Romania has the potential to attract foreign tourists, but needs infrastructure, foreign promotion by authorities and an appropriate budget allocated for this, president of the European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association (ECTAA) and director of the Dutch Travel Association Frank Oostdam said on Thursday in Poiana Brasov.
Oostdam is currently visiting Bucharest and the Brasov area, together with other heads of European travel agents’ organizations, at the invitation of Romania’s National Travel Agencies Association (ANAT).
Like many other members of the delegation, Frank Oostdam, who is in Romania for the first time, admitted that he knew almost nothing about our country, but said that he was particularly impressed by the local cuisine.
You have culture, you are blessed with beautiful nature, you have wonderful landscapes, but what makes you special is a combination of attractions and events. And you also have fantastic food. I had an extremely pleasant journey from the Bucharest airport to here, I am passionate about nature walks and mountain hiking, and you have plenty of possibilities here. We should see if we can attract various segments of tourists, groups interested in specific things – like for example mountain walks, culture and history – I can’t help but notice the Latinity of the Romanians, it’s surprising and inspiring – or, why not? – the food,” said the ECTAA head.
He pointed out that Romania does not have a country brand and, unfortunately, is currently almost completely unknown to the Dutch tourist.
According to ANAT president Alin Burcea, the ECTAA delegation will visit in the coming days several localities in Brasov County, including the principal city Brasov, Bran, as well as Crizbav and Fedioara, which are home to a rich Saxon tradition.
The 27-strong delegation of European travel agency heads were given a presentation of the Brasov area as a tourist destination, and of the network of local Gastro points. Previously, the delegation discussed in Bucharest the possibility of establishing in Romania flight ticket guarantee funds for travel agencies too.
AGERPRES
