ORADEA METROPOLITAN AREA GENERAL PRESENTATION [308298]

INTRODUCTION

I [anonimizat], [anonimizat] I want to highlight both the high tourism potential of the Oradea Metropolitan Area and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourist phenomenon in this area.

I consider that the Oradea Metropolitan Area is a [anonimizat], [anonimizat]. [anonimizat]. [anonimizat], are also rich in resources and attract a [anonimizat]. The local administration is investing in the modernization of the infrastructure and the restoration of the heritage buildings whose architectural style that is preserved even today astonishes the tourists and attracts an increasing number of funds.

All these features make this area perfect for highlighting the impact created by the COVID-19 [anonimizat] a [anonimizat]. [anonimizat], and the vast majority were closed. [anonimizat], and the local administration encouraged and supported the tourist agencies in terms of tourism activities.

In the first part of the paper was presented the Oradea Metropolitan Area and its tourist resources as well as infrastructure and accessibility. [anonimizat], [anonimizat].

The second part of the paper focuses on presenting the effects of the pandemic on the tourist phenomenon and the situation during the state of emergency and the situation during the state of alert and also the attempts of the local administration to manage and remedy the situation.

In the final part of the paper are presented the future perspectives regarding the development of tourism in the Oradea Metropolitan Area and the conclusions.

[anonimizat]

I.1. [anonimizat], Nojorid, Oșorhei, Paleu, Sînmartin, Sîntandrei, Cetariu, [anonimizat] 2005 [anonimizat] (GMS), then in 2007, [anonimizat]. In 2010 the Assembly reached a number of 12 members.

The General Assembly of Associates (GMS) [anonimizat].

The total area of ​​the Oradea Metropolitan Area is 753.25 km2 and represents 10% of the land of Bihor County. In 2010 the Assembly reached a number of 12 members.

I.1.1. Localization

The Oradea Metropolitan Area is the residence of Bihor County, which is located near the border with Hungary, in western Romania, on Crișul Repede, being part of the "Land of Crișuri", Crișana, being part of the North-West Development Region.

Regarding the positioning of the Oradea Metropolitan Area in the northwestern part of the country, it makes the distance from the big cities in the country greater, but the positioning from other big cities at European level is much more favorable.

Being positioned close to the border makes the accessibility very good and communications networks are constantly evolving. The Oradea Metropolitan Area is accessible by road (European roads, county roads), railways (there are many CFR stations) and through Oradea International Airport which is 7 km from Oradea.

Fig. I.1. Bihor County within Romania and its composition

https://zmo.ro/strategiidedezvoltare/upload/doc/56-diagnostic%20ZMO.pdf

I.1.2. Neighbors and boundaries

Bihor County has in its vicinity the counties of Satu Mare in the North, Cluj and Sălaj in the East and the County of Arad in the South, and in the West it borders Hungary.

ZMO borders Hungary to the west, Tămășeu, Sălard and Sârbi to the north; with Tileagd, Săcădat, Copăcel in the East; and to the south with Hidișelu de Sus, Husasău de Tinca, Gepiu and Sânnicolau.

Fig. I.2. Neighbors of Bihor County

https://ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude%C8%9Bul_Bihor

Regarding the neighboring communes, in the immediate vicinity of the county seat are the component communes of the Oradea Metropolitan Area; and the neighboring communes of ZMO, we can list the following: Tămășeu, Sălard, Sârbi, Ineu, Săcădat, Copăceni, Hidișelu de Sus, Husasău de Tinca, Gepiu, Cefa, Girișu de Criș.

Fig. I.3. Communes Neighboring the Oradea Metropolitan Area

https://ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/List%C4%83_de_comune_din_jude%C8%9Bul_Bihor#/media/Fi%C8%99ier:Harta_jud_bihor_localitati.png

The Oradea Metropolitan Area is located in the Crișurilor Plain, and in its East are the Craiului Forest Mountains. In the South of the area is located the Meseș Plain and the Goddess, the Oradea Plains, which are part of the Western Hills.

I.2. Natural setting

I.2.1. Relief

The natural setting of Bihor county is variable, the predominant landform is the plain that occupies 44% of the total area of ​​the county, then the hills that occupy 32%, and the mountains 24%.

The relief of the Oradea Metropolitan Area is arranged on several levels: Crișene Hills, Crișul Repede Depression Corridor and Crișurilor Plain.

