Cristi Frenț, Ph.D. Alina Cârlogea National Institute of Research Development in Tourism Romania

1. 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

2. Outline • Some key figures • Investments in tourism infrastructure in Romania’s Danube counties • Marketing and tourism promotionrelated to Danube • MDRT’s current studies, projects and international relations with reference to tourism development in Danube area • Conclusions

3. 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

4. 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.

5. Marketing and tourism promotion related to Danube • Danube – essential component of Romania’s tourism brand:

6. 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)

7. 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

8. 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)

9. 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

10. 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!

11. Thank you for your attention! cristi_frent@incdt.ro alinacarlogea@incdt.ro