Contribution Of Ecoturism To Sustainable Development Of Neamt, Romania

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Methodology

A study will be carried out on the tourist potential of the Neamț county and the elaboration of a research for the potential of ecotourism development or sustainable tourism that will focus on local resources; the tourist use of all cultural and artistic attractions and environmental events, the ways to promote ecotourism that will keep in touch with hotel and accommodation units. Objectives and hypothesis This research is to examine the area of Neamt County regarding its eco-tourism potential. To achieve this aim, four well-established objectives have been decided to discover the potential of ecotourism development and encourage sustainable tourism in the area and find the benefits of ecotourism practices. The objectives of the scientific research have been established following a general analysis of the tourism situation in this area and the following points follow:

1. How do locals and tourists understand the development of sustainable tourism in Piatra Neamț?

2. What are the socio-economic benefits of ecotourism for the residents of the area?

3. What are the environmental benefits of ecotourism practice in Piatra Neamț?

4. What is the impact of ecotourism benefits on tourists from Neamț county.

The hypothesis of this research is:

How much more will be invested in Neamț ecotourism, the Neamț area will grow sustainably.

The Quantitative method In order to carry out the research, we will also use the questionnaire. The complex technique of sociological research, assuming numerous stages, the questionnaire survey is almost always an opinion poll. With the help of the questionnaire, as an investigative tool, there are questions and problems that lead to various answers from the investigated persons. People's responses and behaviors can be influenced by many factors, among which we can mention: the person who investigates the investigated person, the subject of the investigation, the environment in which it takes place, the time of its development, the structure of the questionnaire, application, etc. (Gillham, 2000, p. 38) The questionnaire survey is distinguished from other research techniques through a series of aspects that individualize it. These aspects are either of a formal nature (ie how the research is done) or of the nature of the content (ie the nature of the issues addressed) or of the nature of the population under investigation (in terms of representativeness, number, etc.). First of all, it should be mentioned that the subjects are investigated about a certain field of social reality with which they do not come into direct contact, being outside the social environment of the problem. For this reason, some authors define the questionnaire as a secondary investigative tool, a simple tool among others. Secondly, the questionnaire survey has a standardized character because the questions are clearly formulated in advance, as well as their number and order; moreover, the number of persons with certain characteristics (gender, age, level of training, etc.) to whom the questions are addressed is established, without being able to intervene or deviate from this scheme of organization of the inquiry. Thirdly, unlike other research tools (interview guide, observation guide, etc.), the questionnaire benefits from specific techniques of construction, structuring, application or exploitation. (Yeung, 2014, p. 7) Last but not least, questionnaire surveys are often carried out on a large number of persons, ie on large samples (hundreds or even thousands), thus imposing the requirement of their representativeness in relation to the population targeted by the research, as well as the need to use statistical methods of processing the data obtained through the questionnaire. If we take into account this model of approach to reality, we can state that the questionnaire survey is part of the quantitative and not qualitative method (as is the case with the interview). Questions contained in a questionnaire capture various aspects and problems in people's lives and their environment; they are relatively simple and general, while the interview goes deeper into all of these aspects and tries to decipher the mechanisms that guide people's actions, behaviors and motivations. The Qualitative method In this research, we will also use the interview. The interview, one of the most frequently applied research methods, is used in social sciences, social sciences, and in the development of various professional activities. To facilitate the transmission of results and comparisons between researchers, most sociologists, regardless of their mother tongue, use the English term interview, the first to enter the sociological vocabulary. The interview is not a simple discussion in two (as in journalism), but a technique of scientific investigation, applied by more or less numerous teams, in order to know the sociological and multidisciplinary knowledge of a certain phenomenon. The sociological interview is thus "a process of scientific investigation that uses the verbal communication procedure to gather information for the intended purpose" (Innes, 1986, p. 5). The interview is presented as a technique for obtaining questions and answers of verbal information from individuals and human groups in order to verify hypotheses or for the scientific description of social phenomena. Unlike the journalistic interview, the sociological interview thus presupposes a theoretical basis and more technical precision, and the obtained data are to be capitalized according to a conceptual system and a set of hypotheses after these data have been processed by scientific procedures, including statistically -matematice. Etymologically, the term interview means meeting and conversation between two or more people. These are, in fact, the defining characteristics of this research method: the interview is a face-to-face conversation in which a person obtains information from another person. Although in everyday life we ​​use the interview, this does not mean that any conversation or meeting between two or more people equates to an interview, especially with a scientific research interview. (Murphy, 1955, p. 16) In general, the interview is based on verbal communication, which is a special type of communication in which a person asks (the investigator) and the other provides answers, information (interviewed person). Conversation is therefore the fundamental element in the interview technique, but the interview can not be confused with the questionnaire (based on questions and answers). In the first case, it is about obtaining verbal information, opinions, opinions, preferences freely expressed about the issue being discussed, and in the second the questions and answers are usually written (mandatory written answers are made ; in a survey based on the questionnaire technique the answers are short, clear, precise). Using the interview as a research technique in sociomedical sciences therefore leads to establishing relations between variables and checking, testing hypotheses. It differs from ordinary verbal communication simply by the fact that the information is directed by the interviewee. The questionnaire and interview are the most widely used research techniques in the social sciences. In general, it is advisable to use interviews when studying behaviors that are difficult to observe because they take place in private places when looking at beliefs and attitudes, and there are no written documents about them. (Lawrence, 2004, p. 13) Using the interview in scientific research has several purposes: – Identification of variables and relationship between variables (exploratory purpose); thus, interesting and valid hypotheses can be formulated; – It can be the main tool for harvesting information to test hypotheses; each question is an item in the structure of the measurement instrument; – Collecting additional information to those obtained by other methods.

