WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on BUSINESS and ECONOMICS Rozalia Nistor, Costel Nistor, Mihaela-Carmen Muntean

TYROLEAN MANAGEMENT CAN BE APPLIED IN ROMANIAN MOUNTAIN TOURISM?

ROZALIA NISTOR, COSTEL NISTOR, MIHAELA-CARMEN MUNTEAN Department of General Economics, Faculty of Economic Sciences “Dunarea de Jos” University 59-61 N. Balcescu Street, Galati [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected], http://www.fsea.ugal.ro

Abstract: Valley is a major tourist center, one of the most popular tourist destinations in our country. This is primarily due to natural and human resources, but also accessible area. resorts meet operating throughout the year, increasing the role of tourism in the economy. Austria is a country where tourism marketing is applied, with the best results. After a thorough analysis of the problem we have identified ways that have been successfully imposed on the tourist market using innovative marketing techniques. In Austria, mountain tourism started from the idea that any city can have such a status to be exploited. It shall be made known by a particular brand, a brand quality through more investment and confidence in their potential, these are the methods they use to policy makers to develop and maintain a real tourism industry.

Key words: tourism market, mountain tourism, tourism marketing, tourism potential, tourism development strategies, tourism product, tourism brand

1. Tourism development in the others), tourism and winter sports (Poiana Braov, , , Bora, , Păltini etc.). mountain region Also, weekend tourism as the main destination was Mountain regions are generally areas where the mountain area for many residents of towns near tourism has taken the greatest extent: more massive these areas. benefit from an European summers are short and In a relatively recent trend is noted tourism and specific activities of winter, with a tremendous business development meetings, which have potential for ecotourism. This activity requires an adequate facilities in Sinaia, Poiana Braov, intelligent management of water resources, Predeal, but in some of the resorts in the mountain transport infrastructure, but also an aggressive area. This form of tourism has been promoted to marketing and attractive. Diversity and mitigate seasonality especially those tourist resorts, multiactivity are solutions for tourism development but also as a means of promoting proper tourist in the years to come. Tourism grows in trails. mountainous regions with new marketing concepts, A recent development also gained a rural tourism, but for this to be possible we need an international practiced in many settlements located in the heart network and cooperation beyond the boundaries of or the periphery of the Carpathian area, such as the a country's borders. villages of Bran, Sibiel, Lereti, Gura Humorului Mountain territories attract mainly due to etc. Rural tourism tends to attract more tourists advantages such as recreation and landscape, while because they offer alternative versions of classic urban areas attract due competitiveness. However, holiday spending. imbalance can arise between cities and rural areas. The richness and variety of therapeutic factors Partnerships are developed between cities and enjoyed mountain area were exploited by health mountain areas that people can benefit from both tourism development (especially for the treatment types of territory, and find places to charge with of various diseases and less prophylactically) in spa positive energy. resorts such as Băile Herculane, , Carpathian is a tourism product base of our - Băi, Călimăneti - Căciulata, , Slănic country, which is promoted both domestically and Moldova etc. on the outside, with coastal tourism, spa and Foreign markets have been promoted as major cultural - traveling. Internally, mountain area was destinations Sinaia, Poiana Brasov and Predeal exploited by promoting hiking (especially for programs through resting stays or winter sports. young travelers), tourism leisure and recreation resorts arranged - in time (Sinaia, Predeal, Poiana Brasov, Buteni, Durău, Stâna de Vale, Bora and

