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Tourism and Hospitality Industry 2014, CONGRESS PROCEEDINGS

Trends in Tourism and Hospitality Industry

CULINARY TOURISM IN ROMANIA


PROFESSIONAL POINTS OF VIEW
Conference paper

Ada Mirela Tomescu


Elena Aurelia Botezat

Abstract
The purpose Romania has many resources for tourism development. The main focus of this
paper is to provoke a debate about the opportunity of the culinary tourism development in
Romania. Also, we intent to do an analysis regarding the premises for culinary tourism as niche
in Romanian tourism.
Design During the past twenty years, Romania has issued various strategies/policies of
development at national, regional, or local levels, but these, more or less, approached the
development of the tourism sector as a whole. We open this paper from the question if in
Romania, at the present moment, culinary tourism has the role that it really can have it, and if
not, what solutions can we find to solve this?
Method The paper is the result of an empirical research, an exploratory study that includes
literature review, meaning of seeking the good practices reported, and finally a SWOT analysis.
Approach Our paper attempts to outline the elements, which coordinate the Romanian tourism
industry linked to this specific direction and also for future studies we intend to identify
possibilities of development, namely culinary tourism based on application of some strong
arguments consistent with local, regional and national characteristics. We chose this topic
because we want to raise awareness of the stakeholders involved concerning developing this
area, which we think can be transformed into a strategic direction of development.
Findings In Romania natural tourism resources are those which, over the years have been
preserved in one form or another, untouched by human activities. These resources can be sold
directly in tourism activity as "raw material" to create various tourism products.
All this can be exploited, but we cannot compete with other countries that are more popular
among tourists for the same kind of tourism.
Judging all these we think it is normal to move towards a kind of tourism that we can
differentiate and attract the interest of those who want to travel and have new experience, unique
and authentic. We strongly believe that in Romania this possible direction can be culinary
tourism.
The originality of this paper in our knowledge, at the present moment to deal a niche tourism,
as culinary tourism could be in Romania, is a still a neglected objective, however this approach
and this suggestion are novelty, as we demonstrated.
Keywords culinary tourism, niche tourism, Romania, SWOT, 3E theory

INTRODUCTION

Exceptional touristic resources of Romania, (natural based tourism and likewise some
heritage resources) are those which over the years have been preserved in one form or
another, untouched by human activities. These resources can be sold directly in tourism
activities as "raw material", to create various tourism products. All this can be

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Tourism and Hospitality Industry 2014, CONGRESS PROCEEDINGS
Trends in Tourism and Hospitality Industry

exploited, but we cannot compete with other countries that are more popular among
tourists for the same kind of tourism1. (Tomescu: 2000)

In all these past years, which saw changes in the socio-economical and political
systems in Romania, the expectations of the contribution of tourism to GDP2 were not
fulfilled, therefore Romania is still looking for a more efficient model of development
of this economic sector that is tourism. We started this paper from the question if in
Romania, at the present moment, culinary tourism has the role that it really can have,
being preoccupied to find solutions; we choose this topic because we want to draw the
attention of the stakeholders concerned with developing this domain, which we think
can be transformed into a strategic direction of development. Also, such a strategy
would undoubtedly be able to boost other economic sectors beside tourism and the
local development. For sure, developing this type of tourism and having profitable
results relies on taking action at national, regional, local as well as international level,
with state help, by developing adequate policies. Both food and tourism as the
fundamental two elements of culinary tourism have a diverse range of links with the
local economy, which implicitly leads to the value of these assets. The two elements
named above associated to a local development strategy, as well as to an adequate
policy of local authorities (which in our opinion should support this activity
responsibly) have an important impact that leads to the growth of economic activities in
the area (the visitor spending combined with increasing economic activity which leads
to more tax for local authorities).

In Romanias recent years, different strategies/politics of development at national or


regional, or local levels have been issued, but these approached more or less tourism
sector development3.

Judging from these, we think it is normal to move towards a kind of tourism that we
can differentiate and attract the interest of those who want to travel and have new,
unique and authentic experiences. We strongly believe that in Romania this possible
direction can be culinary tourism.

