Tourexpi
Just 15 minutes from Bucharest’s international
airport, construction planning is underway for Dracula Land, a €1 billion
entertainment complex that aspires to become Europe’s largest destination of
its kind. The project, initiated and coordinated by Romanian entrepreneur Dragoș
Dobrescu, is being developed entirely with private capital, without public or
EU funding.
Officially launched on 3 December, Dracula Land will
occupy a consolidated 160-hectare site and is conceived as far more than a
classic theme park. At its core lies a 780,000-square-metre attraction area
divided into six immersive zones, complemented by large-scale entertainment,
hospitality, retail, sports and technology facilities.
Large-scale entertainment and mixed-use concept
Plans include a 22,500-seat arena designed for
concerts and esports events, three hotels with a total of 1,200 rooms, and a
50,000-square-metre water park featuring one of Europe’s largest wave pools.
The project also integrates a luxury fashion outlet developed with the team
behind The Mall Firenze, a 4.5-kilometre professional racing circuit, and a
15,000-square-metre technology hub intended to host more than 1,000
workstations for startups in gaming, artificial intelligence and digital
creative industries.
Experienced leadership and strategic advisory
Dobrescu is best known as founder of the Monolit brand
and developer of Vitalitas, currently Europe’s largest senior care centre. For
Dracula Land, he has assembled a strategic advisory team that includes former
Romanian Prime Minister Florin Cîțu, through BNV Advisory, providing financial
and regulatory expertise.
“Dracula Land is more than a theme park; it is a
national symbol demonstrating Romania’s capacity to create world-class
landmarks,” Dobrescu said at the project launch, describing it as a long-term
economic engine combining tourism, culture, technology and innovation.
Themed worlds and international design partners
The park’s themed zones draw on gothic and literary
imagery associated with Romania’s best-known legend. Planned areas include
“Transylvania,” inspired by Carpathian villages, “London Town” with a Victorian
atmosphere, and “Port of New Orleans,” reflecting the mystique of the American
South. More than 40 attractions are being designed by Creative Studio Berlin,
whose portfolio includes projects for Europa-Park in Germany.
Digital twin and virtual expansion
Alongside the physical development, the project
introduces a full digital counterpart built in Unreal Engine 5. This virtual
version of Dracula Land will allow global audiences to attend concerts and
events synchronised in real time with on-site activities. The digital ecosystem
also includes DraculaCoin as a native token and NFT-based systems intended for
digital ownership and personalised experiences.
Long preparation and timeline
The development follows eight years of land
consolidation involving 83 individual parcels, followed by more than three
years of studies and master planning. International partners include Creative
Studio Berlin, Piuarch Milano, The Mall Firenze team, RB+P, as well as Deloitte
and Țuca Zbârcea & Asociații for financial and legal advisory. Zoning
approval is expected by mid-2026, with construction scheduled to begin in
September and an opening targeted as early as 2027.
Economic expectations
In its initial phase, Dracula Land is projected to
attract around three million visitors annually and generate more than 5,000
direct and indirect jobs across tourism, technology and services. Over the next
decade, the total economic impact is estimated at €5 billion.
With direct highway access and proximity to Bucharest,
the project is positioned to encourage transit passengers to extend their stays
and to place Romania more prominently on the European entertainment map.
Image
Credit: © DraculaLand
The most interesting news
Read the News

Turkish Airlines secures $412 million financing from Bank of China
The five-year facility will be used to fund key initiatives, including fleet expansion
Read the News

Tourism leaders convene on Zero Waste Day to launch global Recipe of Change
Global initiative launched today by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN Tourism
Read the News

Pine Creek Rail Trail named Pennsylvania's 2026 Trail of the Year
Award-winning trail honoured for its impact on recreation and tourism in Potter and Tioga Counties.
Read the News

Afghanistan introduces new e-visa in tourism drive
It comes as tourism to the nation continues to grow.
Read the News

Hong Kong poised to reclaim its position as a leading global tourism destination
New World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) research reveals
Read the News

Alaska Airlines’ International Business Class Suites experience
Alaska Airlines announced the debut of its all-new International Business Class, a premium long-haul experience launching this spring as the airline expands to Europe and Asia.
Read the News

Eurowings enables weddings on board
Decline in marriages in Germany inspires airline to offer unique service
Read the News

Wanderlust announced as Official Consumer Media Partner for WTM London 2026
World Travel Market London, the world’s most influential travel and tourism event, has announced a new partnership with Wanderlust Magazine, the UK’s leading travel magazine and one of the most authoritative voices in travel globally.
Read the News

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts to debut in Texas
Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country’s signing marks a monumental milestone for Hilton
Read the News

Radisson Hotel Group leads in European upper-upscale and resorts segments
Radisson Hotel Group closed 2025 with more than 272 new hotel signings and openings
Read the News

Marriott International named a 2026 Where You Work Matters Platinum Employer
Independent, non‑profit assessment
Read the News

Collection brands from Accor and Ennismore unlock new opportunity
Global expansion, independent spirit
Read the News

Thailand advances transport safety standards
Strengthens traveller confidence and promotes safe, sustainable journeys across Thailand
Read the News

Bargaining Agreement for more than 20,000 employees
Minimum term of more than two years
Read the News

easyJet set to fly into its busiest Easter getaway on record
30,000 flights, with 5.2 million seats on offer across Europe
Read the News

Ryanair calls on the Dáil Transport Committee to abolish Dublin Airport traffic cap
In addition to Ryanair, other airlines, IATA, and A4A, all made submissions to the Transport Committee
Read the News

More and more travellers are seeking close contact with nature on vacation
These National Parks are the public favourites
Read the News

Eurowings expects 200,000 passengers on the first holiday weekend
At the start of the Easter holidays, Eurowings is experiencing strong travel demand
Read the News

MGM Resorts International launches all-inclusive experience on Las Vegas Strip
New bundle at Luxor and Excalibur combines hotel, dining, entertainment and parking into one approachable, upfront price
Read the News

Switzerland’s Secrets
Privately curated destinations and hidden treasures beyond any guidebook
Read the News

China National Silk Museum opens major Song Dynasty Exhibition
Reconstructing lives through rare garments
