LUCRĂRI ŞTIINŢIFICE, SERIA I, VOL.XX (3)

RESEARCHES REGARDING SPECIFIC TOURIST AREAS AT TIMIS COUNTY LEVEL AND SPECIFIC FORMS OF TOURISM

DOBRA CĂLIN*1, CSOSZ CRISTIAN1, DINCU ANA-MARIANA1, SICOE-MURG OANA MARIA1 1Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine“King Michael I of ” from Timisoara, Faculty of Management and Rural Tourism *Corresponding author’s e-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Romanian rural tourism currently has several strengths such as: the existence of rural localities that have preserved the specific cultural identity and the preservation of the traditional way of life, ensuring the preservation of rural functionality, in which way each hostel can promote its services by actively participating in the community life. Regarding Timis County micro-region, the main purpose of the papar ist to highlith the tourist potential of this micro-region, which has six areas favorable for tourism. Each of these six areas are characterized by a certain specific influencing current tourism potential and the strategy of tourism development of the area.

Key words: potential, tourism forms, specific areas, Timis County

INTRODUCTION Tourism is currently a global market, huge size, which manifests consumer demand[15] for a huge variety of products and services. Not only its size and growth rates make this very attractive market, but also its potential for the future, far from exhausted. In present, Romanian tourism is going through a profound crisis determined not only by the current economic problems, but also by some measures insufficiently elaborated and inefficiently implemented. Due to relatively low facilities[7] and support from authoritarian bodies at national, regional and local level to support the investments in rural areas[1,2,11,12], private initiatives are the only ones with a chance to win the promotion and development of rural tourism at the county level. The statistics show that tourism in rural areas year by year has made more and more followers. The explanation for this development: it could be found in: the influence of environmental ideas, the desire to evade traditional tourist structures, the search for the best possible quality/price ratio. [6,13]

MATERIALS AND METHODS The authors of the paper were used as methods of work: data collection, processing, analysis, observation and their interpretation.

RESEARCH RESULTS From a strategic perspective, the objectives of tourist interest are grouped mainly in six major areas and representative areas that i will present myself. Each of these six areas are characterized by a certain specific influencing current tourism potential and the strategy of tourism development of the area. Area 1: Urban and suburban alternative tourism - Timisoara. The area is located across six cities and municipalities comprising Dumbrăviţa, Sag, , Moşniţa Nouă, Sînnmihaiu Roman, , and Timisoara entirely. In terms of tourism potential of the area of alternative tourism suburban recreation opportunities, in Timisoara we can group at least three groups of attractiveness: a) The first group consists of leisure tourism and short-term rehabilitation, consisting of several regional attraction centers namely: Bazoş Arboretum, Botanic Park Timisoara, Forest Bistra, at the artificial lakes from Dumbrăviţa and Ianova and Bega and

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Timis rivers in the area. In these areas it is not arranged any space intended for accommodation or catering, except the ones located in the city of Timisoara; b) The second group consists of tourism of recreation and rehabilitation that involves weekend leisure for more than 24 hours, and includes localities on the banks of Timis, especially the locality of Sag. c) a third group of attractiveness may be considered Timişoara - Little Vienna, in which architecture and history have created a blend of nostalgia and spectacle. Area 2: Western Area multicultural alternative tourism. Multicultural alternative tourism area is located in the west of the county, at triple border congruence from and is bordered by Yugoslavia, Hungary and Arad County in Romania. The area is located on the surface of nine common: , Beba Veche, Dudeştii Vechi Sanpetru Mare, , and Comloşu Mare, and two cities - and Sânnicolau Mare. From the point of view of the area's tourism potential of alternative multicultural tourism from the western area we can to group opportunities as follows: a) The first group consists of leisure tourism and short-term recovery. This kind of tourism is practiced around cities Jimbolia and Sânnicolau Mare attractions being established by nature reserves and pools of thermal water and fisheries in the area. In the area there are several accommodation units and catering in Jimbolia, Sannicolau Mare cities and localities Periam and Lovrin. b) A second group of attractiveness for multicultural tourism practicing is the mixture of the multiethnic denomination of the area. In this area as in other areas of the county that is not so prominent, there is a multi-ethnic mix. Tourism involves visiting these places in times of celebration (Kirwei, prayer, dedication day, Bucsu, forschang etc.). It is worth remembering that in the area there are lots of geothermal wells that are used in swimming pools and water reservoirs for swimming pools. Area 3: Agrotourism, Poiana Rusca massif piedmont area. Agritourism piedmont area of Poiana Rusca massif is located in the east of Timis county bordering counties of Hunedoara and Caras-Severin. The settlements belonging to this area are: , Pietroasa, Tomeşti, Nădrag, Fîrdea, Dumbrava, Mănăştur, Traian Vuia, Bîrna, , Victor Vlad Delamarina, and a city - Faget. In Poiana Rusca Mountains, marked trails can be found on the following routes: Nădrag localities, Fardea, Gladna Romana, Zolt and Luncani at Căpriorul cottage; from cottage Căpriorul from Luncani and from Nădrag (through Cârlionţu Valley) to peak Padeş; Gladna Romanian - Zolt - Luncanii de Jos. Izvodiei Valley observation tower at the commemorative plaque of Queen Elizabeth; Jdioara - Fortress Jdioara; Romanesti village - Romanian cave. One can distinguish four categories of tourism in this area: a) tourism youth camp b) alternative tourism recreation on Lake Surduc. The lake is surrounded mostly by deciduous forests and meadows on the banks being raised numerous holiday homes. The area is particularly rich fauna which makes hunting and attraction to be particularly high. The animals frequently encountered are the rabbit, gopher, polecat, ferret, pheasant, mountain cock, wolf, fox, wild boar, squirrel, the stag, deer, wild cat or bear. On the lake or in neighboring villages or villagers owners of holiday homes providing accommodation to tourists. c) The classic tourism organized in hotels, motels, lodges and campgrounds. The accommodation network area is diverse , including hotels, such as Hotel Padeş in Faget. Also in Tomeşti, near settlements is Romanesti Cave, where are organized