1
Tomescu, A.M., Calitatea produsului turistic- Editura Universitatii din Oradea, 2000, p. 34.
2
In 2013, tourism contributed 5.1 % of Romanias GDP, which places the country in the 154th position out
of a ranking of 184 countries analysed by the World Travel and Tourism Council (Hungary (10.6 percent);
Albania (16.7 percent), Bulgaria (13.3 percent), Czech Republic (8.4 percent) and Slovakia (6 percent). Data
in Report Travel&Tourism Economic Impact 2014 ROMANIA, p.1;source: http://static.sursazilei.ro/wp-
content/uploads/2014/03/romania20141.pdf .
3
For instance one target of the national development strategy in Romanian 2007-2013 is to reduce disparities
between regions, also find a way to do this indicates the regional and local tourism development by
increasing tourist attractiveness of regions through creation an appropriate infrastructure and improve
specific services, development of alternative forms of tourism, protection and promotion of natural and
cultural heritage locally and regionally.(National Development Plan 2007-201- issued December, 2005 by
Romanian Government).

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Tourism and Hospitality Industry 2014, CONGRESS PROCEEDINGS
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CULINARY TOURISM AS A NICHE

Culinary tourism, referred also as gastronomic tourism, food tourism, or wine and food
tourism, is a niche area of tourism. (Hjalager & Richards, 2002: Hall et al., 2003; Hall
& Mitchell, 2005). Actually, it is a way to of making difference in the touristic offer
among plenty of other products and forms tourism that compete directly to win the race
in attracting consumers. Culinary tourism as a form of speciality tourism considered a
niche tourism and is in antithesis with mass tourism, and this comes as a support to
our concept namely: 3E Theory4, concept regarding the people`s desire to travel.
(Botezat & Tomescu: 2003).

In the framework of the affirmation: gastronomy is a strategic element in defining the


brand and image of a destination5, culinary tourism can become a significant
contributor to the localization and to the differentiation process, as a response to a
extreme increase of the competitiveness. Also, it is important to stimulate and increase
awareness and interest in maintaining the traditions and the authenticity, which both are
part of maintaining diversity and variety directed to increase local pride and keeping
cultural identity, both considered very important in this era of globalization. Already
there is the evidence suggesting that motivation to travel for gastronomic reasons is a
valid argument. Most people consider the pleasure to eat, the taste, the aromas, the
feature of the food, the quality, the variety and the diversity being notable as travel
experience, in fact there is about seeking for unique culinary experiences and
enjoyment of taste.

Worldwide, a variety of gastronomic activities such as: food festivals, food tours, visit
food producers, visit food markets, wineries, food fairs, thematic museums (chocolate,
bread, beer, pastas, mustard etc.) are being promoted.

To discover a destination through its cuisine is considered by many a challenging,


interesting and satisfying experience. Consumption of food can be an unforgettable
experience. Food and drink are means to penetrate the culture of the place in a more
profound and more complex way, through the senses, what it is not a mere a physical
or physiological experience.

Also, the results of the data analysis reveal that gastronomy plays a major role in
tourism6. (Jaka Kivela& John C. Crotts 2006). Culinary tourism is a niche tourism,
and the needs that move the travellers in this segment are situated in the Maslow`s
hierarchy of needs at superior levels (ego needs, self-esteem, accomplishment etc.).

4
3E = Enjoyment, Entertainment, Evolution. (presented by Botezat E and Tomescu A.M., at Conference
"Educating for Tomorrow`s Tourism", Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia, 2003).
5
Global Report on Food Tourism, UNWTO, 2012, p. 12.
6
Jaka, K. & Crotts, J.C.; Tourism and Gastronomy: Gastronomy's Influence on How Tourists Experience a
Destination, Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, August 2006 Vol. 30 No. 3, 2006, 354- 377.

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Tourism and Hospitality Industry 2014, CONGRESS PROCEEDINGS
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Basically, there are three types of tourists after their culinary interests:
those who participate by chance at culinary experiences in their travels;
those who enjoy the opportunity to taste traditional foods and drinks of the places
visited(although they do not choose their destinations according to this);
those who deliberately seek such culinary experiences.
Hall (2005) classifies tourists from culinary interests and involvement:
Gastronomes High interest/ high involvement;
Indigenous Foodies High & Moderate interest/ high involvement;
Tourist Foodies Low interest/ low involvement
Familiar foods Low interest/ low involvement.