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2. Romanian Tourism after EU And yet, Romanian tourism has real opportunities to revive and may become a more dynamic of the accession entire national economy, given that he will be As the tertiary sector tourism industry in the subject to a coherent and realistic set contemporary period is a strategic one for many macroeconomic targets based on monitoring national economies, are known beneficial effects of sustainable tourism development. Mountain economic, social, cultural and, to a certain extent tourism should become a basic component of this on the natural environment. Therefore, investment strategy, given the valuable tourism potential and organizational efforts of many countries are available, operational experience, the potential facing the tourism activity, resulting in global demand for internal and external. circulation increased interest and direct and indirect One of the important and topical issues for revenue. Romanian tourism development, an issue which has Last decades is characterized as a high dynamic not received sufficient attention, especially as a arrivals and tourism receipts, registering high comprehensive approach, is related to mountain annual growth rates: 5-10% in arrivals and 5% to tourism. 20% in revenue. Often considered as an area less attractive due to a In economic terms, tourism has resulted in narrow vision or an insufficient knowledge of the participation by almost 12% of gross world product potential, the mountain was not a priority for and about 8% of jobs, is also considered the most tourism development strategies and resource important component of international trade. recovery programs, so certified by fitting relatively Also recognized by the multiplier effect, tourism modest in all respects - quantity and quality, entails many other economic sectors whose infrastructure, accommodation facilities, business depends largely (or exclusively) the tourist recreational facilities etc. and the presence of phenomenon (transport, general services, specific products unconvincing holiday offers. agriculture, food industry, woodworking, crafts Romanian mountain tourism on Prahova Valley is a etc.). potential that can be exploited by European funds, The social, tourism meet a multitude of human the money being directed towards this sector. needs - rest, relaxation, knowledge, health care, In terms of tourism, Romania remained from relaxation, enriching the cultural horizon, neighboring states such as Hungary and Bulgaria, Communications, adventure and more - which even if tourism has been declared a priority by the argues a high percentage involvement of the world Government. However, prospects are encouraging, population (over 50% ) in tourist traffic. For the with Romanian tourism likely to become same reason, tourism is considered an important competitive. According to a report by the World indicator of quality of life and also a means of Travel Tourism Council in 2008, in terms of enhancing it. growth prospects of the travel industry, Romania In many forms of tourism, mountain tourism holds ranks seven of the 176 countries analyzed. a special place: the mountain has always been a Tourism and travel industry's contribution to favorite destination for rehabilitation, recreation, Romania's GDP was 2.1% in 2008, meaning 7.9 adventure or other socio-cultural needs. billion lei. By 2017, increase in nominal terms Meanwhile, the mountain has attracted the attention 2.9% of GDP, 22.5 billion lei. Total demand for of investors and tour organizers, the opportunities Romanian tourism services generated 27.7 billion offered to develop an effective tourism activity so lei in 2008 and will increase annually on average that we can talk today about the existence, by 7.7% until 2017. The growth rate is higher than worldwide, offers a complex, diverse (for all tastes the world. Romania ranks 58 in the world in and availability of money) and attractiveness. absolute size of the travel industry and ranks 157 of In Romania, mountain tourism trends today is part 176 countries, the criterion relative contribution of of Romanian tourism in general: structural changes tourism to national economy, say the WTTC report. arising from transition to market economy, low Romanian tourism is likely to experience one of the tourist traffic, quality equipment and services due most dynamic developments across Europe, being to lack of investment sources, difficulties arising able to represent even a 7% of GDP. No doubt that from the delay of privatization, tax burden, not the national brand is based on Romanian tourism favor the development of tourism, lack of development, but it can not exist without a long coherence of the legislative framework, the term strategy and effective cooperation between negative image of Romania abroad etc. propagated. private and public structures. Even if private sector These trends demonstrate sensitivity to stimuli is quite active, tourism can flourish only in terms of economic and social tourism and mountain tourism private initiatives and also needs the support of is no exception. public institutions. The state can provide help in