Qualitative research refers to the in-depth analysis of a narrow sample. The results are not statistically representative, but are studied from a complex perspective. The in-depth interview involves collecting detailed information, asking additional questions if the interviewer wants to deepen the subject. The in-depth interview gives both the respondent and the operator a relaxing atmosphere, a free discussion, and the answers are more complex and real. Through the in-depth interview, the interviewer actively involves the respondent in question.

FOCUS GROUP

The focus group is a qualitative research technique that involves a group of 6-8 people for about 80 minutes to share their views on a subject depending on the topic of the research. The focus group provides information about consumers' needs, desires and expectations. Also through this qualitative research technique, the operator can identify the respondents' views on the subject under discussion.

Remark

The observation can be considered the purest form of qualitative research, being done in the participant's natural environment, and the operator can pursue the natural behavior.

ETHNOGRAPHIC INTERVIEWS

It is a qualitative method that collects the date and at the same time correlates what the respondents say with what they actually do. The operator aims at ethnographic interviews to understand the respondents, to understand their lifestyle, but also their daily routine.

THE CASE STUDY

Case study is a qualitative research method that involves a thorough analysis of either a person or a group. This qualitative research method is used to collect consistent answers.

The mixed-method This study has as a mixed-method design the combination of the descriptive evaluation model and the sample of the samples or experiments. The data can be analyzed by the triangular or blending method or it can also be called the use of the method of combining quantitative and qualitative research methods. This technique was discovered by quantitative and qualitative data found and analyzed at the same time as well as combined data (Sugiyono, 2009). So, the results of the researched research are used for the house to reach and understand the research issues, and in this case the quantitative data can provide information about context and place, ways of perceiving, general temporal data. Research is mixed methods, the qualitative and the quantitative model that helps differentiate, measure and evaluate collected data. A set of questions will be prepared to be addressed through an interview with the locals; the interview that will require to learn the perception of residents considering the development of zonal tourism and how they regard the benefits of ecotourism practices. As well as, a questionnaire will be prepared, which will consist of closed questions and open questions, which have an interest in the impact of ecotourism benefits on Neamț tourists; Currently, this method is one of the most used methods for collecting population data (Bryman and Bell, 2015). The distribution of data will be on the Internet, as it is the widely used environment in today's world. Moreover, a physical distribution of the questionnaire will also take place in local areas. The work proposes to approach this mixed method of research because it aims to reach the well-established goals with discernment and through the interview can collect much more profitable data from the residents of the area; Interview is the method largely used to collect data for a relatively small group of people. It helps in gaining the insight into a situation by meeting the respondents personally for the result (Sekaran and Bougie, 2016). However, the people that are interviewed may have a biased view for certain situation or thing which may increase the chances of error in the research. And the use of the questionnaire is a simple and easy way to collect data from site tourists about the impact of ecotourism in the area; The survey represent one of the useful methods for collecting data from a large population and involves collecting data with the help of a questionnaire. The method eliminates the problem of biasness that arises in other data collection methods. It is the method that is very familiar and known among common people and thus they become ready to take part in the survey (Schensul et. all, 2012, p. 11). However, it also has certain limitation such as lack of interest of the people to answer all the questions with patience and people may perceive differently about the topic.

Findings and Discussion

The development of ecotourism activity in the Neamt area requires the promotion of a tourism that will bring incomes without negatively affecting the area. This will increase the respect for the values of the area, which will incorporate the cultural and traditional values of the area into the tourist circuit of Romania. To achieve this goal, several development directions are required to pursue an action plan. Activity 1 – Raising public awareness of ecotourism Informing groups, varying in age and profession, residing in the Neamt area on the role of ecotourism in the development of the region. This action is justified by the fact that awareness of the importance of ecotourism development is as important as preserving and promoting ecotourism resources, and this form of sustainable use of resources will bring significant benefits to the local community. Expected results:

The local population will know and appreciate the natural and cultural resources existing on or near the Park;

Involvement of local population in volunteer initiatives and conservation campaigns;

Reflection of the events related to the development of ecotourism in the local mass media;

Establishing and multiplying a "good practice package" capable of forming a positive attitude among the local population in order to protect ecotourism resources in the Neamt area.