Niche tourism is an economy of imagination where individual preferences and


practices are co-ordinated, packaged and sold.7

ROMANIA AND CULINARY TOURISM

Since ancient times, the population on Romanias territory has seen an interest in
culinary arts. There are remaining information about Dacians8 and their feasts
organised by kings at various political or religious events. On the other hand, written
sources by foreign travellers in old chronicles talk about inns or organized feasts. Since
nineteenth century, there was a systematic research devoted to culinary culture of the
Romanians by a - range of people9 (Mihai Lupescu, Simion Florea Marian, Dimitrie
Gusti, Al. O. Teodoreanu, Octavian Stoica, Marius Vulpe, Radu Florescu, Radu Anton
Roman etc.).

Romania cannot compete with countries with tradition in tourism, so we need to search
and find niches that are suitable to actively support and develop tourism. In Romania
everyone is talking about the possibilities and the great potential in the development of
the tourism market, but unfortunately, as in many other areas things remain at the level
of conjecture and discussion. At present, in Romania there - is little concern regarding
the niche that is the culinary tourism.

At first we focused on searching for information in the literature, this paper is an


exploratory study, an empirical research based on secondary sources (literature review
conducted in subject area) and observation of the Romanian good practices regarding
culinary tourism.

Romanian people like to eat. Like in many other cultures, shared meals and spent
moments around the table are important moments of life. A great number of proverbs
and sayings have developed around the activity of eating. Milestones events of life

7
Robinson, M. Foreword p.XX, in Novelli, M. (editor);Niche Tourism: Contemporary Issues, Trends and
Cases, Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford, 2005.
8
Dacians were the ancient inhabitants of Dacia (located in the area in and around the Carpathian Mountains
and east of there to the Black Sea). This area includes the present-day countries of Romania and Moldova, as
well as parts of Sarmatia (mostly in eastern Ukraine), Moesia (Eastern Serbia, Northern Bulgaria), Slovakia
and Poland.
9
Anton Roman, R., Bucate, vinuri si obiceiuri romnesti ediie revizuit, Editura PAIDEIA, 2001, p. 167.

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such as baptisms, weddings and funerals are occasions for each small or large
Romanian community to get around a rich meal; religious holidays (Christmas, Easter,
Mother Mary, The days of Saints as Constantin & Elena, St. John, St. Nicholas, and
over 15 considered important saints etc.) come with spiritual moments, but also with
joy to taste various delicious dishes. A shared meal is a beloved custom among
Romanians (family, acquaintances, fellow workers etc.), being an opportunity to
socialize.

It is often said that Romanian cuisine has been influenced by different cultures, with
which it came into contact (Turkish, French, Austrian, Hungarian, Slovak, Russian,
etc.). But also it is said that we not only have assimilated those particular
characteristics, but we have enriched and perfected them, thus resulting a cuisine based
on diversity of local resources, on Romanian habits10 (Stanciulescu, 2011). Due to
many cultures and traditions that came into contact with a great variety can be found,
but what can be said is that foreign dishes were adapted to almost all Romanian habits.
This is the reason that it has changed and adapted. We thought that this would be one
explanation for why the largely foreign tourists visiting Romania appreciated with
pleasure the traditional food, in addition of being informed that many of dishes are
made by using organic raw materials. The latter is yet another reason to appreciate
cooked food that might taste so different also because many Romanian cooks use the
Slow Food procedures. Unfortunately, Romanian cuisine is too little known and
promoted abroad.

Due to climatic conditions, to resources and to the geographic relief of Romania, a


specific cuisine, over the centuries, was established here,. It may notes the variety of
assortments of raw materials for food (meat, fish, venison, pork, beef, lamb etc.
alongside aromatic plants - as spicy, a wide range of vegetables, poultry, dairy products
etc.), all being very tasteful making the good food and thus highly appreciated by
people.