ISSN: 1109-9526 393 Issue 4, Volume 7, October 2010 WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on BUSINESS and ECONOMICS Rozalia Nistor, Costel Nistor, Mihaela-Carmen Muntean three areas: infrastructure, fiscal incentives to higher quality of life have made the outbound promote and intelligent. tourism to increase by 70%. Also an important factor for promotion of Tourism has been an upward trend in both the Romanian tourism is the potential of our country appearance and development in the number of received financial aid from the European Union. tourists. If we talk about tourism potential, we can The tourism sector will have access to these funds say that Romania is highly attractive destinations in three areas: activities to promote Romania as an but must be supported and promoted. Integration attractive destination in terms of business tourism, into the European Union has brought new tourists with an estimate of 150 million euros, sustainable but also funds that are used to develop and promote development regions and tourism with the 570 tourism. million, and the European Agricultural and Rural Development, money that can be used to improve 3. Romania's image on Austrian living standards in rural areas amount to tourist market approximately EUR 2.2 billion. Austria, although it only has a population of Travel agencies anticipated accession to the EU 8,233,306 people is a major tourist generating increased by at least 10% of Europeans who visit country for Romania, because of welfare, so the our country based on the curiosity of the old EU Austrian tourist market potential is huge. members in discovering new countries that joined Romanian tourism product is found in some tour since January 1, 2007, but also eliminations due to operators offer all Austrian Länder. In 2007, five travel restrictions. Moreover, Europeans feel more tour operators have made, successfully, in secure in Romania, a country not subject to terrorist particular software for sale Sibiu - European threats. Foreigners may be interested mainly rural Capital 2007: Raiffeisen Reisen, Elite Tour, Reisen tourism. Ruefa Dr. Meiers Studienreisen and Blaguss. EU countries have recently integrated part of many 2007 was a year in which special efforts managed visitors, and Romania is a country that deserves to by a strengthening Romania's position on the be seen through the rich national heritage. Curiosity Austrian market and thus maintain our country foreign tourism is an important factor in our among fashionable destinations in Austria, country, leading to an increase of 10% -11% of the Romania's foreign earnings amount for travel number of tourists every year. According to reports services rendered Austrian tourists being 50.0 from the Ministry of Tourism, rural tourism and million (according to National Bank of Austria) eco-tourism is the foundation of this ascent, the later this year. unique national heritage to be primarily exploited. In early 2007 has ensured the presence of Romania Another aspect that increases the number of tourists in several tourism fairs, which allowed the in Romania is offered security policy. Due to establishment of direct contacts with thousands of integration, foreigners feel safe and protected in people to persuade them to visit Romania. The Romania. presence of craftsmen and artists of popular music Also, climate change, already being felt, are and the wine tastings, beer and other Romanian, considered long term. These will require significant was the strategy that had won the sympathy and shifts on human activities, which will also affect interest of thousands of people. tourism. The main directions of the Romanian Also in this year's partner country of Romania was tourism development measures targeting arranging the largest and leading international travel fair and booking and tourist resort located in the Black named Ferien Messe in Vienna, Austria. Romanian Sea, beach protection and ensuring water quality, presence at this event has captured the public good, providing a clean environment for recreation. and media specialists, so that Romania is a stand as Upgrading of existing structures and increasing well as presentations over the organizers' degree of comfort are a priority. expectations. The rate of improvements of facilities for luxury Other actions to promote Romania's image in the tourism increased by 13.4% to 5 star hotels, 30% at tourism market in Austria, held in Vienna, four-star hotels, 12.7% from three-star hotels. A Salzburg, Graz, etc. consisted of outdoor promotion dramatic improvement was observed in 4000 a campaigns, the presentation of the exhibition "Sibiu further increase in the number of pensions. - Young in 1191 and Romania as a tourist Romania has been accessed in the last year of more destination, and the work of the Commission for tourists from Ukraine (21%), France (+18%), Bilateral Romanian-Austrian tourism. and Austria (14%) and An important step for the development of our (8%). Constant tourists came as usual from country's tourism image in the minds of Austrian Moldova, Bulgaria, Germany and Hungary. Thanks tourists was the development of good relations with to high quality services offered, the desire to travel, meet new cultures and civilizations, but also due to

ISSN: 1109-9526 394 Issue 4, Volume 7, October 2010 WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on BUSINESS and ECONOMICS Rozalia Nistor, Costel Nistor, Mihaela-Carmen Muntean a number of print journalists and editors of national - Cota 1400 and Cota 1400 - Chalet Vârful cu Dor radio. 2000 m) and an elevator. Buşteni – „Gate Bucegi“ 4. Presentation of the mountain area Touristic objectives: - natural monument Babele; Prahova Valley - natural monument Sfinxul; Prahova Valley is one of the most popular tourist - religious architectural monument Naterea Maicii destinations in Romania. Easily accessible both by Domnului Church; rail and road, in a relatively short distance from the - architectural monument Cantacuzino Castle; capital city is very beautiful and has many tourist - memorial house Cezar Petrescu facilities. - memorial Heroes Cross on Caraiman At the top of , is dominated by the - memorial Last grenade. steep eastern slopes of the and is - Urlătoarea Cascade. composed of one string of resorts (Sinaia, Buteni, Vehicles on cable: - and Prahova Predeal - Brasov County). - A chairlift - length 1830 m, capacity 400 persons Sinaia is situated on the Prahova River in the per hour, seats two people during the journey: 15 foothills of the mountains Bucegi and Baiului 62 minutes; km northwest of Ploiesti and 102 km from the - Lift Logs - Babele - route length of 4350 m, 1237 capital. m level difference for the scroll 13 minutes, 25 Attractions of the resort Sinaia: person capacity; - Pelior Castle; - Lift Babele - Petera - route length of 2611 - nature reserve Point fossil “Plaiul hoţilor”; meters, slope 560 meters long scroll 10 minutes, - nature reserve “Aniniul de la Sinaia”; capacity 35 people; - historical and architectural monument Pele - Kalinderu slope. Slope length, for entertainment, Museum; contests and sports competitions, is 1.500 m with - historical and religious architectural monument an average gradient of 37% and a width of 40 ; meters. Slope is provided with two types of arrival, - secular architectural monument Casino Building; one for beginners and one for advanced. Part - memorial house ; Kalinderu investment is made in a public private - memorial house ; partnership, through the PHARE program, with a - municipal museum Bucegi Museum Collection 88% contribution from the European Commission Reserve and 12% of the Romanian Government, local Sinaia offers guests many opportunities for winter authorities and county. sports with bob slopes, skiing, and alpine skiing. Azuga Transport cable - cable plants are diversified Attractions: ski slope, fair straw. climbed as: Vehicles on cable: - A cable car from Sinaia and Cota 1400 - 2328 m - Sorica chairlift - 1830 m; length; - 1 ski-lift- 166 m long. - Cable Cota 1400 - rate 2000 - 1945 m length; - Ski - Lift Cota 1400 - rate 1950 - 1940 m length; Predeal. Touristic attractions: the ski slopes with - Longing Valea Dorului - Furnica - length 980 m; different difficulty levels, lift Clăbucet Arrival - - ski-lift Valea Dorului - Vârful cu Dor Furnica; Departure Clăbucet, hiking trails, skating rink. - ski-lift Vârful cu Dor - Cota 1400 - Cota 1500; Nature reserves are areas that are protected by law - ski-lift Vârful cu Dor - Cabana Vârful cu Dor; endangered natural elements. - baby ski-lift Poiana Florilor - 250 m; The natural park is known Bucegi National Park, - baby ski-lift Scândurari - 200 m; park entered into national and international tourist - baby ski-lift Valea Dorului - 200 m; circuit thanks to adequate facilities. Nature reserves - baby ski-lift Telecabina 1400 - 250 m; do not yet have the necessary facilities to be - baby ski-lift Furnica – 250 m; exploited by tourism. Prahova Valley nature Technical performance of cable transport facilities reserve which was required by securities and are 3345 people/hour total length of the cable route entered into the tourist circuit is Ariniul Natural is 9827 m. Reserve in Sinaia. There are special facilities for winter sports: track Protected areas have landscape value but also grain length 1500 m (13 turns and 132 m difference fragile ecological balance at risk of rapid depletion in level), ski slopes of different difficulty levels, and degradation, so we need to achieve an slopes for sledding. appropriate tourism development. There are numerous marked trails, access road to share the car with 1400, and two cableways (Sinaia

