Session 4 - 2024
Friday, 24th of May 2024
12:15 PM - 1:30 PM (Bucharest Time)
National Agency for Mountain Areas - ANZM
Council Room 1
Language: Romanian
Chair: Dr. hab. Alina-Petronela HALLER (Romania)
Corina MATEI GHERMAN, Economist, PhD // Member, General Association of Economists of Romania - Branch of Iași, Romania
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Komodo National Park in the Republic of Indonesia
During the 1963 United Nations Conference on International Tourism and Travel held in Rome, the term of international visitor was understood for the first time as any person who travels to a country other than their country of residence for purposes other than engaging in remunerated professional activities in the visited country. According to the most recent statistical data, international tourism encompasses 30% of tourism services, 30.5% of transportation services, and 5.6% of passenger transportation services. Additionally, international tourism extends to destinations like the Komodo National Park in the Republic of Indonesia, recognized as one of the seven wonders of the world.
Daniela VĂRVĂRUC, Teacher, PhD, "Saint Andrew the Apostle" Technological Secondary School for Services, Ploiești, Romania
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Human Resources in the Hospitality Industry: An Essential Component for Satisfying Customers at the Sinaia Resort
The objective of this article is to emphasize the significance of organizing and coordinating human resources within tourism organizations to enhance performance and deliver quality services. Through the analysis of tourist traffic indicators and technical-material resources, the applied model facilitates the identification of control factors that influence the creative capacity of personnel engaged in tourism activities, thereby aiding in attracting tourists to accommodation facilities. The methodology employed entails an evaluation conducted via a comprehensive questionnaire distributed to tourists residing in accommodation units within the Sinaia resort. The findings highlight how the quality of tourist services emerges as a pivotal factor in selecting Sinaia as a tourist destination, underscoring the importance of the services offered.
Marilena DONCEAN, Researcher III, ''Gheorghe Zane'' Institute for Economic and Social Research, Romanian Academy - Branch of Iași, Romania
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Tourism and Sustainable Rural Development
Tourism can have both positive and negative effects, both economically and especially socio-culturally. The beneficial effects manifest for both tourists and the local population. It is necessary to identify at what levels of socio-cultural development tourism has positive and negative effects regarding the development of rural areas and the preservation of rural culture. The impact of cultural tourism on local development must be approached differently, across cultural domains, so that, as a whole, the local community can experience real cultural development and a closer economic level to that of the more advanced regions of the country.
Ioan GONTARIU, Associate Professor, Faculty of Food Engineering, "Ștefan cel Mare" University, Suceava, Romania
Ana-Maria GONTARIU, PhD Student, "Ștefan cel Mare" University, Suceava, Romania
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Considerations regarding the Impact of Globalization, Development and Sustainable Use of Natural Resources on Rural Tourism
Rural tourism encompasses tourism activities organized and managed by local communities, fostering a close relationship with both natural and human environments. Sustainable development aims to establish socio-economic systems that maintain equilibrium between economic growth and preservation of natural capital. It provides a framework for decision-making in scenarios where human-environment interactions occur, addressing environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Globalization poses new challenges by facilitating increased trade, investment, and technological exchange among regions. However, it also risks homogenizing cultural identities and traditions, potentially threatening their uniqueness. Nonetheless, globalization fosters international collaboration, offering opportunities for human civilization's advancement. The Community Strategic Guidelines (LDSC), as outlined in the Gothenburg and Lisbon agreements, prioritize policies that ensure robust economic performance while promoting sustainable natural resource management. Sustainable tourism emphasizes collaboration between policymakers and tourism stakeholders, particularly in protected areas. By aligning with principles of environmental protection, sustainable tourism supports biodiversity conservation.