In the last seven years in Romania efforts were made to offer customers more and more
products that address life style, culinary culture (even gourmet), the wine civilization
etc, issues almost totally neglected by most Romanians for nearly seventy years (1945-
1989, in the communist era; and the last twenty years).

Also we note in recent years a growing tendency of interest towards this tourism niche
market. Thus, we found a gastronomic calendar of 2014 that covers various culinary
events, which will be held in Romania this year. Another event we found is the
International Congress of Culinary Traditions (the first congress) held in Bucharest,
where for four days (13-17th of March 2014) representatives from 37 countries attended
talks. The result of this event will be the first edition of the Encyclopaedia of World
Culinary Traditions which will be launch in Luxembourg this year. On this occasion,
have been inventoried major gastronomic events that traditionally take place in seven
regions of Romania (Transylvania, Moldavia, Bucovina, Oltenia, Banat, Maramures,
Danube Delta).

10
Stanciulescu, G. (ed.), Cercetare exploratorie pe un eantion de disponibilitate privind ospitalitatea i
industria ospitalitii n judeul Bihor, Editura Universitaii, Oradea, 2011, p. 89.

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On one hand among the specific activities of culinary tourism, we can see that in
Romania are organized only few and this leaves room for improvement. Thus there are
reported several wine routes (Alba11, Buzau1213, Prahova1415, Vrancea16, Satu Mare17)
which are the result of the last years of EU-funded projects, capitalizing Romanian
millenary tradition of cultivation of the vine, and wine production. Romania currently
has an area planted with vines over 180,000 ha18 (before 1989 this area was over
300,000 ha), which ranks Romania the top 5 in Europe and 10th in the world. In the ten
historical regions Romania has over 43 large vineyards and more than 100 smaller
vineyards (100-500 ha)19.

No other museums or thematic roads are further highlighted (?!), with two exceptions -
which are not related to culinary tourism but, in our view it may to use for this niche
activity. Thus ie. The Egg Museum of Bukovina, which presents very old tradition of
the people of country to paint Easter eggs. Another example is the Hunting Museum, a
thematic museum in Posada, Prahova County, who is exhibits some of the most
valuable hunting trophies known in the world. Romania may still be considered a
paradise for wildlife hunting, still being one of the few countries of Europe, where the
habitat and the wildlife range is unaltered by human civilization. In these museums
activities related to food preparation according to various recipes (specialized
restaurants, or cooking workshops, or gurmet workshops based on typical hunting
recipes/wild dishes, respectively food based on eggs) might be organized.

On the other hand we already took into account the food fairs and festivals that are
organized in Romania. Most of food fairs and festivals are organized in the idea to
preserve and convey authenticity and ancestral traditions. These events are becoming
more and more frequent, organized at Peasant Museum in Bucharest, or in highly
visible places in the city, but also in localities / communities that are beginning to
understand this niche and want to exploit it profitably.

The cooking workshops are not a usual activity organized for adults but there are dozen
for children as well, in the idea and the spirit of educating the young consumers. In the
rural tourism activities we can indicate several initiatives to present: the pig slaughter
tradition around Christmas which is part of this theme20 life and activities of a
sheepfold, with specific foods as rustic tours21.

11
http://www.taravinului.ro/ (accesed 12th January, 2014)
12
http://travelbuzau.com/oferte-turistice/crame-turism-oenologic (accesed 12th January, 2014)
13
http://www.galdrumulvinului.ro/ (accesed 12th January, 2014)
14
http://www.ampathos.ro/drumul-vinului---prahova-partea-i---septembrie-2012_132.html (accesed 12th
January, 2014)
15
http://www.galdrumulvinului.ro/ (accesed 12th January, 2014)
16
http://www.antrec-se.ro/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=21&lang=ro (accesed
12th January, 2014)
17
http://www.vinuri-pe-net.ro/info-stiri/vrs/IDstire/80/t/drumul-vinului-satmarean (accesed 12th January,
2014)
18
http://www.madr.ro/ro/horticultura/viticultura-vinificatie.html (accesed 12th January, 2014)
19
http://cramaonline.weebly.com/podgorii-din-romania.html (accesed 12th January, 2014)
20
http://www.antrecalba.ro/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=461:sacrificarea-traditionala-
a-porcului-de-craciun-si-riscul-de-trichineloza&catid=23:cominicate-partenere (accesed 12th January, 2014)
21
http://www.toursbylocals.com/RusticTourbyCristiP (accesed 12th January, 2014)

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After all, and as we see are a few activities, but there still exist unexploited potential.