130 LUCRĂRI ŞTIINŢIFICE, SERIA I, VOL.XX (3) concerts of symphonic and there it is tourism complex "Liman Valley" near Nădrag village is cottage "Căpriorul". d) tourism in the early stages of organization. We must point out that the offers in the area of interest are many and varied, but not entirely classified. The area has a high potential agrotourism. Area 4: Alternative tourism Buziaş-Recaş-. The tourist area is located in the center of the county and includes a total of two cities and five communes, a total of seven administrative territorial centers: Lugoj, Buziaş, Recaş Boldur, Racoviţa, Chevereşu Mare and Costeiu. The tourism potential of the area consists of two main directions: the first direction is the classic tourism organized in specialized centers (Lugoj, Buziaş, Chevereş) and the second character derives from agriculture (wine) area. This area is famous for vintage made. a) youth camp in Chevereşu Mare b) Buziaş spa resort The resort has been known for its spa services and carbonated waters exploitation since the early 1811 to 1815. The resort has three public springs of mineral water park and a swimming pool with mineral water. It is a traditional seaside resort in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, central nervous system, nutrition and metabolism, professional, digestive tract disorders, neuro-endocrine etc. In Buziaş and Lugoj are the classic tourist accommodation in hotels of two three-star categories. Also near Lugoj works as motel and camping , the Inn "Ana Lugojana". a) Alternative wine tourism (of vineyard) This type of tourism is an opportunity of specialized areas in wine production there is a possibility for superior capitalization of this potential. The area is located on the high plain and piedmont of Lipova namely Poiana Rusca, giving through settlement and insolation conditions conducive to cultivate vines. Area 5: Alternative multicultural tourism Deta-. The area is located in the south of the county, on the border with Serbia and Montenegro. The area includes the villages and towns Banloc, and Deta and . The tourism potential of the area is quite low so as variety of attractions as well as points of view of their numbers. In Deta we can speak of a thermal spa tourism in the village, which has two pools and a total of 40 treatment places. Also Deta has a hotel and catering opportunities to serve as the basis for both Banloc, Castle and Park and Partos Church and monastery . Timis river that gave the County name, crosses the commune Ciacova and its banks, especially in rural Gad and Cebza is profiling based recreational weekend cottages and even organized tourism units (cottages, camping ). Area 6: Alternative Tourism and hunting Pischia-Masloc. The area of alternative tourism and hunting Pischia-Masloc lies in the northern area of Timis county, including the municipalities Orţişoara Masloc Pischia and . Alternative tourism potential hunting area Masloc Pischia-existence in the area relies on two tourist facilities: Bogda Youth Camp and Calacea Resort . Călacea spa baths is a general interest located in Banat Plain, 25 km from Timişoara. Areas with a rich hunting fund (Banloc,, Bogda, Brestea, Chevereşu Mare, Dumbrava, Giroc, Hitias, Pădureni, Peciu New Pischia, Remetea Mica, Silagiu) and those with a diversified fisheries fund (Bega - Luncani, Bega - Tomeşti - Romanesti Bega - Margina, Timis - Cebza, Timis - Costeiu) are highly appreciated by lovers of hunting and sportfishing.

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Tourist areas at county level and specific forms of tourism forms of tourism

Area 1: Urban and suburban alternative tourism - Timisoara

recreational and short-term recreational tourism

recreational and weekend recreational tourism

cultural tourism

Area 2: Western Area multicultural alternative tourism

recreational and short-term recreational tourism

multicultural tourism

Area 3: Agrotourism, Poiana Rusca massif piedmont area

youth camp tourism

alternative recreational tourism on Lake Surduc

classic tourism

agrotourism at an early stage of organization

Area 4: Alternative tourism Buziaş-Recaş-Lugoj

youth camp

balneary tourism

alternative wine tourism

Area 5: Alternative multicultural tourism Deta-Banloc.

balneary tourism

organized tourism

Area 6: Alternative Tourism and hunting Pischia-Masloc

spa tourism

hunting tourism and sport fishing

agrotourism

Figure 1.Tourist areas at County level and specific forms of tourism

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As a third possibility of tourism industry is agrotourism practiced mostly in hilly areas Bogda, Altringen, Charlottenburg.