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Human resources are specific elements of culture category fall: metal and wooden bridges, old created by man, over time; it exists in the territory milling facilities, transport and hydro facilities. of any country and may be exploited for tourism. Are historical sights relating to the locations where Existing human sights were built by humans in important historical events took place and the ancient times for other purposes and reached today location of military cemeteries. in the hypostasis of tourism potential. They are Parks and gardens throughout the development of diverse and can be grouped into cultural and human settlements have been modernized and historical components, on the one hand and ethno- equipped with new elements (Zoo from Busteni, cultural and ethno-folk on the other hand. Sinaia Park). These are: In rural communities, social life is conducted in - monuments and archaeological sites; accordance with a specific tool for measuring time - monuments and architectural ensembles of the bill to reconcile the variety of human concerns and religious art; phenomena of terrestrial and space constant. These - combinations of architectural monuments and art links are evidenced by multiple specific of civil bill; celebrations and rituals of the Romanian people. - memorial houses; An expression of folklore is based on three - technical monuments; calendars: - historical sites; - civil calendar with two solstice and equinoxes, - cultural tourism resources; moon phases and other astronomical events or - ethno-folkloric events. weather; Attractiveness is defined by the following - church calendar that includes holidays and components human traits: important days in a year; - uniqueness - is one of the main reasons that - folk calendar showing good times to carry out enhance the attractiveness of tourism, be it a unique agricultural and pastoral activities. product or a goal reached while maintaining unique Romanian folk calendar includes several types of due; events, related to: - man-size targets can polarize the attention and - Christmas Holidays, New Year and Epiphany. interest of tourists where extraordinary. Practices are the most popular Christmas carols and Anthropogenic components of very large or very the ugly goat. small are admired daily by thousands of tourists; - Christmas Holidays, New Year and Epiphany. - originality - is also an attractive source of material Practices are the most popular Christmas carols and and resulting architecture; hated going to the goat. - Age awakens attention of tourists; some objects in - Pastoral celebrations of spring and early related to museums or geographic area (ancient objects, gathering sheep grazing sheep in the mountains or ancient ornaments, old popular technical elements) downward fall. are a tourist attraction Mountain Holidays, "Snow Celebration in Sinaia”. - Functions performed by certain buildings can The calendar includes religious holidays of often become a source of tourist interest. Christmas and Easter related, the celebration of Prahova Valley has a huge tourism potential saints and archangels, the important events of anthropogenic, which shows the evolution and human life. Alongside these holidays takes an continuity of social life, economic and cultural important fairs and festivals that preserves the realms Prahova. traditions and customs. Cultural and historical heritage of Prahova Valley Ethnographic museums are cultural institutions include: which are visited by tourists who want to cultivate - Monuments and architecture and religious art: and investigate the materials exposed. Some of Sinaia Monastery founded by Mihai Cantacuzino them are attached to monasteries. Local museums (1695); preserve traditional values and supports visitors in - Monuments and architectural ensembles of understanding the process of spiritual and cultural invoice civil settlements development Prahova development of the area they are located. They are symbols representing traditional styles, expressing tourist attractions that can be made by visiting their originality and architectural building systems also worth in the circuits and thematic tours organized. measure the degree of cultural and socio-economic development of the Prahova Valley. 5. Presentation of the Austrian Tyrol Urban and rural attractions are also due to specific architecture, art values, culture and civilization and area Austria, the Alpine country is located in Western because of events they host. Europe and known as the Republic of Austria. The Monuments are works of technical industrial and capital is Vienna (1.5 million inhabitants). German technical type with unusual tourist value. In this