Actions:

Develop awareness programs for the benefits of ecotourism for the local population and the role of this form of tourism in the conservation of natural resources;

Development of children's programs, through which they will be informed about the tourist objectives in the area and will be formed skills for nature protection;

Integration of ecotourism themes from the primary and secondary education (for schools located near the protected areas);

Development and publication of educational materials;

Informing the local media about organizing regular meetings and producing materials related to the development of ecotourism in the area;

Making "journalistic tours" within the Neamt area.

Indicators:

Number of schools involved in the program;

Number of articles / reports made in local media on ecotourism;

Number of volunteers attracted in Neamt Negotiating Greening Campaigns.

Activity 2 – Development and maintenance of general infrastructure and ecotourism structures It refers to the planning and carrying out of systematization activities for new construction or maintenance of the existing infrastructure. This activity is justified by the facilitation of access to the natural and anthropic objectives on the territory of Neamt, the increase of accommodation and leisure opportunities, and this is a first condition for attracting tourists.

Expected results:

Increase the number of visitors.

• Increasing the impact of tourist attractions and diversifying the ecotourism products offered;

Improving access to the Neamt area.

Actions:

Establishing a system of tourist information centers in the main access points in the Neamt area.

Creating an intelligible indicator system;

• Restrict access to important landmarks such as glacial lakes or scientific reservations;

Restoration of old and non-functional structures: cottages, shelters, camping sites – is mainly aimed at renovating / restoring existing buildings rather than building new ones, using local materials and reflecting traditional architecture;

Restoration of certain degraded tourist routes, carrying out, where necessary, supporting bars, stairs, footbridges, belvedere, etc.; Modernization of national, county and communal roads in the vicinity of the Neamt area. Set up special mountain bike trails and platforms for paragliding jumps;

Arrangements for visiting caves.

Indicators Population access to tourism resources and facilities;

• Increase the number of marked trails;

Number of information centers created;

Increase the number of individual tourists;

Activity 3 – Achieving a database on ecotourism resources in the Neamt area

It is aimed at creating a database containing information about all tourist resources and ecotourism services offered in the Neamt area. The database will contain up-to-date information on tourist resources and services, will help diversify and promote the ecotourism offer and encourage cooperation between separate entities offering ecotourism services and products. Expected results:

Information on the attractions and services offered are comprehensive, up-dated and easily available to potential users. The information is used both to offer a particular product and to make contact between different bidders. Actions:

Designing the database and selecting an optimal format and an access mechanism;

• Collection of necessary information;

Introduction of a system for maintenance and periodic updating of the database;

• Publication of the database;

• Promoting the database.

Indicators:

Number of ecotourism objectives and services presented;

Number of tourists visiting the database;

Users' satisfaction with the content and presentation of the information.

            Activity 4 – Establish an effective information system

            Establishing an efficient information / warning system regarding the rules of visiting the Neamt area.

            Expected results

            Reducing the negative impact of tourism development on nature.

            Actions:

• Making informative materials – leaflets, posters, CDs, magazines;

Making information boards on the main visiting rules at the entry points;

• Publish visiting rules on WEB sites to promote this tourist area.

Indicators:

Number of informed visitors;

• Reducing the number of contraventions;

Reduce spending to protect nature.

Activity 5 – Integration of ecotourism into local and regional development plans

It represents the implementation or improvement of the local development plans related to tourism and the introduction of an Ecotourism Section, which will also reflect the activities of the Ecotourism Strategy of Romania. As the development of ecotourism is one of the real possibilities for sustainable development of the region, the policy of local and county administrations must reflect the opportunities offered by the special natural environment of the Neamt region and will find expression in the allocation of local resources for achieving this goal. Expected results:

Support the integrated development process;

Effective link between local initiatives and ecotourism development needs;

Elaboration of ecotourism development programs adopted by local councils.

Actions:

Local councils will set up working groups that will implement sections of local plans that deal with ecotourism.

Indicators: Local plans containing sections related to the development of ecotourism within the Neamt area.

Data Analysis

In the following we will analyze the answers to the questionnaire.

Age

We have a total of 53 respondents. The average age is 26.8 years.

Education level. 30% of the respondents are high school graduates and the remaining 70% of the respondents are university graduates.