The altitudes according to these "levels" of the relief, so the highest altitudes are in the eastern part, in the Crișene Hills where it reaches an altitude of about 600m and gradually decreases to Crișurilor Plain, the western part, where in the high Crișurilor Plain it reaches an altitude of 200m , and in the low Plain of Crișuri it drops to 110m. These low relief forms were formed by a process of sediment accumulation and by erosion processes.

Fig. I.4. Map with the relief of Bihor county

Bihor Map

I.2.2. Climate

In the Oradea Metropolitan Area, the climate is specific to Bihor County, with oceanic influences, but due to the disposition of the relief, various categories of moderate temperate-oceanic climate appear.

The average annual precipitations are varied depending on the arrangement of the relief, so in the plain area there are values ​​between 600-700mm / year, and in the hilly areas the values ​​increase so there are 700-1000mm / year.

The average annual temperature also varies depending on the relief, so in the plain area temperatures are measured between 10-11˚C (in Oradea 10.4˚C), and in the hill area the values ​​decrease and reach 7-10˚C .

Due to the moderate temperate-oceanic climate, westerly and northerly winds occur, but the most common are southerly.

I.2.3.Hydrography

The Oradea Metropolitan Area is crossed from East to West by Crisul Repede, which is the main collector of tributaries in this area.

In this plain area the groundwater level reaches 2.00 – 8.00 m deep, and in the western part 15.17 m. These thermal underground waters are rich in salts, there are bicarbonate-sulfurized waters in Băile Felix, being thus a very visited resort, thus contributing to the flow of tourists from the Oradea Metropolitan Area.

As for the lakes, they can fall into two categories: the natural ones, which are in a small number – Peța Lake being the most important; and the artificial ones that are in a larger number-Livada, Leș, Paleu, Șauaieu, etc.

Fig. I.5. Hydraphy of the basin of Crișuri

http://www.rowater.ro/dacrisuri/Documente%20Repository/Directive%20Europene/PLAN%20MANAGEMENT%20DAC/Spatiul%20Hidrografic%20Crisuri/cap03_Caracterizarea%20apelor%20de%20suprafata_Crisuri%20rev2009_doc.pdf

I.3. Degree of humanization

According to the 2010 census, the Oradea Metropolitan Area had a population of about 251,570 people, representing 45% of the total population of Bihor County.

Fig. I.6. The evolution of the stable population in Oradea Metropolitan Area, between 1990-2010

http://www.rowater.ro/dacrisuri/Documente%20Repository/Directive%20Europene/PLAN%20MANAGEMENT%20DAC/Spatiul%20Hidrografic%20Crisuri/cap03_Caracterizarea%20apelor%20de%20suprafata_Crisuri%20rev2009_doc.pdf

Regarding the area of ​​origin of the population within the Oradea Metropolitan Area, 81.3% come from urban areas and only 18.7% come from rural areas. In the last 5 years there has been an increase in the population in rural areas, increasing the number by 4,204 people, while in the municipality of Oradea there has been a slight decrease of about 1500 people.

According to the 2010 census in the Oradea Metropolitan Area, there is a slight difference in terms of gender distribution, so 47.5% are male and 52.5% are female.

Within the Oradea Metropolitan Area, according to the 2010 census, the population density reached 337 inhabitants / km2, but there are considerable differences between the rural area where 13.6 inhabitants / km2 live and the urban area where 1,770.7 inhabitants / km2 live.

If we talk about the ethnic structure within Oradea Metropolitan Area, we find that 68.2% are Romanians, 28.7% Hungarians, 2.1% Rromi(gypsy), 0.4% Germans, 0.2% Slovaks, 0.4% other ethnic groups. At the level of communes in the Oradea Metropolitan Area, we find that there are differences in terms of the low number of Romanians in some communes, such as:

Borș commune – 6.1% Romanians, 92.8% Hungarians, 0.9% Roma, 0.1% Slovaks;

Biharia commune – 12.1% Romanians, 85.9% Hungarians, 1.7% Roma, 0.1% Germans, 0.1% other ethnic groups;

Cetariu commune – 11.1% Romanians, 87.4% Hungarians, 1.2% Roma, 0.1% Slovaks, 0.1% other ethnic groups.

According to the 2010 Census, regarding the distribution of the population by religious denominations, there are two situations regarding the Oradea Metropolitan Area where 58% is represented by the Orthodox religion, 17.8% Reformed religion, 10.8% Romano-Catholic, 5% Pentecostal, 3.5% Baptist 3.1% Greek-Catholic, 1.3% other religions; and there are also the communes of Biharia, Borș, Cetariu, the number of Romanian inhabitants is lower, so the Reformed religion predominates.

