TOURISM – A VIABLE ALTERNATIVE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL MOUNTAINOUS COMMUNITIES. CASE STUDY: EFTIMIE MURGU, CARAȘ-SEVERIN COUNTY, ROMANIA

Abstract

Tourism represents a viable alternative for the development of rural mountainous communities, because it can act as an integrating force, capable of revitalising other economic sectors through its multiplicative effect and help improve the populations’ quality of life. The Eftimie Murgu commune benefits from generous and variate nature tourism potential and most important from a cultural heritage site: the Rudăria Watermill Complex which is the most significant complex of watermills in south-eastern Europe and is included in the UNESCO heritage list. This study aims to analyse the potential of the commune and the degree in which it is being valued. The objectives of the study included: evaluating the tourism potential with the help of analysis trees; analysing the community members and tourists’ perceptions about the degree in which the potential of the area is being capitalised, and proposing recommendations on the better capitalisation of the local tourism potential. The research methodology consisted in: field observations, analysis trees, social surveys (semi-structured interview), and GIS mapping. The results emphasised an insufficient capitalisation of the local tourism potential proven by a weak accommodation offer and deficient access network in the area, a reduced promotion of local ethnic-folkloric traditions and brands, specific activities (like festivals) or crafts. The authors concluded that local authorities must be convinced tourism is a viable and valuable activity that can economically revitalise the area and generate additional income for the local population.

Keywords

• tourism potential
• natural heritage
• cultural heritage
• capitalisation
• promotion
• Rudăria Watermill Complex
• Eftimie Murgu
• România