Figure 2. Locations for rural tourism

- Barna village is one of the municipalities in the eastern part of the county, its villages being mentioned in documents around 1470. The village is characterized by the presence on its territory of Sarazan castle ruins. - Criciova commune is situated in the south-east, on the right side of the Timis River. It consists of a number of three villages and several tourist resources representative: - Criciova School Museum; - Jdioara fauna reserve; - Jdioara ruins; - Old Roman Road; - Their way of life. In the future it may conduct agrotourism, hunting organizations. The village is interested in investing in the tourism, agriculture, opening new businesses and creating new jobs - Ştiuca commune is composed of four villages, it is located on a hilly position in the southeast county, and as tourist resources representative has two Orthodox churches with a history of over 400 years one in the village Oloşag built of wood, and the other one having original paintings in the locality of Dragomireşti. Add to this the specific way of life in the area with emphasis on agriculture, construction. - Gavojdia commune comprises four villages and the activities specific to the agriculture, mining and quarry equipment woodworking, plus wooden church dedicated to "Ascension of the Lord", built in 1792 as a possible tourist resource, and various local products, all of which ensure future support and development of rural tourism.

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- Costeiu commune is composed of five villages and can be very attractive to investors and who are sufficiently developed infrastructure (water supply, sewage system, natural gas, electricity, digital telephone, international road, railway station). Prayer Banat as well as other folk traditions; Caroling dancers, Christmas caroling, peasant wedding flag and musicians, although repeated year after year, have their special charm and can constitute the basis for rural tourism activities Commune - Victor Vlad Delamarina spinning the wire of its existence from ancient times, having currently Comprising seven villages, the traditional way of life and tourist resources representative - The monastery "Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel" Petroasa Mare, memorial and museum house Victor Vlad Delamarina, Prayer Banateana - Celebration held in each village at churches dedication day - for future rural tourism development areas. - Boldur Commune is composed of four villages and numerous tourist attractions on which it could benefit rural tourism: the Boldur Park, the Sinersig Park in Jabăr The Park in Ohaba-Forgaci Mansion from Sinersig, monuments of heroes (in Boldur and Sinersig), churches of Boldur, Jabăr, Ohaba Forgaci and Sinersig, Timis River, Forest Sinersig and many rural traditions and customs. - Commune consists of three villages and in addition to the traditional life style tourist attractions such as churches (the the three villages belonging to the village Darova), place of recreation in the village Darova (barrage), place of recreation in the village Sacosu Mare (Hill Grindu Petri) which may constitute the starting point in the development of rural tourism activity. - Racoviţa Commune is composed of six villages. In the category landmarks of the municipality are mentioned various locations available that can be integrated in various projects / investment activities, the wooden church from Capat (eighteenth century), declared a historical monument Prayer (church dedication day ) Hitias (St. Easter ) end Drăgoieşti, Ficătar, Sîrbova -15 August Racoviţa - September 8 all constituting strengths for rural tourism activities. The diversity of tourist attractions - both natural and human - and multiculturalism make micro region Buziaş-Lugoj a multi-faceted tourist destination that allows the practice of a wide variety of types of tourism, such as cultural (historical - architectural, religious, ethnographic), the spa or even business areas. The tourism potential of the area consists of two main directions: the first direction is the classic tourism organized in specialized centers (Lugoj, Buziaş, Chevereş) and the second character derives from agriculture (wine) area. This area is famous for viticultural production made. On the basis of the study, it can be said that it is necessary to modernize and relaunch tourist offerings with European attraction and tradition, by which the county economy would benefit, attracting first of all a large number of domestic consumers. At the same time, through an adequate promotional policy, rural localities can become a renowned tourist center in the countries of the European Union. [3,4,5,8,9,10,14]

CONCLUSIONS

Regarding the tourist potential of the micro-region, it is marked by two essential components: - the natural component, represented by the quite varied configuration of the relief, the favorable climatic conditions, the therapeutic value and the abundance of natural factors;

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- anthropic component, represented by vestiges of civilizations that have succeeded on the territory of Romania from immemorial times, monuments and objectives of secular or religious art, museums collections, elements of ethnography and folklore of great beauty and originality, present achievements of prestige. The introduction and wider use of rural tourism and ecotourism elements in the mentality of tourism agencies and tourism investors as well as the practice of rural and environmental tourism would be particularly beneficial. Strong media coverage of rural and ecological tourism on all roads and newer on the internet, making electronic pages with current information, updated by specialists on a daily basis, with a short duration of obtaining pictures and full information on the entire tourist activity is a chance taken into account for the success of rural tourism at national and international level. Logically, we discover the existence of a range of tourist products, among which the unique tourist products that can not be seen, admired and offered by other countries should be highlighted. The market niche can be made from the multitude of alternatives, by one of the following: - The product itself - the Romanian village, traditional Romanian festivals, celebrations at Romanians (Easter, Christmas), fairs, Romanian food - the painted monasteries, peasant castles, etc. - Price - the concept of price value (the existence of a fair price/quality ratio) must be understood: we need to offer exceptional value; - Convenient access - location is an asset in any business, and in tourism is a major one.

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