For this paper, the related topic documentation was carried out online. The search was
conducted using the keywords as: culinary tourism Romania, gastronomic tourism
Romania, Romanian gastronomy, Romanian culinary tourism. (boolean advanced
search).What have we learned? At the moment we carried out the survey, we found that
were very few studies that were focused on this topic. (In international database Ideas
of RepEc only 4 of 70 papers, ), in Romanian academic Journals for years 2006-2013
we found only 3, respectively 2 responses in Romanian specialized journals on topic
such tourism which are: Cactus published by Bucharest University of Economy, and
Tourism Journal edited by Stefan cel Mare University - Suceava, which are also
indexed in international database we found only 5 papers on this topic. This means in
our opinion a less exploited research and development opportunity as against hidden
potential, status that must to be changed according to its real potential. Most of the
studies found there focuses on Romanian rural tourism (over 112), here including
culinary tourism which is not differentiated as a potential economic activity by itself,
ignoring its features such niche nature.

In EconPapers international database from 57returned response to culinary, 3 were


Romnaians authored; gastronomic from 37 returned responses, it was only one
Romanian authored; gastronomy from 44 returned responses it was only one Romanian
authored. (see References)

We are aware that this search is not exhaustive, but for the purposes of our paper it may
be considered enough relevant.

As another start point and for practical purpose we used SWOT analysis to generate a
profile.

Table 1: SWOT Analysis

Straights Weaknesses

Rural areas are prevalent in Romania; Poor cooperation between stakeholders;


A relatively high rural population ratio, over 48% Poor/lack of education in gastronomy as
(2011)[3]; a part of lifestyle of most Romanian
Rich traditional heritage that can be citizens;
promoted (folklore, songs, music, popular Lack of a strategy for this kind of
customs, local foods and drinks); tourism;
Popular crafts (pottery, wood carving, Lack of inventory of artisan products or
weaving, furrier's, leather, cooking etc.); locally made products that could
Diversity of potential products from rural potentially serve as the foundation for
area; culinary events/festivals.
Traditional architecture (well-preserved); Poor promotion of culinary events;
The demand of tourism in this segment can Quality of supply is poor;
be fulfilled by the existent accommodation; Insufficient cooperation between
Many multicultural rural areas; suppliers in rural areas;
Offers that pull consumers to specific Quality unbalanced supply of natural,
destination and has large potential to grow; local products;

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Tourism and Hospitality Industry 2014, CONGRESS PROCEEDINGS
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Prevalent offers of organic food. Stakeholders non-coagulated (lack of


association concerning service
rendered);
Lack of specific activities of culinary
tourism (thematic museums, cooking
workshops, thematic tours);
Current economic crisis.

Opportunities Threats
EU funded projects that may create Abandonment of traditions;
additional tourism infrastructure that can Lack of transfer of know-how in
help the development; various traditional crafts;
Projects finance the promotion of Legislation which does not stimulate
traditional crafts forgotten; development of economic sector;
Connect the adjacent tourist products offers Competition from other destinations /
by agritourism, ecotourism etc.; similar products from neighbouring
Material and moral revival of cultural and countries in the neighbours;
historical heritage of rural areas; Insufficient human resources educated;
Thematic restaurants (gastronomy and Easy access to other similar competing
oenology); destinations
Non-availability of quality promotional Insufficient awareness of stakeholders
strategies; to develop the need of capitalize the
Abandoned villages. culinary tourism (especially local
authorities, state authorities link to
tourism activity);
Bureaucracy and corruption.