In the Oradea Metropolitan Area there is a high share of people over the age of 65-11.9%, the share of people aged 15-64 is 74.2%, and the share of people aged between 0- 14 years is 13.9%; thus it results that the population within the ZMO is aging.

Fig. I.7. The age pyramid in the Oradea Metropolitan Area after the 2010 Census

http://www.rowater.ro/dacrisuri/Documente%20Repository/Directive%20Europene/PLAN%20MANAGEMENT%20DAC/Spatiul%20Hidrografic%20Crisuri/cap03_Caracterizarea%20apelor%20de%20suprafata_Crisuri%20rev2009_doc.pdf

TOURIST RESOURCES AND TOURIST INFRASTRUCTURE

II.1. Natural resources

Within the Oradea Metropolitan Area the number of natural resources is lower, predominating the anthropic ones, but there are some areas that are worth mentioning, such as:

Lake Cetariu, has a relatively small area of ​​300m wide. Around the lake there is a dam where where fishing competitions are organized. The lake is also equipped with trash cans and toilets, as there are places for camping.

Fig. II.1. Cetariu lake

https://lac-cetariu.ro/Lacul-Valea-Viteilor-Cetariu

The fishing lake from Husasău de Criș, is located 14 km from Oradea and has an area of ​​1.5 ha. The lake is equipped with tables, chairs, reed-covered mushrooms, a place for grilling, a free bar. The species of fish found here include: carp, clean, catfish, crucian, pike.

Fig. II.2. Fishing lake from Husasău de Criș

https://www.booking.com/hotel/ro/camelot-resort.ro.html

Poiana Narciselor- Oșorhei, has an area of ​​2 ha and is located in Alparea Forest, being a protected area because here is a protected species of wild daffodil, which lives at the lowest altitude in the country – 100m.

Fig. II.3. Poiana Narciselor-Oșorhei

https://agrointel.ro/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/poiana-narcise.jpg

The nature reserve „Valea Roșie” – Paleu commune, is of great importance for the Oradea Metropolitan Area due to the fact that it is located at a relatively short distance from the city, and it hosts a very well preserved natural forest habitat, where species of reptiles and amphibians of national importance live, also here we find a treasure trove of 14 rare plant species.

Fig. II.4. The „Valea Roșie” nature reserve

Fâneața Valea Roșie, Județul Bihor, Provincia Crișana:

Natural Site 2000 Betfia and the fossiliferous natural reservation on Dealul Șomleului – Sânmartin, was established by the Order of the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development on protected natural areas of community importance. Within this site it protects the following: Subpanonic steppe meadows, untapped tourist caves, numerous species of plants and invertebrates protected at European level, species of amphibians and reptiles protected at European level, species of birds protected at European level; Betfia paleontological site where over 200 species of vertebrates have been discovered such as: birds, mammals, rodents, carnivores, new species of birds, amphibians. Phospholiferous point no. 2 Betfia is known internationally due to the stratotype of Bihar fauna, characteristic of the Lower Pleistocene. The reservation includes many species and protected areas, thus representing a special importance for the Oradea Metropolitan Area.

Fig.II.5. Betur Natural Site 2000 and the Fossil Nature Reserve on Șomleului Hill

http://www.naturacrisurilor.ro/galerie-media/situl-natura-2000-betfia-si-rezervatia-naturala-locul-fosilifer-de-pe-dealul-somleului/

Thermal waters from this area were discovered around the 1700s, but the resorts date back only to 1763, since then there have been several well-known resorts and aquaparks that offer catering and accommodation services to tourists. These thermal waters have healing properties, being of several types such as bicarbonate, oligometallic, sodium calcium and having a temperature of about 45C. These waters help with diseases of the nervous system, gynecological, rheumatic, diseases of the circulatory system, post-traumatic diseases, cervical and lumbar disc herniation, paralysis, etc. Around the 1780s, the „Thermal Water Lily” or as it is better known, the „Lotus Flower” was discovered, which still lives in this area, but now there are spaces specially arranged for visiting and admiring them. This flower has become a symbol both for these resorts and for the Oradea Metropolitan Area.