1. Are you familiar with the term sustainable tourism or eco-tourism?

2. Where did you hear about eco-tourism or eco-tourism? (multiple possible responses)

3. Do you think that the protection of natural resources and local tourist sites are compatible with eco-tourism?

4. Do you think that the sustainable development of tourism in Neamt County might be possible?

5. How do you think tourism development will affect this area?

6. How often do you visit Neamt County?

7. What area of ​​Neamt County you visited is the most suitable for the development of eco-tourism?

8. What are the following favorite things you have done or intend to do during your visit to Neamt County? (multiple possible responses)

9. How often did you attend traditional events and activities in Neamt County?

10. Which of the following interactions did you have with Neamt counties? (multiple possible responses)

11. Which of the following eco-tourism activities define you the most?

The location shows the importance of the answer option. The highest place is taken by the most important option. Points are the total amount of all answers for this question. The most important answer is the lowest number of points and vice versa.

12. What impact do you think eco-tourism has on the lives of locals? Why?

13. Have you received any training form on how to care for the environment or the concept of eco-tourism? If so, what forms of training? (multiple possible responses)

14. What is your suggestion regarding the development of ecological tourism in Neamt County?

The interview results are presented in the annexes. From the analysis of the answers of the questionnaires, it results that ecotourism is practiced in Neamt because of the 15 protected areas here. Reservations like Vanatori or Gosman have attracted many tourists, but generally come from the proximity of the county. One of the major advantages of Neamt County, compared to the well-known tourist destinations, is the preservation of the natural environment unaltered by the presence and activities of the human being, as manifested by the numerous natural reserves: Ceahlau National Park, Vânători Neamț National Park, Bicazului-Hasmas Gorge, Gosman, Crini, Coprime, Silver Coders. All of these areas are rich in natural resources, flora and fauna species declared endemic saumonuments of nature, a pond rich in numerous rivers and lakes. A number of aspects of the natural environment are unique or rare for the landscape of the country, which has led to the taking of measures to protect the natural elements of great scientific, educational, tourist and economic importance. The Neamt County Region is one of the most important areas in terms of tourism potential through its natural environment, therapeutic factors, historical and architectural monuments, folk art, here living loving people, households, good preservers of multisecultural traditions and, if , these are complemented by an increase in the quality of the services offered, together with supporting this activity through an effective promotion campaign can lead to the development of tourism. A first conclusion is that Neamt County has at this moment a huge tourist potential, but it is a valuable environment. Conservation of cultural heritage could go hand in hand with the development of tourism, but careful monitoring is needed to ensure that high conservation standards are maintained. In addition, tourism can also be an instrument for rural development, and in this context it is vital to involve local communities in this field. Tourism can be an important source of revenue, but it requires investment. There is, therefore, a circle in which the two important factors revolve indefinitely: achieving quality in tourism services to attract visitors and, of course, investments that are likely to have with them. If these factors are achieved, then we can say that tourism is a source of continuous income. According to some considerations regarding the formation of the image in tourism one can conclude that a satisfied tourist, satisfied with the place where he spent the holiday, by transmitting the information, of their value can influence another five potential tourists to spend in the future, the holiday at the place of stay, while a tourist dissatisfied with the quality of services, especially by the tourism staff, influences ten potential tourists. The objectives proposed in the methodology have been successfully achieved.

Conclusion and recommendation

Ecotourism is a form of tourism where the main motivation of the tourist is to observe and appreciate the nature and local traditions related to nature and which must meet the following conditions:

conserving and protecting nature;

educational character, respect for nature – awareness of tourists and local communities;

the use of local human resources;

negative impact on the natural and socio-cultural environment.

From the analysis of respondents' answers, it is concluded that in the Neamt area the principles of ecotourism are respected:

1. Focusing on natural areas

Ecotourism focuses on direct and personal experience in nature, it is developed within nature and is based on its use, its geomorphological, biological, physical and cultural characteristics. Therefore, the focus on the natural area is essential in the planning, development and management of ecotourism.

2. Interpretation of ecotourism product Ecotourism offers opportunities for experiences in nature that lead to a better understanding, appreciation and joy of discovering and protecting traditional local nature and culture for both visitors and the local community. Ecotourism products attract those tourists who want to interact with the natural environment and, in varying degrees, want to widen the level of knowledge, understanding, appreciation and pleasure. Those who develop or coordinate ecotourism activities must provide an appropriate level of understanding of the natural and cultural values ​​of the areas visited, usually by using suitably qualified guides and providing accurate information both before and during the experience. The level and type of the performance is planned, designed and offered in such a way as to meet the client's interests, needs and expectations, including a wide range of possibilities for both personal and non-personal interpretation. At the same time, at destination level and ecotourism products, it is important to create the opportunity for members of local communities to have access to the information and interpretation provided within the ecotourism program developed in the area.