At first glance, this analysis would be the recognition of involvement in rural economic
restructuring. In this case, traditions, diversity and authenticity can be considered
resources of development. In conclusion the niche, namely -culinary tourism- should be
integrated. Other arguments in favour of this approach would be about encouraging the
consumption of typical products, the opportunity to eat and buy directly from farmers
of agro-food, buy several times organic food, many actors would propose and produce
typical menus with local food and drinks.

Romanian cuisine continues to be rich spiritually through elements of complex


traditions of food, and of table culture. The influences of neighbouring countries
(Serbia, Hungary, Bulgaria) or others as Germany, Austria, Russia and Turkey despite
the distance, and also many other elements on culinary aspects that gave the local
peculiarities creating an unity, that is highlighted in anthropological studies about food
culture in Romania22. (Muresan, 2006)

To establish what good practice is, we consider various events organized in Romania at
national, but more frequently at regional, or/and local level. For instance we remark an
higher interest for education in gastronomy area (started with mass-media support).

22
Murean, L.; Aspecte istorico-geografice ale alimentaiei n spaiul romnesc, Omul i Natura, Editura
Bioedit, Ploieti, Vol. XVI, 2006, p. 121.

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Lists of events where the focus is on national / local cuisine can be easily found in
Internet: Vintest (National Event of Wine testing), yearly Festival of Walnuts in Baia-
Mare, numerous location for Stuffed Cabbage Meat-Rolls Festival, Bread Fair, Pancake
Fair, Plum brandy Fair, Polenta Festival, Sausages Fair, Traditional Cheese Fair/
Festival, Porcini (Mushroom) Festival, Potato Festival, Grape Harvest Festivals, Slow
Food Fair, wine tasting event organised by Enoteca23 Millesime24 etc. Numerous are
local events, unfortunately without being promoted at national, or international level.
These we consider to be not yet exploited resources.

Another example of good practice we pointed in recent months a growing tendency of


interest towards this tourism niche market. Thus, we found a gastronomic calendar of
2014 that covers various culinary events, which will be held in Romania this year.
Another event about we found out is the International Congress of Culinary Traditions
(the first congress) had held in Bucharest, where for four days (13-17th of March 2014),
were attended by representatives from 37 countries. On this occasion, have been
inventoried major gastronomic events that traditionally take place in seven regions of
Romania (Transylvania, Moldavia, Bucovina, Oltenia, Banat, Maramures, and Danube
Delta).

An Eurostat publication showed the importance of domestic tourism for the tourism
sector domestic tourism expenditure by residents was twice as high as inbound
tourism expenditure by non-residents25. (Demunter and Dimitrakopoulo, 2011) The
share of domestic trips in the total number of trips was around or above 90 % in
Bulgaria, Greece, Spain, France, Portugal and Romania. Thinking into this framework,
in first instance is to develop culinary tourism as a branch of domestic tourism thinking
that is proper strategy for a country with 20 million citizens taking into account the
arguments presented above.

CONCLUSION

Homemade meal, simply but intense, savoury, lavish, tempting, tasty, juicy, delicate,
delightful, delicious, drizzled, fantastic, fluffy, flavourful, fruity, creamy, crumbly,
fresh, colourful, buttery, crunchy, cheesy, crispy, piquant, scent, velvety are few
adjectives (and there are many more) I could recall when I have evoked an authentic
traditional Romanian meal. These adjectives addressed to the senses, to the emotions,
there are the very strong, beside the arguments mentioned above (well populated
market, not enough exploited direction, potential of the market meaning).

23
Enoteca (plural: Enoteche) is an Italian word, derived from the Greek word , which literally
means wine repository (from Oeno/Eno- "wine", and teca , "receptacle, case, box"), source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enoteca
24
Millsime - Culture and civilization Wine Magazine is a publication with national distribution published by
Wine Culture and Civilization Centre, established in 2009, located in Oradea see http://www.millesime.ro
25
Demunter, C.; Dimitrakopoulo, Ch.; Domestic tourism. EUROSTAT Industry, trade and services.
Population and social conditions in Statistics in Focus, vol. 49, 2011, 6.

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Expect to see destination marketing organizations more fully exploit this marketing
opportunity for greater economic development. Likewise, there is still tremendous
potential for destinations to build their brands by creating and growing ties to the
culinary tourism phenomenon.

