Current Trends in Unlocking the Potential of Rural Tourism in Romania. Case Study: Snagov Area

Florentina ION1, Petronela NOVĂCESCU1, Laurenţiu DINU1
¹ University of Bucharest, Faculty of Geography, Doctoral School “Simion Mehedinţi - Nature and Sustainable Development”, Bucharest, ROMANIA
E-mail: florentina_ionz@yahoo.com, petronela.novacescu@yahoo.com, dinulaur84@yahoo.com
Pages: 41-48

Abstract. This paper is aimed at demonstrating that rural tourism is a viable source of income for all Romanian communes. To prove this point, we will refer to the circumstances of the Snagov area. Snagov’s tourism resources are not used to their full potential and tourism, as currently managed, has detrimental effects on the environment, which is deteriorating by the year. Therefore, the paper is also a warning to those who are in the position to improve the technologies for the transformation and preservation of the environment - particularly of the man-made one - and who should be aware that tourist sights of great historical, architectural and cultural value need conservation and restoration. When properly used, the natural and the man-made environments are likely to generate important income for local communities, as they are a source of new jobs and can thus lead to better living standards and lower levels of commuting and final migration, respectively.  Besides, our study is a warning to the tourists that go to the area. They must be aware that any alteration of the natural environment is irreversible, and that the attractions enticing them now to visit Snagov could turn into their very opposite and end up being repulsive, if the natural environment is affected beyond its regenerative capabilities.  The Snagov lacustrine complex gives physical specificity to the area and impacts the economic landscape and the human personality. The Snagov fluvial liman is part of the locals’ life and has significant bearing on the development of rural tourism in this area.

K e y w o r d s:  rural tourism, tourism potential, Snagov