3. The principle of sustainability from the perspective of protecting the natural environment Ecotourism activities and their planning must provide best practices of tourism and planning in terms of nature conservation and sustainable development. Tourism activity must be planned and conducted in such a way as to reduce the impact on nature. The ecotourism product is conducted and conducted in such a way as to conserve and enhance the natural and cultural environment in which it is carried out, by recognizing and applying the practices characteristic of sustainable tourism.

4. Contribution to nature conservation

Ecotourism positively contributes to the preservation of natural areas. Ecotourism involves participating in the conservation of the natural areas visited, providing constructive ways for good management and conservation of these natural areas (eg providing financial support for rehabilitation of natural areas, waste collection or contribution to conservation organizations).

5. Constructive contribution to the development of local communities

Ecotourism provides sustainable contributions to the development of local communities. The local community is often an integral part of the ecotourism product. The benefits of ecotourism must also come back largely to local communities. Local benefits can come from the use of local guides, the purchase of local goods and services, and the use of local facilities. Ecotourism activities and their planning should ensure a reduction in the negative impact on the local community and their lifestyle, while providing constructive long-term contributions to these communities. Consequently, ecotourism must also highlight the cultural component of the visited area and contribute to the preservation of this component.

6. The satisfaction of tourists

Ecotourism meets the expectations of tourists. In the development of ecotourism products, it must be taken into account that, in general, potential tourists in this area have a high level of education and expectations. Thus, the degree of satisfaction with the ecotourism product is essential, the experience offered by fulfilling or even exceeding the expectations of the tourists.

7. Marketing right

It aims to achieve a fair marketing that leads to realistic expectations. Ecotourism marketing provides customers with complete and responsible information that leads to increased respect for the natural and cultural environment of the visited areas and the satisfaction of tourists. I recommend that local authorities invest more in the areas of Neamt with ecotourism potential. Ecotourism is one of the tourist forms with the highest tendency to grow in the Neamt area in recent years, especially in protected areas (national parks, natural parks and biosphere reserves). By promoting this form of tourism, many countries in the world who consider protected areas to be an essential part of tourism offer have made tourism in nature and ecotourism to be important elements of the tourism industry. The application of ecotourism in Neamt as a model of tourism development, especially in protected areas and its principles, has a double target: on the one hand the integrated valorization of the exceptional natural and cultural resources, with the improvement of the quality of life in the local communities, and on on the other hand, satisfying the motivations and requirements of tourists in accordance with the preservation of the environment for future generations.

Bibliography

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ANNEXES

Eco-tourism research, Neamt County

This questionnaire seeks to discover the tourist potential of Neamt county and if the practice of ecotourism is developed in this area and what are the socio-economic and environmental advantages generated by these ecotourisms. For this research to be a success, please answer all of the questions below.

Thank you very much for the time spent on this questionnaire!

Enter your data:

Age

Education level

1. Are you familiar with the term sustainable tourism or eco-tourism?

unknown

somewhat familiar

very familiar

2. Where did you hear about eco-tourism or eco-tourism? (multiple possible responses)

Family, friends, colleagues, rude

TV, radio

Internet

Written press

School, university, service

Accomodation places

Travel agents

Other

3. Do you think that the protection of natural resources and local tourist sites are compatible with eco-tourism?

I agree

I do not know

I disagree

4. Do you think that the sustainable development of tourism in Neamt County might be possible?

I agree

I do not know

I disagree

5. How do you think tourism development will affect this area?

The number of tourists and the county budget will increase.

It depends on people. If they are civilized, I do not think they can affect the area.

Tourism development in this area will affect in a positive way, because through the development of tourism, the number of jobs will increase and domestic incomes too.

6. How often do you visit Neamt County?

first time

rare

frequently

very often

7. What area of ​​Neamt County you visited is the most suitable for the development of eco-tourism?

Downtown

Ceahlaul

Bicaz Canyon

I do not know

8. What are the following favorite things you have done or intend to do during your visit to Neamt County? (multiple possible responses)

visit to museums, monasteries, historical city castles

visiting natural beauties and nature reserves

practicing winter sports

crossing the mountain trails

Other

9. How often did you attend traditional events and activities in Neamt County?

never

a few times

on every visit

Other

10. Which of the following interactions did you have with Neamt counties? (multiple possible responses)

attending local festivities

contributing to local customs and traditions

participation in local household activities

Contributing to preserving and protecting the virgin natural environment

Other

11. Which of the following eco-tourism activities define you the most?

observation of the fauna (including observation of the animals)

flora observation

observation of birds (this activity is treated separately from the observation of the fauna due to the different nature of this activity)

hikes

cycling (cycling)

cultural tours

water activities

winter activities (snowmobile hiking, sleigh rides)

photo tours

gastronomic tourism (food serving practices)

12. What impact do you think eco-tourism has on the lives of locals? Why?

I think it has a very good impact on their way of life because when the environment is protected man always has to win.

