous beer pint.' 'I haven't calculated, let's say around 800-1,000 Leu (€158-197) maximum,' said Virgil Nohai, a tourist. Last month, most bookings in seaside resorts were made for the weekends, whereas in previous years, people often stayed for a week or more. Most tourists this year have also chosen last-minute offers to maximise on savings and value.
Euronews
a day ago
- Business
- Euronews
Popular Romanian Black Sea resort sees sharp decline in tourists
According to the latest Eurostat data, only 26.6 per cent of Romanians could afford a one-week holiday last year, whether in the country or abroad. In Europe, only Bulgaria came close to this number, while other continental neighbours in western and northern Europe had vastly higher figures. On average, some 85 per cent of citizens of Sweden, Luxembourg and the Netherlands could afford a one-week annual holiday. This has translated to a sharp decline in tourism in Romania, like in the once bustling Black Sea Mamaia resort, which now looks like a skeleton of its former self, with hundreds of sunbeds lying vacant. 'You can see clearly, you don't have to be an expert to figure it out. You check how much you earned last year, the same day and how much you earned this year the same day, it's a decrease of about 30-35 per cent,' says Răzvan Chițan, a beach manager at a Mamaia hotel. Why are fewer people visiting Romania's Black Sea Mamaia resort? The decline in holidaymakers is a result of multiple factors, from the war in Ukraine to economic concerns. One main reason, however, is Bucharest's decision to slash the value of the popular holiday voucher scheme, to the tune of 50 per cent. These vouchers can be used to pay for hotel accommodation, food and drink and entertainment events within participating venues inside Romania, and aim to beef up local tourism, as well as attract foreign travellers. Travel agents say that in May of 2024, roughly €95 million worth of holiday vouchers were sold, but this year, only €9 million worth were sold. Hoteliers in the area say the decline has been severe, placing a serious strain on their businesses. 'Bookings are made for no more than two, three days, because tourists are fewer,' said Felicia Simion, a hotelier in Mamaia. 'In our unit, a room with breakfast is 350-400 Leu (€69-79) in July, with breakfast and sunbeds included. And the all-inclusive package varies from 700-850 Leu (€138-168) per night, all inclusive, sunbeds, drinks all day,' said Sebastian Puznava, also a hotelier. Prices have skyrocketed The decline in tourists mostly affects two and three-star hotels, where a majority of stays are paid for using the holiday vouchers. But tourists also say that prices have skyrocketed as of late, also contributing to the downturn in bookings. 'Very expensive, so very expensive compared to previous years,' said Cătălin Ciobanu. 'Absolutely everything [increased in price], from a water bottle to the famous beer pint.' 'I haven't calculated, let's say around 800-1,000 Leu (€158-197) maximum,' said Virgil Nohai, a tourist. Last month, most bookings in seaside resorts were made for the weekends, whereas in previous years, people often stayed for a week or more. Most tourists this year have also chosen last-minute offers to maximise on savings and value.
Euronews
a day ago
- Health
- Euronews
What are the most searched jobs for English speakers across Europe?
Emergency medical technicians, social workers, and teachers are among the most searched jobs on Google by English-speaking people who are considering working abroad. This is according to a study from A4ord, a Berlin-based company providing a multicultural services platform. Spain sees the highest interest for any role, especially in the emergency medical technician profession (EMT), which emerged as the most sought-after position with 99,343 monthly searches. One of the causes leading to this job being so popular can be related to 20.4% of Spain's total population in 2024 being aged 65 or over, according to Eurostat's latest figures. The ageing population causes an increase in age-related emergencies, such as heart attacks and strokes, and drives up the need for EMTs. Searches for EMT in Spain are higher than in many other European countries combined. Social worker emerged as the second most searched-for job in Europe for immigrants. It is the top result in three European Union countries, which include the Netherlands, Ireland, and Lithuania. In Italy, musician is the most popular job role with over 6,000 monthly searches. Italy is also the only country where this role topped the list. Searches in Germany indicate a strong interest in fitness roles, with personal trainer being the most searched role. Data scientist ranks third in Germany with 4,340 searches, reflecting the country's growing tech sector. Denmark sees the highest search volume for a receptionist role with 2,833 monthly searches. Smaller European nations showed more modest search volumes, with Luxembourg's top job being chemist.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Can you afford to live here? Europe's cities ranked by rent-to-salary ratio