Fig. II.6. Lotus flower / Water lily

Own source

II.2. Antropic resources

The tourist resources within the Oradea Metropolitan Area are based on the historical, religious, cultural, sports and health ones; their number reaches 170 in Oradea Metropolitan Area, of which 115 are in Oradea, some of them are:

The Palace of the Roman Catholic Episcopate in Oradea / The Baroque Palace in Oradea was built in the second half of the century. The 18th century, being built in Baroque style, together with St. Mary’s Basilica and the Row of Canons, is the most valuable Baroque complex in Romania and S-E Europe. Over time the building had several functions as an asylum for Greek revolutionaries refugees in Romania, in 1971 it served as the Museum of the Land of the Criș in Oradea, now belongs to the Roman Catholic Episcopate.

Fig.II.7. The Palace of the Roman Catholic Episcopate in Oradea / The Baroque Palace in Oradea

http://oradea.travel/?p=1979

The Roman Catholic Basilica of Oradea, dedicated to Saint Mary, was built between 1752-1780. The basilica houses the hermitage with the relics of St. Ladislaus and the Organ which was a gift from Empress Maria Theresa of Austria.

Fig.II.8. Roman Catholic Basilica of Oradea

https://ghidlocal.com/oradea/locatii/bazilica-romano-catolica/

The Row of Canons (Șirul Canonicilor), was built between 1750-1875 and consists of a 250 m long corridor that connects 10 buildings and consists of 57 arches.

Fig.II.9. Șirul Canonicilor

https://adevarul.ro/locale/oradea/Sirul-canonicilor–zece-cladiri-insiruite-construite-100-ani-complexul-arhitectural-sprijina-56-stalpi

The Black Eagle Palace was built between 1907-1908, in secession style. Over time the building has had several functions such as hotel, casino, restaurant, offices. The architectural monument, especially the stained glass window with the black eagle has become a representative symbol for Oradea. It is currently an important place in terms of social life in Oradea, operating here a hotel, bank, and several cafes, clubs and restaurants.

Fig. II.10. The Black Eagle Palace

https://bihorstiri.ro/palatul-vulturul-negru-va-fi-repictat-pentru-ziua-mondiala-art-nouveau-video/

Oradea Fortress, was rebuilt in the 15th century. The 16th century in Italian style, being today one of the best preserved fortified fortresses in S-E Europe. Within the fortress are the Romano-Catholic Church, the stables, a bakery, the garrison staff, the west gate and the bastions. It is an important objective in the Oradea Metropolitan Area area, being located close to the central area of ​​the city and being an objective that is part of the national, regional and international tourist circuit.

Fig. II.11. Oradea Fortress

https://planiada.ro/destinatii/bihor/cetatea-oradea-316

Oradea Zoo, dates from 1960 and was opened to the public in 1962. The zoo has been redesigned and modernized, and the area has expanded from 3.5 ha to 7.5 ha, and currently houses over 650 specimens from 140 species, including exotic species.

Fig. II.12. Oradea Zoo / Specimens from the zoo

https://zooradea.ro/

http://www.oradea.ro/stiri-oradea/sambata-6-octombrie-ziua-parin-539-ilor-adoptivi-la-gradina-zoologica-oradea

In addition to those mentioned above in Oradea we can also list:

Palace of Finance;

State Theater ,, Regina Maria;

State Philharmonic;

Capuchin Monastery;

Arcadia Children’s and Youth Theater;

Moskovits Miksa Palace;

Apollo Palace in Oradea;

Palace of Justice;

Neolog Synagogue;

Oradea City Hall Palace;

Olosig Roman Catholic Church;

Church of St. Ladislaus;

The Church with the Moon;

County Library;

The museum complex ,, Țării Crisurilor.

In the localities within Oradea Metropolitan Area there are many other tourist objectives such as:

Biharia: Biharia Fortress;

Borsch: Churches and Communal People’s Council;

Cetariu: Churches, Șușturogi and Tăutelec fortified settlements;

Girișu de Criș: Churches, Florian Butterfly House;

Ineu: St. Arghangheli Mihai and Gavril Church, Ineu Leisure Complex;

Nojorid: The wooden church ,, St. Dumitru;

Oșorhei: Churches;

Paleu: Paleu accumulation lake, “Valea Roșie” botanical nature reserve;

Sânmartin: Băile felix Resort, Băile 1 Mai Resort, Churches, Nature Reserve ,, Lacul cu Nuferi-Pârâul Pețea;

Sîntandrei: Roman-Catholic Church Palota;

Toboliu: Ciung Tower (Fortress Dungeon).