I do not think it has any impact. I think we are civilized people.

Eco-tourism can help welfare of people and animals in the area and raise the standard of living.

I do not think I am able to answer this question correctly. Local people's opinions are pros and cons depending on their environment and lifestyle.

Health

It would have a tremendous impact because, in addition to living in a clean environment, they can be given the opportunity to open small businesses supported by tourism.

I think it will have an educational impact.

Eco tourism develops an area, so the impact would be just one positive one.

Economic development in close connection with the protection of nature. The impact is positive.

I do not know

13. Have you received any training form on how to care for the environment or the concept of eco-tourism? If so, what forms of training? (multiple possible responses)

no, I did not receive

yes, the verbal form – through direct communication

yes, the written form – by indirect communication (leaflets, magazines, books, TV commercials)

Other

14. What is your suggestion regarding the development of ecological tourism in Neamt County?

Planting more trees, flowers in the city.

Construction of multiple garbage disposal sites.

I suggest that ecological tourism be more publicized and promoted in this area, because there are many natural beauties that are worth visiting but not mass, because at the same time they have to be protected.

Involvement of authorities for projects that seek to do so, involving locals and tourists to develop and maintain green tourism.

Need to be developed

Information. Because nothing will happen if people are not trained, educated about the behavior they have to acquire to help develop tourism, especially the environment.

Re-educating people about the incandescent environment.

Better information for tourists on ecological tourism

Mass media, social media advertising and the green coloring of this wonderful project on the way to Neamt

Stay with all places to visit included. School activities in the Neamt stone for tourism development

Interview Questions

1. Please, can you tell me about your business / company?

2. Can you please tell me what knowledge you have about sustainable tourism and ecotourism?

3. Can you please tell me how your business contributes to preserving, protecting the area and preserving the resources your company uses?

4. Tell me how do you involve locals or local staff in the environmental activities of your business and what kind of training do you have for your staff and visitors in terms of ecotourism and sustainable development?

5. Tell me what information you share with your customers regarding the culture, religion, local traditions and ecological products specific to the area and please tell me how you communicate, promote and give them the opportunity to access them your visitors?

6. Please give examples of company names that show performance in terms of protecting the natural environment of the area and tell me how they will inspire them?

Interview Results

Interview 1:

