Developing ecotourism destinations in Romania. A case study approach

• Author: Candrea A.N., Herþanu A.
• Pages: 163-174

Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Braşov

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

Developing ecotourism destinations in Romania.

A case study approach

Adina Nicoleta CANDREA1, Andreea HERANU2

Abstract: Romania has an outstanding natural and cultural heritage which is not yet

valorised to its full potential through ecotourism. In order to do so, the existence of green

tourism businesses is not enough to assure authentic ecotourism experiences. Ecotourism

principles and guidelines need to be applied and reinforced by all stakeholders: businesses,

governmental authorities and NGOs, with the aim of developing ecotourism destinations. In

this context, the present paper uses a case study approach to outline the challenges of

developing these ecotourism destinations in Romania. Several initiatives and projects are

outlined as well as their work in progress.

Key-words: ecotourism, destinations, Romania, destination management organisation,

stakeholders

1. Introduction

As the global tourism industry continues to grow, people travelling and generating

more domestic and foreign revenues is often done at the expense of the social and

ecological integrity of destination regions. Consequently, tourism policy makers

need to consider a variety of new approaches to make sure that the environment,

local communities, visitors and business are not affected in a negative way by the

impact of the industry (Fennell and Dowling 2003, 10). Despite the increasing

concern over these impacts, little has been done, especially by governments, to

stimulate policy development (Lickorish, 1991) or to change weak policies that are

currently being used.

Given the growth in interest internationally in special interest tourism, notably

ecotourism, based on natural and cultural resources, it is within these special areas

that the challenges of sustainable development are the greatest. Increasing the

conservation of their specific ecological assets is needed, although these very

qualities attract increasing numbers of visitors (Howie 2003, 293-294).

1 Transilvania University of Braşov, adina.candrea@unitbv.ro

2 Association of Ecotourism in Romania, andreea.hertanu@eco-romania.ro