ISSN: 1109-9526 396 Issue 4, Volume 7, October 2010 WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on BUSINESS and ECONOMICS Rozalia Nistor, Costel Nistor, Mihaela-Carmen Muntean is spoken and the currency is the euro (from surrounding panorama of the city, gets to 01.01.2002). Administrative division is nine federal Stadtturm, an impressive building dating back to states. Austria relief is predominantly mountainous the fourteenth century, located on Friedrich Strasse. country with an average altitude of 910 m. The Goldenes Dachl (Golden Roof) is a building with northern mountain chains are North Tyrol Alps and great architecture, like the Dome of St. Jakob. Salzburg Alps. The next target could be the Imperial Palace, dating Regarding natural resources can be said that from 1397. Despite numerous restorations and even Austria receiving deposits of metal, coal, oil and reconstruction and adding new facilities, the palace gas. Then in smaller quantities are coal, zinc, has largely maintained its original appearance. kaolin, gypsum, quartz, salt, bauxite and talc. Innsbruck for the skiing enthusiasts may be an Problems facing this country in the pollution are image of Paradise winter. The city is accessible no varied. Industrial pollution, a large number of less than five ski slopes, the link between them tourists and air pollution mainly from Germany, being made by bus. The closest accessible and is Slovakia and the Czech Republic combine to make Hungerburg. At 40 kilometers from town is the acid rain main problem. A quarter of them suffer Stubai Glacier, some appropriate for any season. from forests and trees are dying significantly. During the summer you can ski at a height of 2900 To combat this problem, the country has imposed meters by 3300, the view was gorgeous and perfect the most drastic measures in the car. Other snow. environmental issues would also be the expansion Innsbruck's, with the 150,000 inhabitants, is an of agriculture, greater use of rivers to generate international winter sports center and has hosted the electricity and erosion caused by forest loss. Winter Olympics twice, in 1964 and 1976. It is Austria has nine federal states: the Upper Austrian, considered the unofficial capital and snowboarding Lower Austria, Burgenland, Styria, Carinthia; in Europe. Salzburg, Tyrol and Vorarlberg. Tourism is Events in Tyrol developed for that however is a major concern for Holiday fire. Feast of fire in the Alps is an old the tourists to discover the beauties of this country: custom practiced during the summer solstice, and the famous Alps, the areas of sports, music scrupulously observed in the Tyrol. Particularly festivals, lakes, horses, museums and other impressive is the ceremony taking place in the attractions. Tyrol. Approximately 8,000 shots with different Austrian economy is based on a balance of public symbols are lit on the nearby mountains. and private enterprises. Festival offers from Kitzbühel. In Kitzbühel Golf Tyrol is a state in western Austria, the capital of Festival has already reached the 7th edition in Innsbruck. The main attraction of this region of 2009. Famous tournament week, combined with so- Innsbruck. called "Gourmet-Drive", is both for those who Tyrol is a beautiful region with a rich folklore practice golf as entertainment and for players with Schuhplatter including dance, singing bands and ambitions greater one of the most beautiful golf Jodel technique. weeks of the year. Tyrol is a favorite tourist destination especially by The Women World Soccer. Held under the motto Americans, that when, shortly before the Second „Ladies First” in the program „Women Soccer World War, an American tycoon Inssbruck spent World”, this tournament offers host city for a week less time in the highly publicized and, once back in into female football. Female teams from across America. Europe to meet here face in this tournament. In Tyrolean slopes are favorites of tourists, who addition to the tour schedule, there are a number of gather here in mid-December to late March. other attractive activities offered to visitors and The highest peak is Grossglockner Tyrol, 3,798 m offers very affordable all-inclusive. high. Kaunertal is currently the most sought place Festival Dance "Tanzsommer" transforms and here you can enjoy skiing and glacier Gepatsch Tyrol in the center of the world capital of dance. Weisssee tip. And this year anniversary, the Dogana Hall in Innsbruck. Considered by locals and tourists Congress Innsbruck Exhibition Centre will host „hearts Alps Mountains”, the capital of Tyrol, some of the most important dance companies in the Innsbruck is not only a city of unique beauty, but world. The festival will open the best dance band in also one of the favorite destinations for tourists Spain: „Compania Nacional de Danza“. worldwide. Located in the Alps, Innsbruck is In 2009, Tyrolean cultural landscape was located right in the Valley River Inn, surrounded by dominated by the 200-year anniversary of the mountains. Besides his fame as a tourist uprising region Tyrol led by Andreas Hofer, destination, Innsbruck is a city map important from the Bavarian and French. The program winter sport lovers, and twice was the host of the commemorates the liberation hero takes place in Winter Olympics. To easily find and view the Tyrol, South Tyrol and Trentino, and include