In spite of the fact that Romania has many resources for tourism development,
Romania cannot compete with countries with tradition in tourism, so it is needed to be
searched and to found various niches that are suitable to actively support and develop
tourism activity, that could made of more interest Romanian destinations.

At present, in Romania there are too few concerns regarding this niche, that is the
culinary tourism and it has not yet the role that it really can have, according to the
identified potential (see SWOT analysis). The solutions may come as approach from a
strategic point of view, involving stakeholders - such as service providers, and the local
authorities if they understand and they become aware of the role it can play this tourism
niche for the sustainable development, but simultaneously also for a better local
development.

The analysis done in this paper regarding culinary tourism, niche in Romanian
tourism, has been identified the strengths, weaknesses, opportunity and threats meant to
sustain this activity by SWOT analysis.

In our opinion based on literature review and observation as an answer to the question
of this research it is affirmative. Arguments that support this affirmative answer are a
higher tendency in practice for this topic.

The future of culinary tourism in Romania looks promising due to its high potential.

REFERENCES

Book:
Anton Roman, R., Bucate, vinuri si obiceiuri romnesti ediie revizuit, Editura PAIDEIA, 2001.
Hall, C. M., Sharples, E., Mitchell, R., Cambourne, B., & Macionis, N. (eds.), - Food tourism around the
world: Development, management and markets, Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann (2003).
Hall, C.M., & Mitchell, R. - Food tourism. In M. Novelli (Ed.), Niche Tourism:Contemporary issues, trends and cases,
(pp. 73-88). Oxford: Butterworth Heinemann (2005).
Hall, M.C.; et al., Food and Wine Festivals and Events Around The World: Development, Management and
Markets - Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford, 2008.
Long, L.M (ed), Culinary Tourism, Lexington: University Press of Kentucky, 2003.
Novelli, M.;Niche Tourism: Contemporary Issues, Trends and Cases, Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann,
Oxford, 2005.
Stanciulescu, G. (ed.), Cercetare exploratorie pe un eantion de disponibilitate privind ospitalitatea i
industria ospitalitii n judeul Bihor, Editura Universitaii, Oradea, 2011.
Tomescu, A.M., Calitatea produsului turistic- Editura Universitatii din Oradea, 2000.

Journal article:
Babaita, C.; Istodor, D.; Ispas, A.; - Interculturality A Factor Of Tourism Development (Part 1 -
Gastronomy In Tourism, Attraction Or Impediment), in Analele Facultii de tiine Economice,
Universitatea din Oradea, tom XVII, 2009, pp. 23-28.
Demunter C. & Dimitrakopoulo Ch; Domestic tourism. EUROSTAT Industry, trade and services.
Population and social conditions in Statistics in Focus, vol. 49, 2011, pp. 1-8.

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Dulu, A.V.; Coro, M.M.; - Is There a Gastronomic Tourist Offer in Romania?, Revista Economic,
Universitatea Lucian Blaga, Sibiu, No.5 (52), Vol. 1/2010, pp. 101-112.
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Paper in the proceedings:


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library/conferences/2010/Corfu/CUHT/CUHT-37.pdf, 2010.

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Ada Mirela Tomescu, PhD, Full Professor


University of Oradea, Faculty of Economic Science
Department of management and marketing
Sala E118, str.Universitii nr.1-5, cod 410087, Oradea, Romania,
Tel.: +40 259 408 668
Fax: +40 259 475 337
E-mail: atomescu@uoradea.ro/ ada.mirela.tomescu@gmail.com

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Tourism and Hospitality Industry 2014, CONGRESS PROCEEDINGS
Trends in Tourism and Hospitality Industry

Elena Aurelia Botezat, PhD, Full Professor


University of Oradea, Faculty of Economic Science
Department of management and marketing
Sala F104, str.Universitii nr.1-5, cod 410087, Oradea, Romania,
Tel.: +40 259 408 797
Fax: +40 259 408 409
E-mail: ebotezat@uoradea.ro / elenabotezat1@gmail.com

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