Alina-Petronela HALLER, Senior Researcher, PhD hab., ''Gheorghe Zane'' Institute for Economic and Social Research, Romanian Academy - Branch of Iași, Romania
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Sustainable Tourism in East Europe: An Analysis of Inbound Tourism
A sector that has experienced high growth in recent decades is tourism. Globalization and digitization have facilitated the development of inbound tourism worldwide. Reality has shown that tourism is highly resilient to shocks, able to recover rapidly after crises regardless of their nature (financial, health, or natural). However, tourism is often associated with environmental risks due to its development's potential to damage the environment. In this context, we analyze the impact of inbound tourism on the environment in Eastern Europe, focusing on the countries of Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey for the period 2005-2020. Our results, based on data from the World Bank website analyzed using the OLS method, indicate that tourism receipts significantly influence the environment in all three countries, exerting an unsustainable effect. Inbound expenditures are sustainable in Bulgaria, while total inbound receipts are sustainable in Romania, and receipts for travel items are sustainable in Turkey. However, inbound receipts are unsustainable in Bulgaria, and inbound arrivals have the same effect in Romania and Turkey. These results are crucial for informing tourism policy in Eastern Europe. We did not identify a consistent inbound tourism pattern, emphasizing the need for tailored measures in tourism development to ensure a sustainable tourism sector in each country.
Ina ISAC, Researcher, Institute of Cultural Heritage, Kishinev, Republic of Moldova
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Vărzărești Monastery: The First Monastic Settlement in Bessarabia
Today, the Republic of Moldova is going through a process of restoring its identity and values, and a cornerstone of this identity is the religious settlements. The oldest monastery in this part of Romanian territory is Vărzărești Monastery. The first mention of this holy place was found in a document issued in Suceava by the Lord of Moldavia, Alexandru Voievod (Alexandru cel Bun, 1399-1432), on April 25, 1420. Vărzărești Monastery bears the name of its founder, the boyar Stan Vărzari, a great supporter of the ruler. Vărzari's monastery was designated by the ruler as a landmark, demonstrating that this settlement enjoyed great popularity among the locals and the boyars at that time, indicating that the monastery is older than the document attests. Initially, the boyar Stan built a modest wooden monastery, which throughout history was devastated by the Tatars many times. In 1770, the monastery was rebuilt by the priest Vasile Măcărescu and his son, Constantin, aided by free peasants (răzeși) and the local peasants. The reconstruction works were completed in 1796. Between 1863-1868, the monastery expanded: a stone church with heating was built, the old church was enlarged, a wooden cell block was constructed, the walls were strengthened, and the monastery was connected to water and electricity. In 1904, a girls' school and a charity hospital were established here. In 1959, the Communist regime destroyed the monastery: the summer church was turned into a warehouse, and the winter church became an entertainment club. In 1990, the parish priest, Vasile Plăcintă, revived the monastery. Thus, the first liturgy after the Communist terror was performed in 1995. The monastery was restored 7 hectares of land, and through the mercy of Christians, a large community was established here. Today, the monastery enjoys peace and the attention of pilgrims.
Alina Cristina NICULESCU, Researcher III, National Institute for Research and Development in Tourism, Bucharest, Romania
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Rural and Urban Spaces in Romania: Statistical Analysis of Cultural and Artistic Units, Cultural Consumption (During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic) and the Current Degree of Digitization
We live and work in an increasingly technologically connected society, where cultural consumption has changed. Some of the most obvious consequences of this digitization can be seen in terms of new forms of presentation and promotion of cultural heritage. Despite the damage it has caused, the Covid-19 pandemic has also spurred the digitization of the tourism and cultural industry. The pandemic has demonstrated how important digital tools are for tourism and culture, alongside basic digital skills. Therefore, analyzing the digital transformations in cultural tourism by residential environments (urban and rural) is essential given the constant expansion of digital tools. This article investigates the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on rural and urban areas of Romania from a statistical perspective. In order to identify cultural trends in both rural and urban environments, we will use statistical information at the national level to conduct comparative analyses, which will highlight differences between the two residential environments during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. The article will also include an analysis of the current degree of digitization by residential environment to research the digital inequalities between urban and rural environments in Romania.