ISSN: 1109-9526 397 Issue 4, Volume 7, October 2010 WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on BUSINESS and ECONOMICS Rozalia Nistor, Costel Nistor, Mihaela-Carmen Muntean lectures, concerts and processions celebrating. Peak Great skiing in the Austrian Alps arenas have up to year anniversary is "Great Procession" in 100 installations and 250 km of prepared slopes Innsbruck, where part of the traditional association and include famous regions such as the Zillertal, of Tyrol and neighboring regions. Over 20,000 Wilder Kaiser or Arlberg. In addition, glacial participants will present professional regions are located in Austria, which offers year- choreographers. round passable tracks (e.g. Tuxer and Stubaier Sölden and glaciers). Austria is a more distant 6. Austrian Tyrolean tourist destination, but ideal for those with claims in marketing and design related to relation to skiing resorts referring me here from far larger networks with hundreds of km of slopes for tourism planning all categories of education and age. Because Austrian design is based mountain tourism auxiliary programs and kindergartens and ski development with economic considerations, which schools, Austria is also a perfect destination for can not be neglected, and the concern of „people” families. is considered more important. The man, a resident Tourist accommodation capacity in the Prahova of the mountain, is in charge of planning, which is Valley decreased from 10,349 to 10,119 observed in rural tourism. representing a decrease of 2.27%, which is due to Thus, not a new station, but an essential travel investment in the material, opening of new hotels "village" was developed, based on ancient and hostels. populated places. Some features of this policy: 10349 - Integrate tourism in harmony with the traditional 10350 economy that protects the state; - Equipment is multiplied because of public or 10300 private initiatives but remain under local authority control; 10250 - Tourism is to benefit the vast majority of its 10200 revenue for the local population; - Tourism seeks to preserve unaltered natural and 10150 cultural environment. 10119 For Austria, a "winter sport", besides the ski 10100 includes: slide, skibob, skating, and winter games typical. 10050 Austrian hotels have improved considerably in recent years, conditions and quality of services, so 10000 2008 2009 as to compare with its neighbor, Switzerland. Accomodation capacity Taking up with increasing demand, the country's hotel capacity has increased considerably, the country currently offering 1 million seats in winter and summer 1.3 million. Average employment in Source: Prahova County Statistics any way accommodation is assessed in various Figure no 1. Graphical representation of the official media, as the country between 20 and 30%. number of existing tourist accommodation in the Austria's slopes are excellent, service impeccable, Prahova Valley in 2008-2009 prices comparable to or lower than in Romania and modern cable plants are a multitude of reasons why Tourist accommodation capacity of Tyrol region Austria is favorite destination for skiers. Austrian decreased from 348,600 to 338,500 representing a landscape, offers numerous opportunities to decrease of 2.98%, which is due to low investment practice different winter sports. Season lasts from in the material, opening of new hotels and hostels November to April, but in some places, because and not least tourists need to meet demand. glaciers can ski and summer. All winter tourist segment is very well developed: track night, cable installation, artificial snow, overlapping with Switzerland, thousands of houses, restaurants, dozens of schools and hundreds of certified professional instructors ready to teach you everything you need you know. Austria has approximately 22,000 km of track and about 800 mountain ski resorts and snowboards.

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"Green Plan", which were granted to households Tyrolean loans (loans) with a repayment period of 350000 348600 high (15 years) and interest low (3-5%). All this led 348000 to: the approval and operation of the 25 common

346000 interests in a family of two receives tourists from

344000 the farm, on average there - every firm - six beds. Today the whole Tyrol third of rural households in 342000 rented accommodation. 340000 338500 Austrian rural tourism product is characterized by: 338000 the effort investment for equipment, mainly small units and nature of their family, the hotel 336000 continually improved the quality of equipment 334000 (room, bar, TV, games room, sauna, pool etc.).

332000 Austria is characterized by superb organization,

2008 2009 cleanliness, service impeccable, good taste, people

Accomodation capacity friendly and service-minded, good mood, landscapes etc. Source: www.statistik.at Given the need for facilities for sports in all seasons, holidays Tyrolean are currently Figure no 2. Graphical representation of the unthinkable without: riding, tennis courts, indoor number of existing tourist accommodations in pool, massage room, solarium, snack bars, saunas, Tyrol region in 2008-2009 ice rinks, ski slopes skiing, artificial snow guns (collector lakes) and snow beating machines.

