Study on the Effects of Tourism Development on the Local Community of Brasov

• Author: Albu R.G.
• Position: Transilvania University of Brasov
• Pages: 37-42

Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Braşov

Series V: Economic Sciences • Vol. 12 (61) No. 2 – 2019

https://doi.org/10.31926/but.es.2019.12.61.2.5

STUDY ON THE EFFECTS OF TOURISM

DEVELOPMENT ON THE LOCAL

COMMUNITY OF BRASOV

Ruxandra-Gabriela ALBU1

Abstract: Tourism represents a source of prosperity for the local

community, a key factor for infrastructure development and a source of new

jobs, but it can also cause negative effects within the destinations: pollution,

heavy traffic and high er crime. This paper presents a qualitative research

mainly aimed at identifying the way in which the people of Brasov view the

effects of tourism development on the community they live in and on their

personal lives. Most of the subjects being interviewed consider that tourism

development in Brasov has a positive effect on their lives.

Key words: tourism, local community, benefits, risks, qualitative research

1. Introduction

Tourism development represents one of Romania’s anchors and thus, a national,

regional and local first priority. Tourism development may have positive effects on the

local community, by creating new jobs, developing the general infrastructure and

nurturing the pride of the l ocals living in a renowned travel destination, but also a

negative impact, such as the rise of land price, pollution and higher crime within the

destination.

As a travel destination, Brasov has seen a constant growth during the past few years,

succeeding in reaching the top of preferences for both Romanian and foreign tourists.

Figures 1 and 2 show the evolution of the number of tourists and accommodation units

available within the destination during the period 2008-2018. One may note that both

indicators increased during the period under analysis and we intend to establish to what

extent tourism development influences the life of local community, and also the main

advantages and disadvantages that result from tourism development into the lives of

the people of Brasov.

According to Doxey’s Irridex model (1975), the negative impact of tourism

development arises when a travel destination is not managed properly (Slavov, 2015).

Keeping the community opinion under permanent observation i n respect to tourism

1 Transilvania University of Braşov, ruxandra.albu@unitbv.ro