Housing takes up a large part of household budgets, and this share is growing across Europe, according to Eurostat. High rent prices in city centres add extra pressure, especially for low-income earners and those on minimum wage. In some European countries and cities, rent can consume nearly an entire salary. In fact, in certain places, average net salaries are not enough to cover the rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre, according to Deutsche Bank Research Institute. So, which countries and cities in Europe have the best rent-to-salary ratio? Where is rent simply unaffordable? And how do European cities compare to global ones in terms of housing costs and salaries? The Mapping the World's Prices report compares net monthly salaries and rents for one-bedroom apartments in city centres across 69 cities worldwide. Euronews Business takes a closer look at the 28 European cities included in the report along with a few others for broader comparison. Where are the highest salaries in Europe? In 2025, average monthly net salaries range from just €151 in Cairo to €7,307 in Geneva, with Zurich close behind at €7,127. This makes Switzerland the highest-paying country overall. In Europe, Istanbul has the lowest salary at €855, followed by €1,044 in Athens. People in the Northern and Western European cities are well-paid. The net salaries are above €4,000 in Luxembourg, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Frankfurt. Rome has the lowest average salary among the capital cities of Europe's five largest economies, at €2,046. Madrid follows slightly higher at €2,193. Salaries are significantly higher in Berlin (€3,565), Paris (€3,630), and London (€3,637), with only minimal differences among the UK, France, and Germany. Salaries are also high in US cities, which make up five of the top 11 globally. Related Which career in Europe will reward you with the highest salary? The cost of love: Europe's most expensive and cheapest cities for a date Which European cities have the highest rents? Rents for one-bedroom apartments in city centres vary widely, ranging from as low as €189 in Cairo to €3,792 ($4,143) in New York. US cities dominate the top end of the scale. In Europe, the highest rent is in London at €2,732 (£2,365), while the lowest is in Athens at just €595. In Zurich, Dublin, Amsterdam, and Geneva, rents also exceed €2,000, while in Istanbul and Budapest, they remain below €900. Lisbon and Istanbul: Salary doesn't cover the rent The percentage of salary spent on rent is a more useful measure. It shows how much disposable income is left after paying for accommodation. The rent-to-salary ratio ranges from 24% in Bangalore to 125% in Cairo. A ratio of 100% means the entire salary goes to rent. Anything above that means nothing is left in the pocket or extra income is needed to cover rent. In Europe, rent-to-salary ratio differs from 29% in Geneva to 116% in Lisbon. Besides the Portuguese capital, the ratio is also slightly above 100% in Istanbul (101%). This means the average net salary is not enough to pay the rent for a one-bedroom apartment in either Lisbon or Istanbul. Single earners need to spend three-quarters of their salary on rent in London (75%), as well as in Barcelona and Madrid (both at 74%). In Milan, the ratio is also high at 71%. More than half of the average salary is also spent on rent in several other cities: Rome (65%), Dublin (62%), Athens (57%), Warsaw (56%), Prague (54%), and Budapest (52%). Related Living in debt? Savings expert shares secret to 'spring clean your finances' How has wealth inequality changed across Europe since the 2008 crisis? Where is the lowest rent-to-salary ratios? Geneva (29%) is the only European city where the rent-to-salary ratio is below 30%. Following that, there are five more European cities where single earners spend less than two-fifths, or 40%, of their salary on rent. They include Luxembourg and Frankfurt (both at 34%), Zurich and Helsinki (both at 35%), and Vienna (38%). Except for Helsinki, these examples do not mean that rent is cheap in these cities. Instead, they reflect higher salaries, which reduce the percentage of income spent on rent. Among the capital cities of the top five European economies, Berlin has the lowest rent-to-salary ratio, with residents spending 40% of their average income on rent. Paris follows the German capital at 45%. London has the highest ratio at 75%, followed by Madrid at 74% and Rome at 65%. This ratio in other major cities is as follows: Dublin (62%), Athens (57%), Amsterdam (49%), Stockholm (46%), Edinburgh (44%), Copenhagen (43%), and Oslo (42%). In the global list, other cities where the salary does not cover the rent include Bogota (120%), Mexico City (118%), and São Paulo (102%). In some cities, while the rent can just be paid, there is almost nothing left from the salary—this includes Rio de Janeiro (100%), Manila (94%), Buenos Aires (88%), and Mumbai (84%). The rent-to-salary ratio in New York is 81%, making it the highest among US cities. How much is left after paying the rent? Globally, the highest disposable incomes after paying rent are found in two Swiss cities: Geneva (€5,174) and Zurich (€4,638). The lowest is also in Europe, with Lisbon at –€202, meaning the average salary is not enough to cover the rent. In Istanbul, a single earner needs to find an extra €13 to pay the rent. Besides the two Swiss cities, disposable income after rent is also above €2,000 in six more European cities: Luxembourg (€3,725), Frankfurt (€2,726), Copenhagen (€2,421), Amsterdam (€2,194), Oslo (€2,140) and Helsinki (€2,021). An OECD report shows that bigger cities come with higher housing costs. Spending on housing and utilities has risen over the past 20 years in the EU. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Can you afford to live here? Europe's cities ranked by rent-to-salary ratio