In the localities within Oradea Metropolitan Area there are many other tourist objectives such as:

Biharia: Biharia Fortress;

Borsch: Churches and Communal People’s Council;

Cetariu: Churches, Șușturogi and Tăutelec fortified settlements;

Girișu de Criș: Churches, Florian Butterfly House;

Ineu: St. Arghangheli Mihai and Gavril Church, Ineu Leisure Complex;

Nojorid: The wooden church ,, St. Dumitru;

Paleu: Paleu accumulation lake, “Valea Roșie” botanical nature reserve;

Sânmartin: Băile felix Resort, Băile 1 Mai Resort, Churches, Nature Reserve ,, Lacul cu Nuferi-Pârâul Pețea;

Sîntandrei: Roman-Catholic Church Palota;

Toboliu: Ciung Tower (Fortress Dungeon).

Within the Bihor County Office of the Directorate for Culture, Cults and National Heritage, Oradea there is a record regarding the oriented objectives in this area:

Tabel II.1. Tabel with the protected objectives

http://www.oradea.ro/pagina/turismul-in-oradea

II.3 Infrastructure

The tourist infrastructure is composed of two basic elements:

Hospitality industry – accommodation and catering services

Infrastructure – transport, communications, energy, finance, etc.

In terms of accommodation services, Oradea Metropolitan Area has an accommodation capacity of 86.5% of the total in the county. Over time, the accommodation capacity has fluctuated, so in the period 2005-2010 the accommodation capacity in function decreased by 4.0%, and in 2010 it increased by 2.1%.

Catering services are varied within the Oradea Metropolitan Area, there are a large number of restaurants and places where tourists have a wide variety in terms of catering and leisure services.

Tourists can opt for services designed to visit the sights of Oradea which is also the main tourist center in the Oradea Metropolitan Area, so there are trips for tourists for a fee with a tourist guide that starts in Băile Felix and lasts about 4 hours, during which time the main objectives are visited.

Fig. II. 13. Evolution of accommodation capacity according to Oradea Metropolitan Area

https://zmo.ro/strategiidedezvoltare/upload/doc/56-diagnostic%20ZMO.pdf

The infrastructure within the Oradea Metropolitan Area is constantly improving, in 2009 there were 396km of streets, but currently the length of the modernization streets is still increasing due to the numerous projects and investments made.

The Oradea Metropolitan Area is accessible, through national and European roads: DN1- E60, DN76 -E79, DN79 – E671; also, the county roads are in good condition, thus making accessible both the municipality of Oradea and the communes from the Oradea Metropolitan Area.

O.T.L S.A. operates in Oradea (S.C Oradea Transport Local S.A.) through which public transport includes buses, minibuses and trams, according to the National Institute of Statistics in 2010 there were 74 buses and minibuses in Oradea Metropolitan Area. Currently O.T.L. it has 5 routes for tamvai with a number of 157 stations and 9 routes for buses with a number of 179 stations; 25 tram stations and 15 bus stations are displayed panels with information for travelers, so tourists can travel by public transport easily and comfortably.

Fig. II.14. Trams and buses within the Oradea Metropolitan Area

http://www.otlra.ro/informarecalatori/despreotl

II.4. Forms of tourism

The Oradea Metropolitan Area is rich in tourist resources, so several types of tourism are practiced, such as:

Business tourism and events;

Transit tourism;

Health tourism;

Religious tourism;

Sports tourism;

Cultural tourism;

Ecotourism.

THE SITUATION OF THE VALORIZATION OF ANTE-PANDEMIC RESOURCES

III.1. Arrivals

According to the statistics related to tourist arrivals, 91.3% of the total number of tourists in Bihor County are registered in the Oradea Metropolitan Area, which means 177,254 tourists. The highest number of tourists within Oradea Metropolitan Area was registered in Sânmartin commune, where the number reaches 53.5% of the total number of tourists, here being located Băile Felix and Băile 1 Mai which attract a high number of tourists due to thermal water resources. After Sânmartin commune in Oradea there is a large number of tourists representing 40.3%, in Bors commune there are 4.9% of the number of tourists, and in the other communes there is a lower number of tourists reaching a total of 1.5% tourists.

III.2. Overnights

Regarding the number of overnight stays of tourists by types of tourist accommodation structures, the highest number is registered in hotels 84.1%; then at agritourism pensions 6.5% tourists; hostels 5.7%; Motels 1.6% tourists; tourist villas 1.4% tourists; pensions 1.4% tourists; apartments 0.2% tourists.

