Tourism Opportunities for Valorizing the Authentic Traditional Rural Space – Study Case: Ampoi And Mures Valleys Microregion, Alba County, Romania

AbstractThis article is presenting a local initiative in Romania, Alba County, representing an association consisting of one town and ten villages, which tries to valorize the microregion potential in the framework of Leader approach. Analyze conducted in this article is focused on the touristic activity seen as an opportunity of stimulating economic development that offers an alternative to the agricultural dependence of the community. Rural tourism is an opportunity for valorizing the natural framework, cozy accommodation and personalized touristic experiences. Leader approach is offering limited support for rural area in order to encourage cultural activities, architecture rehabilitation, valorizing natural landscape and rural tourism. Rural tourism is an opportunity for valorizing the natural landscape, history and culture of the Ampoi and Mureş Valleys Microregion, generating working places especially for women and making rural area more attractive for young people