Luminița PANAIT, International Tourism Expert, Pro Patrimonio Foundation, Bucharest, Romania
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Strong Correlation between Rural Tourism and Other Key Sectors of the Tourism Industry
Rural tourism encompasses all tourist activities carried out in rural areas, including a wide range of accommodation options, activities, events, festivals, sports, and recreational activities. The importance of rural tourism globally is demonstrated by the decision of the World Tourism Organization to designate the theme of "Tourism and Rural Development" for World Tourism Day in 2020. Without adequate regional development, sustainable rural tourism cannot be practiced, as evidenced by the signing of the Green Charter for Regional Development by European countries in 1992. For Romania, the scale of rural tourism development is a significant concern at both governmental and local levels. As proof of the importance that regional and international organizations accord to rural tourism as a significant segment of the tourism industry, it is also included on the agenda of meetings concerning the dynamics of rural tourism development. Additionally, its close correlation with cultural tourism, ecotourism, religious tourism, spa tourism, and cross-border cooperation is crucial. It is necessary for the authorities in Romania responsible for the economic development of the country's regions to intensify their efforts to maintain and protect Romanian villages, preserving and conserving rural traditions and customs. Romanian Village Day, celebrated every year on the last Sunday of September (according to Law 44/2020), is a true national celebration of Romania's enduring values, featuring exhibitions, themed fairs, conferences, and seminars on the conservation, promotion, and development of rural settlements. This day could be successfully included in the agenda of events organized by those responsible for rural tourism development. The World Code of Ethics in Tourism, a roadmap for the development of responsible and sustainable tourism, was ratified by the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization in 2001. Its 10 principles, addressing the economic, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions of tourism, could beneficially contribute to maximizing the benefits of the tourism sector while minimizing the potential negative impact of globalization and digitalization.
Manuela APETREI, Researcher III, Centre of Mountain Economy - CE-MONT, Vatra Dornei, "Costin C. Kiriţescu" National Institute for Economic Research, Romanian Academy, Romania
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The Role of Ecosystem Services in Defining the Marketing Policy in Ţara Dornelor (The Land of Dornas)
In an era marked by ecological disasters and a persistent decline in biodiversity and ecosystem services, sustainable exploitation of both tangible and intangible ecosystem resources, exemplified by Ţara Dornelor, is crucial for tackling climate crises and biodiversity loss. The restoration of nature not only ensures food security but also mitigates business risks. According to the World Economic Forum, over half of the global GDP, amounting to $44 trillion, is reliant on nature, highlighting the economic risks associated with biodiversity degradation. In this context, integrating local resources into a collaborative, identity-promoting system in Ţara Dornelor presents an opportunity for sustainable development through effective marketing strategies.
Ioan GONTARIU, Associate Professor, Faculty of Food Engineering, "Ștefan cel Mare" University, Suceava, Romania
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Assessment of Tourism Forms and the Tourist Potential of the Suceava Area
Interest in tourism has expanded in recent years, becoming a phenomenon that attracts millions of tourists who travel to spend their leisure time both domestically and abroad. At the same time, tourism represents a means of exploiting all categories of resources, especially natural ones: the beauty of landscapes, the healing qualities of thermal or mineral waters, and the climate conditions. In the current context, due to the presence of untapped and underutilized tourist resources (with significant consequences on the evolution of the economy and society, on national and international interpersonal relations), tourism represents a remedy for disadvantaged regions. As a tourist unit, the region of Suceava, also known as South Bucovina, is designed as a dynamic model of development and is part of the process of qualitative renewal by increasingly exploiting its rich resources, aiming to regain the attention of tourists as a purely ecotourism area. The diversity, volume, and value of the tourist potential existing in the county of Suceava favor various ways of spending leisure time, resting, recreating, and practicing specific forms of tourism.
Olga POALELUNGI, Researcher, Center for Demographic Research, National Institute of Economic Research, Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova, Kishinev, Republic of Moldova
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Cultural and Religious Tourism in the Republic of Moldova: Conditions and Needs for Attracting Foreigners
We analyze the conditions for the entry and, depending on the case, the temporary stay of foreigners in the Republic of Moldova for cultural and religious purposes. Rural tourism offers foreigners the opportunity to get acquainted with the country's cultural and religious heritage. In most cases, tourist attractions are located in rural areas, thus offering authorities the opportunity to attract additional sources for the economic and cultural development of the localities. In the Republic of Moldova, there are about 50 monasteries, including rock monasteries, which have an indisputable cultural-religious value but are insufficiently explored. Conclusions based on the analysis of the regulatory framework referring to statistical data on the number and profile of foreigners visiting the country highlight the need to intensify activities to promote rural tourist attractions and create conditions to attract visitors from abroad.
