Rural tourism in Romania and adopting best practices from other states

Abstract

[Abstract] Tourism is one of the important pillars of many national economies.

Practicing the tourism has a multiplier effect on several industries, being interdependent with the food industry, communications, transport industry etc.

Worldwide, all rural areas face the same problems: economic decline, environmental degradation, poverty of population or gradual loss of national identity. Its population is aged, young people preferring to migrate to cities. In this context, the villages are struggling to maintain its viability.

Tourism is one of the sectors that can contribute to resuscitate villages.

Practicing rural tourism was developed in response to human needs, subjected to daily increasing stress, to recreate the economic needs of these areas and the concern to preserve the environment and tradition.

This paper aims to analyze the trends and changes rural tourism in Romania, namely how tourism activity has evolved, but the direction he is going, too. For this, we will use the existing data and studies.

Studying this theme is justified by the actuality of the topic, given that attempts to maximize the benefits from tourism in a way that nature and heritage anthropogenic authentic to not suffer, but also the need to develop the localities and rural areas where only tourism and agriculture are productive domains. Rural tourism is a viable alternative in a society preoccupied with sustainable development which is moving increasingly towards forms of ecotourism. In addition to protecting nature, heritage conservation and preservation of tradition and stimulating the authenticity of the village, rural tourism brings the socio-economic benefits for the local population.

Rural tourism can meet tourist needs without harming the environment. It appears as a suitable alternative for the daily man increasingly stressed and pressured economic and social. Rural tourism is a "strategy" viable recovery of the villages, from several points of view: attracting earnings in areas where it is practiced; generating employment; contributing to the development of rural areas; supporting the rejuvenating of villages population; preserving and protecting the natural environment; keeping alive tradition; meeting the needs of tourists.

Tourism in general and in rural areas, in particular, is a springboard for other industries in that area, but also for society. Practicing this activity in rural areas can lead to economic development, but also to raising living standards and quality of life. Facing the challenges of globalization and with uncertain economic conditions, rural tourism can be a "lifeline", under proper capitalization and promotion of effective heritage. After identification the best practices in rural tourism that held in other countries, we propose for adopting those practices which are fit for rural tourism in Romania.

Development of rural tourism in recent years is not accidental. The village and the tradition create a competitive tourism product, bidder. Rural tourism is based on everything that is specific national identity, but also everything that involves cultural and human environment.

Romania resourced rural tourism that involves a variety of activities.

Given that they would be exploited properly, Romanian tourism could attract large numbers of visitors, tourists from all socio-economic and professional categories, and satisfying their preferences accordingly.