Adapting the European tourism indicators system to Brasov - tourist destination

• Author: Bratucu G., Chiþu I.B., Demeter T.
• Pages: 157-162

Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Braşov

Series V: Economic Sciences • Vol. 8 (57) No. 2 - 2015

Adapting the European tourism indicators system to

Braşov – tourist destination

Gabriel BRTUCU1, Ioana Bianca CHIU2, Timea DEMETER3

Abstract: The industry of tourism contributes mainly to the social and economic

development of a destination. However this development has to be made in a sustainable

manner, with an emphasis on preserving the area where it is practiced. In order to evaluate

the sustainable development of a destination, the European Commission developed an

Indicators System that measures and monitors, at a local level, the processes of sustainable

development and communicates to the interested parties its progress and its future

performances. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to identify the set of indicators from

European Tourism Indicators System that are relevant in evaluating the sustainable

development of tourism in Braşov. In order to achieve this objective 3 focus Groups were

conducted among 30 specialists in this field. The results can serve as a guide for managers

and local communities involved in the development of tourism in the county.

Key-words: tourism, sustainable development, European Tourism Indicators System,

Braşov, tourist destination

1. Introduction

Tourism as a separate part of the tertiary sector is closely linked to the level and

growth of the general economy and more particularly to trade, transportation,

construction and agriculture (Surugiu, Fren and Surugiu, 2009, 355). Researchers

together with tourism operators support the idea that tourism is a tool for economic

growth, overall sustainable development and job creation, economic and social

cohesion. (Chasovschi, Nstase and Hildebrandt 2008, 37)

One of the main preoccupations of the researchers in the field of tourism is to

understand how tourism can offer a sustainable experience for visitors and assure a

sustainable future for the destination (Page, 2006).

More exactly, sustainability of tourism takes into account several aspects, such

as using the natural resources in a responsible manner, considering the natural

1 Transilvania University of Braşov, gabriel.bratucu@unitbv.ro

2 Transilvania University of Braşov, ioana.chitu@unitbv.ro

3 Transilvania University of Braşov, timea.demeter@unitbv.ro