Doina GURIȚĂ, Lecturer, "Petre Andrei" University, Iași, Romania
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The Objectives of Tourism Promotion and Promotion Techniques
In this paper, we analyzed the importance of promotion in tourism, as well as the methods of promotion. The advertising objective, like others, underlies decision-making. It serves for evaluating results. However, it is debatable whether the achievement of objectives should be measured in relation to the sales obtained because in marketing, advertising is just one of the numerous tools that influence sales results. Competition, the state of the distribution network, services, price, and the quality of the tourism product, all these factors decisively affect the level of sales and profit. Advertising is essentially a means of communication with the public. Its direct role is not to sell but to facilitate selling by influencing the attitudes of the public to encourage positive buying behavior. By its very nature, the objective of advertising is not a commercial one but a communicative one. Advertising is a communication technique that aims to establish contact between the seller and the buyer to encourage the latter to purchase a certain product. In tourism practice, advertising is considered the most important tool for gaining potential clientele. Advertising not only influences tourist behavior but also operates in other phases of the buying decision. Subsequently, the tourist will supplement the impersonal information provided by advertising by turning to an intermediary. Establishing an advertising policy means defining advertising objectives and, based on these, appropriate strategies, so that the advertising policy is a coherent whole. Decisions regarding promotional activities in the tourism industry are of utmost importance considering the investments they require. These investments are necessary due to the large geographical spread of tourist markets, international competition, and the intangible nature of the tourism product.
Doina GURIȚĂ, Lecturer, "Petre Andrei" University, Iași, Romania
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Price Policy in Tourism Marketing
This paper emphasizes the importance of prices in attracting tourists by tourism companies. Price policy in tourism refers to the strategies and decisions made by companies in the tourism industry regarding pricing for their products and services. These strategies include determining selling prices, offering discounts, promoting tour packages, and adjusting prices according to demand, season, competition, and other relevant factors. The purpose of price policy is to maximize revenue and profitability, attract and retain customers, as well as gain a competitive advantage in the tourism market. Price is one of the four components of the marketing mix, alongside product, distribution, and promotion. In the narrowest sense, price represents the amount of money charged for a product or service. In a broader sense, price is the sum of all values that consumers offer in exchange for the advantage of having or using the product or service. Price, as a variable in the marketing mix, is not the primary factor through which the producer adapts to or imposes on the market, as this role belongs to the product (service), but through price, the producer can adapt to market conditions. Price is the point of intersection between the utility of the product (service) perceived by consumers and the possibilities of fitting into certain production costs incurred by the producer.
Vasile TODINCĂ, Senior Researcher, Department of Ethnography, Ţării Crişurilor Museum, Oradea, Romania
Maria Flavia POP, Curator I/A, PhD, Department of Ethnography, Ţării Crişurilor Museum, Oradea, Romania
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The Tourist Potential of the Valley of Hell, Bihor County, Romania
Our paper focuses on an area located at the eastern limit of Bihor County, known as Valea Iadului (the Valley of Hell). The researched area is a mountainous zone with scattered villages, crisscrossed by valleys and surrounded by hills and mountains such as the Plopiş Mountains (or the Şes Mountains), the last ramifications of the Vlădeasa Massif, and the Pădurea Craiului Massif. The scattered villages consist of hamlets, each comprising seven to ten farms. The karstic relief is well represented with dolines, avens, slopes, and over 200 explored caves. Here, the endemic plant Syringa josikaea grows spontaneously at the edge of the woods in the psalterium zone (400-600 meters altitude). It is an extremely rare plant in the Romanian flora and considered a tertiary relict, distinctly different from Syringa emodi from the Himalayas. In this valley, there are both natural and ethnographic landmarks, manifested in traditional farms and technical plumbing powered by water, such as the boarded water mill, sawmills for log processing, equipment for wood finishing, forges, and cereal mills. These forms of manifestation, along with the local culture, have sparked interest in rural tourism in Valea Iadului. While the inhabitants of these villages were initially unaccustomed to it, they quickly realized its benefits and adopted it. However, this kind of development could have two aspects: it may bring additional revenue to the rural economy, which is currently unstructured, but it could also contribute to the depopulation of the village.
