Consequences of Peripheral Features on Tourists’ Motivation. The Case of Rural Destinations in Moldavia, Romania

Bogdan IBĂNESCU1
1 “Al. I. Cuza” University, Faculty of Geography and Geology, Department of Geography, Iaşi, ROMANIA
E-mail: b.ibanescu@yahoo.com
Pages: 191-197

Abstract. Peripheral spaces represent areas situated at a certain distance from a centre they are dependent on. They are faced with several socioeconomic challenges and demographic exodus. However, they also preserve an image of unaltered environment, ancient way of life, and a means of escape from the urban agglomeration. This second aspect (whether is based on real or imaginative features) of the peripheral zones have made them so appealing for the tourists masses. Our study focused on the rural space of Moldavia region, a peripheral region in Romania and in the European Union, region that has known a surprising tourism development in the last decade. The aim of the study was to identify which of the peripheral features of the region are responsible for this growth, acting like an attractive element, or rather slowed down what could have been a more sustainable tourism development. We used the method of on-line survey and based on the 155 valid answers we learned that the peripheral features of Moldavian region acted like an obstacle and not like an attraction for the visitors.

K e y w o r d s:  rural tourism, peripheral areas, accessibility, Moldavia, tourist motivation