Housing takes up a large part of household budgets, and this share is growing across Europe, according to Eurostat. High rent prices in city centres add extra pressure, especially for low-income earners and those on minimum wage. In some European countries and cities, rent can consume nearly an entire salary. In fact, in certain places, average net salaries are not enough to cover the rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre, according to Deutsche Bank Research Institute. So, which countries and cities in Europe have the best rent-to-salary ratio? Where is rent simply unaffordable? And how do European cities compare to global ones in terms of housing costs and salaries? The Mapping the World's Prices report compares net monthly salaries and rents for one-bedroom apartments in city centres across 69 cities worldwide. Euronews Business takes a closer look at the 28 European cities included in the report along with a few others for broader comparison. Where are the highest salaries in Europe? In 2025, average monthly net salaries range from just €151 in Cairo to €7,307 in Geneva, with Zurich close behind at €7,127. This makes Switzerland the highest-paying country overall. In Europe, Istanbul has the lowest salary at €855, followed by €1,044 in Athens. People in the Northern and Western European cities are well-paid. The net salaries are above €4,000 in Luxembourg, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Frankfurt. Rome has the lowest average salary among the capital cities of Europe's five largest economies, at €2,046. Madrid follows slightly higher at €2,193. Salaries are significantly higher in Berlin (€3,565), Paris (€3,630), and London (€3,637), with only minimal differences among the UK, France, and Germany. Salaries are also high in US cities, which make up five of the top 11 globally. Related Which career in Europe will reward you with the highest salary? The cost of love: Europe's most expensive and cheapest cities for a date Which European cities have the highest rents? Rents for one-bedroom apartments in city centres vary widely, ranging from as low as €189 in Cairo to €3,792 ($4,143) in New York. US cities dominate the top end of the scale. In Europe, the highest rent is in London at €2,732 (£2,365), while the lowest is in Athens at just €595. In Zurich, Dublin, Amsterdam, and Geneva, rents also exceed €2,000, while in Istanbul and Budapest, they remain below €900. Lisbon and Istanbul: Salary doesn't cover the rent The percentage of salary spent on rent is a more useful measure. It shows how much disposable income is left after paying for accommodation. The rent-to-salary ratio ranges from 24% in Bangalore to 125% in Cairo. A ratio of 100% means the entire salary goes to rent. Anything above that means nothing is left in the pocket or extra income is needed to cover rent. In Europe, rent-to-salary ratio differs from 29% in Geneva to 116% in Lisbon. Besides the Portuguese capital, the ratio is also slightly above 100% in Istanbul (101%). This means the average net salary is not enough to pay the rent for a one-bedroom apartment in either Lisbon or Istanbul. Single earners need to spend three-quarters of their salary on rent in London (75%), as well as in Barcelona and Madrid (both at 74%). In Milan, the ratio is also high at 71%. More than half of the average salary is also spent on rent in several other cities: Rome (65%), Dublin (62%), Athens (57%), Warsaw (56%), Prague (54%), and Budapest (52%). Related Living in debt? Savings expert shares secret to 'spring clean your finances' How has wealth inequality changed across Europe since the 2008 crisis? Where is the lowest rent-to-salary ratios? Geneva (29%) is the only European city where the rent-to-salary ratio is below 30%. Following that, there are five more European cities where single earners spend less than two-fifths, or 40%, of their salary on rent. They include Luxembourg and Frankfurt (both at 34%), Zurich and Helsinki (both at 35%), and Vienna (38%). Except for Helsinki, these examples do not mean that rent is cheap in these cities. Instead, they reflect higher salaries, which reduce the percentage of income spent on rent. Among the capital cities of the top five European economies, Berlin has the lowest rent-to-salary ratio, with residents spending 40% of their average income on rent. Paris follows the German capital at 45%. London has the highest ratio at 75%, followed by Madrid at 74% and Rome at 65%. This ratio in other major cities is as follows: Dublin (62%), Athens (57%), Amsterdam (49%), Stockholm (46%), Edinburgh (44%), Copenhagen (43%), and Oslo (42%). In the global list, other cities where the salary does not cover the rent include Bogota (120%), Mexico City (118%), and São Paulo (102%). In some cities, while the rent can just be paid, there is almost nothing left from the salary—this includes Rio de Janeiro (100%), Manila (94%), Buenos Aires (88%), and Mumbai (84%). The rent-to-salary ratio in New York is 81%, making it the highest among US cities. How much is left after paying the rent? Globally, the highest disposable incomes after paying rent are found in two Swiss cities: Geneva (€5,174) and Zurich (€4,638). The lowest is also in Europe, with Lisbon at –€202, meaning the average salary is not enough to cover the rent. In Istanbul, a single earner needs to find an extra €13 to pay the rent. Besides the two Swiss cities, disposable income after rent is also above €2,000 in six more European cities: Luxembourg (€3,725), Frankfurt (€2,726), Copenhagen (€2,421), Amsterdam (€2,194), Oslo (€2,140) and Helsinki (€2,021). An OECD report shows that bigger cities come with higher housing costs. Spending on housing and utilities has risen over the past 20 years in the EU. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