Employment in accommodations in Tyrol in 2008 7. SWOT Analysis mountain tourism was 47.8% representing a relatively high for Prahova Valley and Tyrol percentage compared with that recorded in the Establishment of mountain Prahova Valley. In 2009 this percentage decreased strategies applied both macroeconomic and to 45.5% which shows that they have built new microeconomic level needs to start from a good hotels, villas and pensions and living standards knowledge of mountain tourism potential, the rose, people increasingly investing more in current level of recovery, affecting Romanian recreation and leisure. tourism development in general and in the Occupation percentage, winter/summer Tyrol mountain private. 70 To create a balance between objectives, resources, 60 skills and opportunities must be strategically 50 planned activity both at the resort, each service unit 40 and in their interest. 30 For this purpose it is necessary first to define the 20 10 mission of existing units in the resort and material 0 and human resources that are necessary for carrying 4-5 Stars 3 Stars Hotels 2 Stars Hotel Hotels and Vacances Total Hotels buildings residences out and achieving goals, and identifying new opportunities for the deployment of current 2008 2009 activities, modernization and diversification of

Source: www.statistik.at services offered. Analyzing strengths and weaknesses helps establish Figure no 3. Graphical representation of the tourist site that is occupied units that are market existing occupancy Tyrol region in 2008-2009 opportunities that need to invest human and material resources. In Austria, rural tourism is an activity which confirmed developed new concerns - now time jobs Strengths - which have contributed to development of rural Prahova Valley settlements. Manifestations of rural tourism are: 1. Tourism potential breakfast farm (peasant houses with rooms for rent) 2. Accessibility and tourism in the inns. 3. Tourist equipment The results obtained in the Tyrol is a natural 4. Tourist movement consequence of the program initiated by the 5. Material and technical basis for recreational Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce, entitled

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Tyrol 11. The emergence and development of products 1. Geographical location and complexity of the specific area of interest: religious tourism, relief offers favourable climate in mountain tourism environmental, automotive, riding, agro tourism. development conditions offered throughout the year 12. Devising a strategy to diversify tourist services 2. Vegetation and fauna characterized by great offered by travel agencies, so as to be attractive to wealth of flora and fauna species in all mountain every tourist, offering alternative leisure masses. opportunities in every circumstance and at any time 3. The high level of conservation of mountain of day. areas; 13. Raising the quality of human resource services 4. Low level of pollution in air, water and soil; in tourism. 5. The existence of numerous attractions such as 14. Increased private sector in tourism. anthropogenic, both stations and in their 15. Developing new tourism products to surroundings. international values based on cultural and natural 6. Easy access to tourist resorts of national interest interest, including special activities and individual and important mountain masses. travel. Varied topography that determines the presence of 16. Development of historical sites and tourist numerous natural attractions: the ski areas, hiking centers in mountain areas as stopover points in the and climbing trails, gorges and valleys, waterfalls. circuit as a basis for circuits. Weaknesses 17. Accommodation in picturesque reception Prahova Valley structures, good quality, reflecting local 1. Low quality of general infrastructure and access architecture and culture. roads to the resorts on Prahova Valley Tyrol 2. Staff training 1. The emergence and development of products 3. Tourist equipment specific area of interest: ecological tourism, 4. Pollution motoring, riding, agro tourism. 5. Congestion 2. Devising a strategy to diversify tourist services 6. Poor quality of room service's offered by travel agencies, so as to be attractive to 7. Unfair price-quality ratio every tourist, offering alternative leisure 8. Noise opportunities in every circumstance and at any time 9. Disinterest towards clients of day. 10. Hygiene Threats Tyrol Prahova Valley 1. Turning reduced tourism potential 1. Pollution of soil, water and air. Opportunities 2. Lack of special bodies set up for redevelopment Prahova Valley and constantly checking the tourist itineraries. 1. Major rehabilitation starting and ending with the 3. Age and state of wear on some cable transport. auxiliary (forest roads). 4. The creation of modern tourist reception 2. Improving housing conditions in most tourist structures in sparsely populated areas threatens the chalets. proper functioning of chalets, camping sites and 3. Reconditioning cable transport facilities. tourist lodges in these areas. 4. Extending the chain of mountain resorts in the 5. High prices relative to services. Prahova Valley to include areas less promoted. 6. Poor catering services, especially lack of 5. Wider range of services and attracting tourists in qualified staff in catering establishments. resorts throughout the year by organizing 7. Lack of programs to promote tourism on workshops, short courses, activities, treatment, Prahova Valley. cosmetic, diet. Tyrol 6. Business and meetings tourism development in 1. Pollution of soil, water and air. tourist resorts. 7. Organize regular or occasional festivals, some 8. Conclusions: specific events or season’s area. Romania has an unexploited tourism potential, 8. Revive cultural tourism itinerary for knowledge there must be new approaches to the promotion of of areas of tourism. Romanian tourism products to travel agencies in 9. Increase the accommodation capacity of cities to international markets, namely, the Austrian market. develop business tourism, meetings and congress Prahova Valley is a major tourist center, one of the tourism. most popular tourist destinations in our country. 10. Modernization of transport services in tourism This is primarily due to natural and human and diversification during the journey. resources, but also accessible area.

