Cultural Tourism: Romania, a Promising Tourist Attraction

ABSTRACT: Romania holds a cultural, historical and ethno-folkloric patrimony of considerable value which advantages the increase of tourism attractiveness. The tourism industry in our country had its starting point back in the 19th century. The development of the cultural tourism entails the recognition, restoration and the renovation of historic buildings and, mainly, of the existent historical patrimony, the entire process being accompanied by the recognition and the encouragement of local traditions, subsequently stimulating this development by means of cultural products. Romania has followed some essential steps in order to be seen as a destination of cultural interest, and not only environmentally, considering the fact that a large amount of sites and attractions with a stark impact from a historical and aesthetical perspective. For Romania, cultural tourism is regarded as an essential matter, whereas most itineraries suggested by various tour operators from Italy are focusing especially on this field. The most known and popular tourist attractions seen in the Italian market are Transylvania and its three main cities (Sibiu, Braşov, Sighişoara), Bukovina with its painted monasteries. The tour continues from Bucharest to Sinaia, offering the opportunity to explore the lands of royal castles, and finally reaching Transylvania, a true land of fairy tales, with its Bran Castle, the famous Râşnov Fortress and other churches and medieval buildings. The trip is followed by a sightseeing of the main urban centers in Braşov, such as the Black Church, with its towers and strongholds; Sibiu, along with the Astra National Museum and the Brukenthal National Museum (being the first museum built in Central and Eastern Europe), and Sighişoara, a hidden gem destination in Romania, which presents a well-defined medieval center, along with the Clock Tower, watching over the entire city. Those who are specifically interested in finding out more about the Romanian cultural patrimony are invited to visit the 30 main destinations in Romania included in the UNESCO List, in which, apart from the monasteries, churches and the urban centers previously mentioned, there are also included the Dacian settlements in Orăştie Mountains (Sarmisegethusa Regia). KEYWORDS: Tourism, Cultural Tourism, Urban Tourism, Urban Center, Historic Patrimony, Tourist Attraction, Church, Monastery, Tourism Market, Industr