Silvia Alexandra MATINCÄ‚ (PASCU), PhD Student, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Bucharest, Romania
Daniela RÄ‚DOI, PhD Student, University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Bucharest, Romania
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Research on the Role of Accounting Information in Enhancing Performance in the Tourism and Catering Industry
The accounting information must allow means to discern, quantify, classify, and evaluate all actions and activities of an economic entity, both for actual investors and potential ones. Accounting information is undoubtedly one of the most important resources provided by accountants. The article highlights the importance of accounting information in improving the performance of companies in the tourism and hospitality sector, and also outlines the characteristics and preliminary requirements for accounting information to be used effectively. When examining the correlation between accounting information and market value, it becomes evident that the relevance of accounting information for a company is determined by the presence of a significant statistical relationship between the two. If such a relationship is absent, it can be concluded that the accounting information lacks relevance, as it fails to meet one of the fundamental objectives of financial statements. This reasoning leads to an examination of the relevance and reliability of accounting data for companies in the tourism and hospitality industry in Romania, where the capital market is evolving.
Gina Ionela BUTNARU, Professor, Department of Management, Marketing and Business Administration, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University, Iași, Romania
Valentin NIȚĂ, Professor, Department of Management, Marketing and Business Administration, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University, Iași, Romania
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Nature-based Tourism: Characteristics and Economic Benefits
Attracting a significant number of tourists worldwide, nature-based tourism is an inherent part of the tourism industry. Despite the urban comforts and conveniences facilitated by improved standards of living, many people find themselves estranged from nature. Globalization and technology have minimized the impact of seasonality on fruit and vegetable production and supply. In such circumstances, the return to nature may be seen as a reconnection with "a land of hope" (Mother Nature). This study reveals that specialists' opinions are divided between defining nature-based tourism as a distinct concept and utilizing various complementary terms to describe it, such as eco-tourism, sustainable tourism, adventure tourism, alternative tourism, outdoor activities, and eco-traveling. Therefore, we can define nature tourism, also known as nature-based tourism, as tourism centered around the natural attractions of an area. It involves responsible travel aimed at experiencing natural environments, landscapes, flora, and fauna, with a focus on protecting the environment and enhancing the quality of life for locals.
Valentin NIȚĂ, Professor, Department of Management, Marketing and Business Administration, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University, Iași, Romania
Gina Ionela BUTNARU, Professor, Department of Management, Marketing and Business Administration, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University, Iași, Romania
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Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve in Romania: Interpretation, Methods, and Techniques
The concern for environmental protection is not new. People have always been interested in maintaining a sustainable relationship with nature as a provider of resources to meet their needs. In this regard, we conducted a study of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve in Romania. The aim of the case study is to evaluate the perspectives of applying different interpretation methods and techniques in this UNESCO site. An important conclusion is that innovative approaches such as the creation of the Living Delta brand, the invention of the "canotca", United Waters, the Rowmania festival, the Caraorman Bird Sanctuary, as well as youth involvement allow for interpretation methods to be applied in a unique and specific manner, at least in the case of the Danube Delta.
Dana Alina UNGUREANU, Psychotherapist & Associate Researcher, Centre of Mountain Economy - CE-MONT, Vatra Dornei, "Costin C. Kiriţescu" National Institute for Economic Research, Romanian Academy, Romania
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The Importance of Creative and Recreational Activities in the Mountain Tourist Experience
In a world where the most admired individuals are constantly busy, leisure time, relaxation, playful and creative activities lose their value. The irrelevance with which they are viewed originates from the way we have been educated to live, valuing predominantly the fact of being useful, hardworking, tired. This aspect often reflects also on how people relate to vacations, to the leisure time they choose to enjoy outside the environment they live in. There is a constant need to disconnect from the busy and responsibility-filled life we mostly live, a need that, when satisfied, arouses mixed feelings, leading to the paradox that we find it difficult to enjoy the chosen rest nonetheless. More and more tourists choose rural mountain areas for introspection and creative activities, but often find themselves unable to actively participate in rural activities, to disconnect from day-to-day tasks, or to enjoy complete relaxation, which often involves a playful spirit. Furthermore, there is a growing need for connection with family/friends in recent years, a need that vacations promise, but not always fulfill. This paper presents activities that can help tourists visiting the mountain area to get more out of the relaxation and connection they desire, from a therapeutic perspective. We aimed to highlight the benefits of these types of activities for the mental health of tourists and for the good development of rural tourism.