1. Pension ROYAL SPA Piatra Neamt is a four star hotel and is a lively expression of hospitality, simplicity, comfort and good taste. Located in Alexandru cel Bun, just 5 minutes from the center of Piatra Neamt, ROYAL SPA Pension is recommended by the quality of the services and the special accommodation conditions. The rooms are bright, elegant, meticulously arranged, ready to meet the high requirements of European tourism.Pension Piatra Neamt Royal Spa offers you the opportunity to relax and indulge in the indoor pool, jacuzzi, hot tub or sauna specially created for guests nostri.Pensiunea ROYAL SPA Piatra Neamt contribute substantially to a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The ambience of the pension is inspired by the character of the family business and the personal care offered by the owners. The essence of our philosophy is "quality does not come at high prices." We constantly try to meet the demands and expectations of our guests, we make our guests come back with love. 2. I am not very sure about this, but I will try to give you a more complex answer. I consider that ecotourism is a sector of tourism based on experience in untouched natural areas, which at the same time operates on principles of sustainability. But I can say that the purpose of ecotourism is to observe and appreciate the beauty of nature and local customs and all activities made in nature such as agriculture and others that usually believe that it must meet certain conditions such as awareness and observance of the environment, local and local people could be involved in activities, whether tourist-commercial or other. As far as sustainable tourism is concerned, it can be said that it aims to create a balance and to make the whole of the seasons a balanced number of tourists in order not to create chaos and to avoid excess natural resources. So much about ecotourism and the sustainability of tourism so far I hope we have provided useful information. Next time I will be more in the theme. 3. Our hotel contributes to protecting the environment by offering to our guests various containers for the storage of garbage, as well as for plastic waste, paper and food scraps. They are positioned everywhere to make it comfortable for visitors to make this choice. Also, the hotel uses irrigation and water filtration systems and its restoration is reusable, as the management is responsible for the water consumption in this hotel being very high by providing a spa area to the tourists. The hotel also contributes to community funding to install systems that generate electricity by air, for example, propellers for electricity. 4. First of all, for local tourists, students of the local community, we offer presentations in view of protecting the environment by using our conference rooms. These mini courses are free of charge for students and students from our area that cross the hotel's doorstep. Secondly, hotel staff usually organize, together with teachers, free halls for college students and university tourism colleges in the area to support some of the hotel's courses and then take a tour of the hotel for to create an opinion and to analyze our hospitality and tourism system. Their comments, their new ideas, and their suggestions come from them and we look at them, some of them even being implemented, because students for us represent the new generation that inspires us. 5. Sure, since the check-in process we tell our guests about the many things the area has to offer. We propose a list of tourist activities such as visiting the local museums, local churches and monasteries, and the natural reserves where they can see and meet endangered animals such as bison or brown bears. The actacity lists are divided into written form, foldable and oral, communicating in the area of the receptive on the arrival of the tourist. We also present in the cold season the nearby areas dedicated to winter sports. As for the traditions of the place and the culture of these places, our booth restaurant offers to our guests a menu rich in specific directions these areas of Romania. Goodies and dishes are presented in detail, directly by our well trained staff with information on preparation and ingredient. 6. From my own touristic experience I can say that I very much admire the guesthouse named Casa Afetelor which is a tourist complex located on DN 15, on the fairytale land of Creanga's childhood. Situated on the banks of the Ozana River, the beautiful flowing, is the tallest building in the area, after the Cathedral of the Mountains – the monumental stone church built by Patriarch Nicodemus. Like the church, this complex is built on stone, being unique in construction in Neamt County. I can say that this boarding house in my opinion undoubtedly expresses ecotourism and inspires me how to prepare food, the source of the food elements prepared within the pension are purchased from the locality; staff work only with bio products. Interview 2: 1. Hotel Victoria is a three star hotel and is the perfect choice for a relaxing stay as well as for a business meeting. With a privileged location, in the center of Targu Neamt, Hotel Victoria *** provides all the comfort needed for rest and business. this hotel is a historic building, dating back to 1970, completely renovated during 2010-2012, Hotel Victoria *** has: 30 double rooms and 4 suites equipped with TV, refrigerator, minibar, telephone and internet, air conditioning non stop Victoria restaurant of 150 places where you can dine in a pleasant ambience Victoria Events – Restaurant Events with a capacity of 300 seats. The preparations from the Victoria Restaurant Menu were designed to meet all your culinary preferences. We are waiting for you with a complex menu, which does not lack traditional and international cuisine, both classical and modern. Whether it's a-la-carte dining or spending the most important moments in your life, we expect you to enjoy the highest quality services.The 40-seat conference room with videoprojector, flipchart and projection screen, equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. For more than 40 events, Victoria Events can accommodate up to 300 people; own parking with about 50 seats; summer terrace with 100 seats available. 2. I'm not so familiar with this subject, but I can try with an answer.I could say that ecotourism deals with tourist activities that take place in a natural environment which is little contacted by foreigners and which aims at the development of ecological education by carefully preserving and consuming natural resources. But I think this type of tourism can be a correct and responsible form of interaction with nature and the local social environment that can lead to sustainable and worry-free tourism in the future. 3. The hotel owns some internal policies that aim to protect the environment and sustain ecological thinking. For example, our company offers to the staff, but also visitors, special containers for the recycling of plastics and scraps of paper, cardboard and others; these are positioned close to the hotel. Also, during the warm season we have activities such as the courtyard garden courtyard and the areas near the courtyard, available staff are provided with special equipment for the payment of fruit trees, flowers and the arrangement and cleaning of the green lawn. These activities that our company supports are in order to have a cleaner and cleaner air. We consider this aspect important for the environment in which our guests are working. At the same time for reducing electricity consumption and protecting energy resources, the hotel uses solar panels that generate natural, natural electricity from the sun with a more balanced consumption. 4. As mentioned above, our company has provided special equipment to plant trees and helped green spaces to be cared for and treated as appropriate for a healthier environment for staff, of which 70 % is made up of locals or the surrounding people and locals who are eager to help have a beautiful and healthy community. In order to instigate local citizens, we are trying to promote this action with posters that are spread in areas close to the hotel, so we have a high profitability and a larger number of volunteers. 5. This hotel keeps a great deal in sharing information about the culture and tradition of our county, so it offers our visitors TV channels with folk themes, we have partners with local people who own and wear traditional costumes and clothes, so we promote them and offer our clients these places dedicated to culture, thanking and helping at the same time some locals, giving them an opportunity to have a safe income. We also offer lists of activities devoted to these areas, such as rides and tours in areas protected by specially equipped cars and specially trained drivers to answer to all questions and curiosities about how to protect areas and information on protected animals as and train the traditions, culture and religion of Neamt county. Some activities are provided for a fee and some are offered from our company, the price list is available to guests in the rooms and displayed on the hotel reception screens. 6. A tourist unit that inspires me ecologically and ecoturistically is the Zimbru Tourist Complex located in the North of Neamt County, 12 km away from Tg. Neamt, on the land that leads to the Neamt Monastery, both walked by monks, princes and chroniclers. Situated at the edge of centuries-old forests, in a wide open-air depression, sheltered around the heights whose heights vary between 500 – 700 meters, which keep away from the harshness of the winter and burned in summer, the guesthouse has a geographic location worthy of enviable. What inspires me at this place is their way of recycling and collecting plastic waste; the staff there adulte plastic bottles that tie or melt them and build all sorts of statues or ghosts with which they arrange the place, making it a funny and cheerful place or the way they reuse this plastic waste, for example from the bottles of bottles plastic make caps for flower pots in garden or sprinkling bottles and so on. This place left me with a nice memory and I could propose it indefinitely in this hotel