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Prahova Valley resorts meet operating throughout Prahova Valley has an impressive number of the year, increasing the role of tourism in the tourism resources, natural and anthropogenic, economy. Although tourism potential, natural and which unfortunately are not valued at their fair anthropogenic, the area is extremely valuable, in value. It also notes that there is a range of projects few places is exploited. designed to improve the image area. The technical Austria is a country where tourism marketing is and material entered into a process of renovation applied, with the best results because of innovative and modernization, new structures being built techniques which successfully led to the tourist reception. Units of leisure and transport international tourist market ski resorts. facilities have been refurbished or cable are being Austrian mountain tourism took the idea that any refurbished, while there and for new projects. city can have a status to be exploited. It should be In recent years, projects have been initiated to made known by a particular brand, a brand quality develop agro-tourism and mountain tourism and through more investment and confidence in their cultural projects that are beneficial to tourism potential, all these are methods that policy makers development but also for economic development use it to develop and maintain a real tourist trying to get closer to the development of Austria. industry. Other tourism development strategies in the Austrian tourism product is characterized by: the Prahova Valley refer to specific forms of tourism. effort investment for equipment, mainly small units Within these programs does not meet extreme and their family nature, the continuous sports such as mountaineering, sport climbing, improvement of quality of hotel facilities (lounge, tourist orientation. Therefore, young people prefer bar, TV, games room, sauna, pool etc.). to choose other destinations, which leads to lower Austria is therefore characterized by: perfect earnings. organization, cleanliness, service impeccable, good taste, people friendly and helpful, good mood, great References: landscapes, these are just some of the strengths on [1] Bran Florina, Dinu Marin, Simon T. - Turismul which the Austrian tourism. Rural. Modelul european, Editura Economică, Given the need for facilities for sports in all Bucureti,1997 seasons, holidays Tyrolean are currently [2] Firoiu Daniela, Economia turismului i unthinkable without: riding, tennis courts, indoor amenajarea turistică a teritoriului, Editura Sylvi, pool, massage room, solarium, snack bars, saunas, Bucureti, 2006 ice rinks, ski slopes skiing, artificial snow guns [3] Iordache Maria-Carmen – Perspectivele (collector lakes) and snow beating machines. turismului românesc în dinamica turismului According to statistical data it appears that the mondial, Editura ASE, Bucureti, 2004 Austrians are large consumers of travel products [4] Nedelea Alexandru - Politici de marketing în and Romanian. However, Romanian tourism turism, Editura Economică, Bucureti, 2006 products to be promoted by the Austrian tourist [5] Nistor Rozalia, Nistor Costel, Muntean market only if they are adapted to consumer Mihaela-Carmen - The implementation of Austrian preferences of Austrian tourist. The analysis of mountain tourism experience in Romanian these preferences was obtained the following data mountain tourism, The 3rd WSEAS International on the Austrian likes to leave: without wasting time Conference on Cultural Heritage and Tourism to do something (64.1%), eat and drink (54.2%) to (CUHT '10), Corfu Island, Greece, July 22-24, sports (42.7%), have social contacts (31.3%), arts 2010 and culture (30.5%), reading (28.2%) to shopping [6] Stănciulescu Gabriela - Managementul (21.4%) and study (5.3%). turismului durabil în centrele urbane, Editura It is noted that the Austrians are large consumers of Economică, Bucureti, 2005 culture and then attribute that Romania needs to [7] Ţigu Gabriela, Turismul montan, Editura define the Austrian market is culture. Romania and Uranus, Bucureti, 2006 could position itself as a destination both cultural [8] Ţigu Gabriela – Strategia dezvoltării staţiunilor and natural landscape as a potential destination. montane româneti, Editura ASE, Bucureti, 2000 For future tourism to grow, it is necessary to [9] Ghidul Valea Prahovei: Braov, Poiana propose a series of measures to revive and boost Braov, Culoarul Bran-Rucăr, House of Guides, tourism activities, which serve to create a genuine Bucureti, 2004 tourist industry, with positive effects on both the [10] www.wttc.org tourists and the local community. Tourism practiced Prahova Valley sector of the economy is developing in relation to tourism in the Tyrol region.

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