Dănuț UNGUREANU, Senior Adviser, Centre of Training and Innovation for Development in the Carpathians - CEFIDEC, National Agency for Mountain Areas - ANZM, Vatra Dornei, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Romania // Researcher III, Centre of Mountain Economy - CE-MONT, Vatra Dornei, Romanian Academy, Romania
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Development Opportunities for Poiana Stampei Commune, Suceava County: Gateway to Bucovina
Located in an area steeped in history and legend, at the pass between Transylvania and Bucovina, Poiana Stampei commune encompasses one of the most picturesque localities in the country. Its composition includes the villages of Poiana Stampei, Căsoi, DorniÈ™oara, Pilugani, Prăleni, Tătaru, and TeÈ™na. In Poiana Stampei, some of the most beautiful folk costumes from Bucovina have been worn and are still preserved; the traditions and customs of winter, Easter, or other holidays, as well as those accompanying significant life events such as birth, weddings, and funerals, are cherished. Forgetting them would be akin to losing a treasure. Poiana Stampei is renowned for its skilled craftsmanship, particularly in the art of inking and the creation of colorful buns. The commune is situated in the southwestern part of Suceava county, within the Dornelor Basin, along National Road 17, Vatra-Dornei – BistriÈ›a, a major national and European thoroughfare. The villages of the commune are clustered along the Dorna River, which collects all the waters flowing in this area. To the west, the commune is sheltered by the Bârgău Mountains, while to the south, it is bordered by the imposing wall of the Călimani Mountains. It is flanked to the north by Dorna Candreni commune and to the east by Dorna Candreni and Șaru Dornei. To the south, it shares borders with Harghita and MureÈ™ counties, and to the west with BistriÈ›a Năsăud county. The commune's location, surrounded by the Bârgău Mountains to the west, the Dornelor Depression to the north, and the BistriÈ›a Mountains to the east, gives rise to undulating relief, with ridges in the downstream part and prominences and narrow valleys in the upper reaches. The average altitude of the area is 800 meters, with Pietrosu peak rising over 2000 meters and Tămău reaching 1800 meters. Significant massifs include the BistriÈ›a Mountains to the east and the Călimani Mountains to the south. The presence of the Via Transilvanica tourist route passing through the locality creates new opportunities for the locals to capitalize on the area's tourist potential. Additionally, optimal conditions exist for the establishment of Local Gastronomic Points to showcase the region's specific cuisine. Registering local products and agri-food with the quality designation Mountain Product, as well as developing tourism accommodations within households offering rooms for rent for tourist purposes, are just a few of the possibilities for tourism development in the commune.
Dănuț UNGUREANU, Senior Adviser, Centre of Training and Innovation for Development in the Carpathians - CEFIDEC, National Agency for Mountain Areas - ANZM, Vatra Dornei, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Romania // Researcher III, Centre of Mountain Economy - CE-MONT, Vatra Dornei, Romanian Academy, Romania
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Japanese Experience: Model for Organizing a Tourist Program in the Land of the Rising Sun
Japan, situated in East Asia, is an island nation spanning a chain of islands between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan, to the east of the Korean Peninsula. It is famously referred to as "the land of the rising sun". The country encompasses a land area of approximately 380,000 square kilometers, comprising around 3,000 islands. Among these, four main islands: Honshu (227,414 km2), Hokkaido (78,411 km2), Kyushu (42,600 km2), and Shikoku (17,800 km2) constitute roughly 95% of Japan's territory, with the remainder consisting of smaller islands. Over 80% of Japan's landscape is mountainous or hilly terrain, boasting more than 25 peaks exceeding 3000 meters in height. Mount Fuji, the highest among them, stands at 3,776 meters. Tourism plays a vital role in Japan's modern economy and society, although it's worth noting that much of the tourism infrastructure caters primarily to domestic travelers. Exceptions to this trend are evident in cities like Kyoto and Tokyo. Japanese workers typically enjoy relatively brief vacations, often synchronizing their time off with colleagues from their workplaces. The main periods for travel are during the Golden Week in late April to early May, the O-Bon week in mid-July or August, and the year-end/New Year holidays. Extended trips exceeding a week are uncommon for those engaged in full-time employment but are more feasible for students, retirees, and homemakers. Annually, Japan attracts over 13.4 million tourists, with a significant portion originating from Taiwan, South Korea, and China. The majority of visitors flock to the urban hubs of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, drawn to a diverse array of attractions including castles, temples, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and modern landmarks. One highlight for tourists is traveling on the high-speed Shinkansen trains, capable of speeds up to 280 km/h. Accommodation options range from contemporary hotels to traditional Japanese inns, offering guests a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage. Japanese cuisine, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013, is renowned for its nutritional balance and exquisite flavors, adding another dimension to the country's allure for visitors.