Interview 3 :

1. In the vicinity of Red Lake, in a picturesque setting is our hotel, which is is a four star hotel and awaits any day of the week with 24-hour service clients who want to relax, respectively tired travelers. It will give you the 30 years of experience accumulated in the tourism field in the wonderful landscape of Red Lake. My teachers and guests have taught me that this miracle of nature has to be associated with services so that those who have had the wonderful view of these places want to come back. I do not consider myself an amphitheater who offers food, drink and accommodation just to gain as much profit as possible, but a welcoming host who is proud of the customer who steps up the threshold. In our hotel awaits you 35 elegant rooms, fully equipped with all the comforts that meet the requirements of our century. After a relaxing night you can explore the renewed surroundings of the Red Lake. In our restaurant there is a possibility to serve 200-250 people at the same time. Our chefs provide a rich menu of natural and healthy ingredients, whether traditional Romanian, Hungarian or international cuisine. we also have many activities that can be done together with our associates to give you an unforgettable experience; activities such as: particularly attractive itineraries: The Red Lake Circuit (duration 1 1/2 hour, marking: red cross); Bicaz Gorges (duration 3 – 3 1/2 hours round-trip, without marking, on DN 12C). Suhardu Mic peak (2-3 hours round trip, 370 m difference, marking, blue triangle); Suhardu Mare Peak (3 hours round-trip, 524 m difference, marking: blue triangle to Suhard Saddle, further unmarked); Ucigasu Peak (3 hours turn-around, 401 m difference, marking: yellow band and red triangle). Lacu Rosu – Bicaz Gorges is one of the most complex nature reserves of our country. 2. I have some knowledge about what sustainable tourism and ecotourism mean, but I'm not sure they are very cunning. In my opinion, ecotourism or ecotourism are forms that express sustainable tourism. And lasting trism can be expressed as a rule by observing certain principles and good practices. For example, ecotourism usually relies on promoting conservation through a sustainability system or regime that operates under policies such as "protection by use", with the aim of creating a green tourism industry and increasing environmental responsibility and scoco-cultural to limited use of natural resources, but at the same time this is true for the behavior of tourists in the areas. 3. Being a hotel that is located in a tourist area surrounded by natural waters such as the Red Lake, the company noatsra try to make the water ashes protected from their unconscious wear, that is why our hotel uses its own systems of internal filtration and redirection this use being reused but in a form as pure and clean as the first time. Also, in order to have lower electricity consumption and considering it to be a good thing for the environment, the hotel generates the necessary electrical energy through a system that uses solar energy. 4. Being a hotel that sustains and respects the local development, but also the ecologically friendly staff of the hotel offers and organizes ecological activities to the guests of the area as well as local activities such as monthly activities in nature: visits to nature parks, protected areas, bio farms, recycling, planting, landscaping or gardens etc. So locals and tourists can help protected and extinct animals have a pleasant environment and a clean habitat. And they are also given the opportunity to help fix and signal nearby protected areas. 5. Our hotel offers sectal and festrivitate clients who traveled local traditions and customs, organized in the hotel's halls, especially during the winter, when tourists are limited by the weather to explore the area. And when the weather is favorable our guests are provided with local tours in the company of a tourist guide that shares interesting information about culture, customs, myths, legends of the area; This activity is from the company and is supported twice a week usually. Also, we have explored in the reception of the hotel leaflets with the touristic map of the area and with free or expense activities that can be explored by tourists. 6. In my opinion, one of these companies can be the Green Revolution Association awards the best 15 Romanian companies in the field of environmental protection and the circular economy from 2017. Using a free online evaluation platform, unique project in Europe, more than 450 companies from Romania was able to assess its performance in environmental management and protection in 2017, to measure its carbon footprint and the degree of adaptation of its businesses to the requirements of the circular economy, all related to international standards. In the context of the growing media pressure, regulators, investors, the general public and NGOs for greater transparency in business sustainability, the Green Business Index is a valuable tool to help improve environmental performance and create the premises for objective communication between companies and the environment outside them.