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The importance of Danube for Romanian tourism - an overview of the Ministry of Regional Development and Tourism (MDRT) activities - Cristi Frenț, Ph.D. Alina Cârlogea National Institute of Research Development in Tourism Romania Sofia, Bulgaria, 24 November 2011 Outline Some key figures Investments in tourism infrastructure in Romania’s Danube counties Marketing and tourism promotion related to Danube MDRT’s current studies, projects and international relations with reference to tourism development in Danube area Conclusions Some key figures According to the Datourway project’s national analysis, the region related to Danube (identified at NUTS 3 level): concentrates over one third (36,3%) of the tourism flows (arrivals in accommodation establishments) in Romania … and also almost the same percentage (33,1%) of the total number of accommodation units in Romania owns 11 out of 28 existing national protected areas (national parks, natural parks and biosphere reserve), representing 63.4% from the total surface of Romania’s protected areas Investments in tourism infrastructure in the Romania’s Danube counties (NUTS 3 level) • European funds through Regional Operational program – Some examples: – Axis 1 and 2 (e.g. Modernizing the road DJ 670 Marga-Baia de Arama, Mehedinti county. This road permits access to caves as major tourist attractions, value EUR 11 mil.) – Axis 5 (e.g. Rehabilitation of Trophaeum Traian historical monument – Constanta county, Tourism capitalization of Comana fortified monastery and modernizing the connected infrastructure – Giurgiu county, HIPERB – museum of the XXI century for tourists in Constanta) • Governmental programs: Integrated development of Danube Delta and seaside resorts, Tourism infrastructure in urban regions – E.g.: 6 projects valued at EUR 4.5 mil. for Constanta and Tulcea counties, leisure infrastructure in Galati city valued at EUR 1.2 mil. Marketing and tourism promotion related to Danube • Danube – essential component of Romania’s tourism brand: Marketing and tourism promotion related to Danube • European funds through Regional Operational program, axis 5.3 Tourism promotion – Some example of projects: – Panorama of Danube between Svinitia and Simian localities – Promoting tourism potential in Turnu Severin city focusing on medieval citadel of Severin – South of Oltenia, Dolj and Olt counties - Between history and folklore – The road of old Dobrogea’s citadels (Constanta and Tulcea counties) – Amara: health springs and recreation land, Amara spa resort (Ialomita county) – Construction of Tourist Information Centers (e.g. in Baile Herculane spa resort -Caras Severin county, Baia de Arama - Mehedinti county) MDRT’s current studies with reference to tourism development in Danube area Ministry of Regional Development and Tourism (MDRT) commissioned INCDT to carry out the following studies: Developing the camping network in Danube Delta to ensure both the protection of environment and ecosystems and a modern framework for tourism activities Developing the buffer zone of Letea Forest – scientific reserve from the Danube Delta, to ensure both the protection of environment and forest ecosystem and a modern framework for tourism activities Developing the cycling route along the Danube for the area Calafat – Sulina: analysis of the tourist offer and proposals for investments Developing the cycling route Iron Curtain Trail in Romania for the area Jimbolia – Calafat: analysis of the tourism offer and proposals for investments MDRT’s current and future projects with reference to tourism development in Danube area MDRT is participating at the following projects: • Cultural routes in the lower and middle Danube area, Lead partner – Danube Competencies Centre, Belgrad • Transdanube project, Lead partner - Environmental Agency Austria (to be submitted for approval at the European Commission within SEE program) • Joint strategy for territorial sustainable development of cross-border region Romania-Bulgaria, Lead partner Territorial Development General Division within MDRT (approved within Cross Border Cooperation Program, Romania – Bulgaria, 2007-2013) MDRT’s international relations with reference to tourism development in Danube area Romania – member of Danube Tourism Commission DIE DONAU: occupying the vice-president position starting 2008 In 2009, Bucharest hosted the Danube Shipping conference where representatives of shipping companies, cruise operators, and tourist industry professionals had the opportunity to meet and exchange views MDRT is taking part at the EU Strategy for the Danube region adopted by European Commission in December 2010 Bucharest Danube Summit, 2010 Together with Bulgaria, Romania is coordinating the Tourism and Culture domain Conclusions • The Danube – an important resource for Romanian tourism • There are a lot of initiatives, actions and projects related to tourism development in the Danube area which are supported by MDRT • However caution should be taken: Not to double the projects! To prioritize investments! To consider firstly the impact of tourism related projects for the economy and local people! Thank you for your attention! [email protected] [email protected]