Ion TALABĂ, Senior Researcher, "Gheorghe Zane" Institute for Economic and Social Research - Romanian Academy, Branch of Iași, Romania
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Recent Negative Legislative Effects in Tourism
The paper discusses the negative effects on the theory and practice of tourism caused by Romanian Government Ordinance 2/2018 regarding travel service packages and associated travel services, as well as Directive (EU) 2015/2302 of the European Parliament and of the Council on package travel and linked travel arrangements.
Dan Constantin ȘUMOVSCHI, Researcher III, Centre of Mountain Economy - CE-MONT, Vatra Dornei, "Costin C. Kiriţescu" National Institute for Economic Research, Romanian Academy, Romania
Ciprian Ionel ALECU, Researcher III, "Gheorghe Zane" Institute for Economic and Social Research - Romanian Academy, Branch of Iași, Romania
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What Can Be Done to Transform Romanian Rural Communities into Smart Villages?
The paper focuses on identifying and evaluating a set of viable solutions tailored to the specificities of Romanian rural communities, with the ultimate aim of delineating a conceptual framework for their transformation into smart villages. Through an analytical and comparative approach to the results obtained in pilot projects across Europe, the study underscores the importance of adaptability and flexibility in implementing technological and infrastructural solutions tailored to the unique characteristics of each community. The central aspect of this research lies in identifying the priority needs of rural communities, as well as the available resources, including existing infrastructure, human capital, and funding at both local and national levels. Based on the analysis and synthesis of this information, the paper proposes a series of recommendations and practical strategies for implementing transformation projects into smart villages within the specific context of Romania. These recommendations span various domains, such as digital connectivity, natural resource management, intelligent public services, and community engagement. Moreover, the study emphasizes the significance of collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including local authorities, the private sector, NGOs, and the local community, to ensure efficient and sustainable implementation of rural development initiatives. By adopting a pragmatic and solution-oriented approach, this paper not only provides an analysis of the challenges and opportunities encountered in transforming Romanian rural communities into smart villages but also serves as a valuable guide for policymakers, practitioners in rural development, and other stakeholders involved in this process.
Dan Constantin ȘUMOVSCHI, Researcher III, Centre of Mountain Economy - CE-MONT, Vatra Dornei, "Costin C. Kiriţescu" National Institute for Economic Research, Romanian Academy, Romania
Bogdan Mihai NEGREA, Researcher, Centre of Mountain Economy - CE-MONT, Vatra Dornei, "Costin C. Kiriţescu" National Institute for Economic Research, Romanian Academy, Romania
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What is the Link Between Academic Aspirations and the Costs of Pursuing Prestige in Research?
In the endeavor to establish a correlation between academic aspirations and associated costs, it is evident that success is not always directly proportional to the desire to achieve it. Often, those who seek success at any cost fail to attain it, as their aspirations may be overshadowed by conflicting motivations or neglect of essential academic processes. Researchers pursuing career prestige must recognize that it cannot be achieved through excessive costs or unethical means. Additionally, those aspiring to prestige should be cautious about seeking leadership positions, as these roles demand profound commitment and personal sacrifices, including renunciation, listening, and humility, to lead the entire team to success. A significant issue in this context is the increasing hypocrisy in the academic environment, particularly the tendency to measure researchers' performance solely based on quantitative metrics, such as the number of citations across databases like Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, without considering other criteria for evaluating the quality of their work. Moreover, the emergence of citation rings designed solely to artificially inflate citation counts undermines the integrity and relevance of these metrics in authentically evaluating research impact. This system may favor the massive production of works without real value or overlook the significant contributions of researchers with less popular or less cited approaches. Therefore, it is imperative for researchers to reassess their priorities and uphold their academic integrity in the face of financial or social pressures. A more balanced and ethical approach to pursuing prestige in the academic world is necessary to promote quality research and authentic contributions to the progress of human knowledge.