Tourism
Tourism focuses on the country's natural landscapes and its rich history and is a significant contributor to the Romania's economy. In 2006, the domestic and international tourism generated about 4.8% of gross domestic product and 5.8% of the total jobs (about half a million jobs). Following commerce, tourism is the second largest component of the services sector. Tourism is one of the most dynamic and fastest developing sectors of the economy of Romania and characterized by a huge potential for development. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council Romania is the fourth fastest growing country in the world in terms of travel and tourism total demand with a yearly potential growth of 8% from 2007-2016. Number of tourists grew from 4.8 million in 2002 to 6.6 million in 2004. Similarly, the revenues grew from 400 million in 2002 to 607 million in 2004.
In 2006, Romania registered 20 million overnight stays by international tourists, an all-time record, but the number for 2007 – 2008 is expected to increase even more.
Over the last years, Romania has emerged as a popular tourist destination for many Europeans (more than 60% of the foreign visitors were from EU countries), thus attempting to compete with Bulgaria, Greece, Italy and Spain. Romania destinations are among the most popular attraction For their medieval atmosphere and castles, Transylvanian cities such as Sibiu, Braşov, Sighişoara, Cluj-Napoca, Târgu Mureş have become important touristic attractions for foreigners. Rural tourism focused on folklore and traditions, has become an important alternative recently and is targeted to promote such sites as Bran and its Dracula's Castle, the Painted churches of Northern Moldavia or the Wooden churches of Maramureş, Other major natural attractions in Romania such as Danube Delta , Bicaz Gorges , Caves and several other places have yet to receive great attention.
The relief diversity, the temperate climate with hot summers and winters rich in snow, the multiculturalism reflected in the entire cultural life of the country, turns Romania into a holiday destination that can cater for the most diversified tastes. In Romania you will encounter high mountains piercing the sky, the sunny Black Sea shore, the miraculous Danube Delta, but also the architectural, religious and historical monuments belonging to the worldwide patrimony: Saxon fortified churches, monasteries with exterior frescos, more than 2 millennia old Dacian cities.
Romania possesses an impressive artistic and cultural patrimony, including unique monuments that are remarkable expressions of the Romanians’ creativity throughout the centuries, whose value and necessity of preservation has determined their addition to the UNESCO world patrimony.
UNESCO Heritage Sites
Name/Location |
Region/County |
Description |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve |
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Villages with fortified churches in Transylvania |
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1 |
The site of Biertan with the fortified church and a part of the town. |
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2 |
Village of Câlnic. |
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3 |
Village of Dârjiu. |
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4 |
Village of Prejmer. |
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5 |
Village of Saschiz. |
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6 |
Village of Valea Viilor. |
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7 |
Village of Viscri. |
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The Monastery of Horezu |
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Painted churches of northern Moldavia |
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1 |
"The Decollation of Saint John the Baptist" Church of Arbore village. |
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2 |
The Assumption of the Virgin and of Saint George's Church of the old Humor Monastery. |
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3 |
The Church of the Annunciation of Moldoviţa Monastery. |
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4 |
Sacred Cross' Church of PÄ?trÄ?uÅ£i. |
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5 |
Saint Nicolas' Church of Probota Monastery. |
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6 |
Saint George's Church of Suceava. |
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7 |
Saint George's Church of the former Voroneţ Monastery. |
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Historic centre of SighiÅŸoara |
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Wooden Churches of MaramureÅŸ |
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1 |
The Church of the Presentation of the Virgin at the Temple in Bârsana. |
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2 |
The Church of Saint Nicholas in BudeÅŸti. |
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3 |
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4 |
The Church of the Nativity of the Virgin in Ieud Deal. |
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5 |
The Church of the Holy Archangels in PlopiÅŸ. |
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6 |
The Church of the Holy Parasceve in Poienile Izei. |
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7 |
The Church of the Holy Archangels in Rogoz. |
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8 |
The Church of the Holy Archangels in ÅžurdeÅŸti. |
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Dacian Fortresses of the OrÄ?ÅŸtie Mountains |
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