After 2010, the capacity of accommodation services increased, thus increasing the number of overnight stays in the following types of accommodation: hostels + 78.5%; agritourism pensions + 76.4%; however, decreasing the number of overnights at the level of the other types of accommodation: tourist villas -72.8%; pensions -36.6%; hotels -10.8%.

Fig. III.1. The evolution of arrivals and overnight stays in the Oradea Metropolitan Area

https://zmo.ro/strategiidedezvoltare/upload/doc/56-diagnostic%20ZMO.pdf

III.3. Average length of stay

In Bihor county, the length of stay is about 4-5 days, which exceeds the average stay in the North West Region where it is 2-3 days, and in the Oradea Metropolitan Area the average stay in accommodation structures is also around 4 -5 days. In the commune of Sânmartin the number of days reaches 7, being much higher than in the Oradea Metropolitan Area or the North West Region; in the rest of the communes the average duration is about 1-2 days.

Fig. III.2. Average length of stay in accommodation structures, compared to different areas

https://zmo.ro/strategiidedezvoltare/upload/doc/56-diagnostic%20ZMO.pdf

The length of stay can also vary according to the types of accommodation structures we are talking about, so within the Oradea Metropolitan Area the highest number of days was registered in hotels, the number reaching 5-6 days; in apartment hotels 4-5 days; at agritourism pensions 2-3 days; in accommodation structures with lower capacities the length of stay decreases reaching 1.7 days in villas; 1.4 days in pensions; 1.2 days in hostels; 1.1 days in motels.

III.4. Sezonality

The Oradea Metropolitan Area can be visited throughout the year, but there are still periods when the flow of tourists increases, so July-August is the peak tourist season, registering a number of approximately 28,000 tourists during this period, which is around of 25% of the total number of tourists for the total period of the year.

January-February represents the period in which the number of tourists is lower, considering the fact that at the county level the total number of tourists reaches only about 11,000.

III.5. Touristic events

Within the Oradea Metropolitan Area, a great variety of events and festivals take place, most of them taking place in Oradea, some of them of international importance.

In the communes around Oradea, events are undertaken such as:

Băile Felix- Festival of gypsy songs and dances;

Borș- Sports Days, Borș commune Days, Grape Ball, Water and Earth Day;

Cetariu- Commune Days, Fishing Contests;

Paleu- Commune Days, Grape Ball;

Girișu de Criș- The days of Tărian village;

Knowledge-Fishing Contest.

The municipality of Oradea hosts several events of national and international importance, with various themes:

Cultural-artistic theme:

International Sports Dance Festival;

Festum Varadinum;

International consumer goods fair;

Oradea Autumn Festival;

Thematic fairs:

Real Estate Fair;

Pălincarilor Fair;

Christmas Fair;

The antiques fair;

Animal and bird fair;

Car Fair;

Career Fair;

Traditional Easter Fair;

Monthly Discount Fair-Tourism, travel, fun, relaxation (travel, party & relax);

Regional fair of beauty, wellness, fitness, spa, body care, health;

Expomariage Oradea;

Furniture and interior decoration fair.

Festivals:

Oktoberfest Ramada Oradea;

Wine Festival;

Children's Festival;

Short theater festival, Beautiful flowers from Cris (national folk festival) etc.

Events:

Cultural events

Art exhibitions;

Plays;

concerts.

Scientific events:

Conference;

Seminars.

Sports events:

Contests;

Worlds;

Tournaments.

Entertainment events:

Circus;

Stand-up comedy.

The University of Oradea or other non-governmental organizations organize the vast majority of scientific events.

Fig. III.3. Examples of events held within the Oradea Metropolitan Area

https://www.google.com/search

SITUATION GENERATED BY THE PANDEMIC

IV.1. Emergency situation

"The state of emergency represents the set of measures of a political, economic, social and public order nature, instituted throughout the country or in certain areas or in some administrative-territorial units."

(Government Emergency Ordinance No. 1/1999 on the state of siege and the state of emergency – Article 3)

The state of emergency was approved by the Government and entered into force on March 16 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and involved a series of protection measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

According to this law, all tourist activities that endanger the health of citizens are prohibited, as well as the functioning of accommodation and catering structures has been limited, as well as other activities that contribute to the development of the tourist phenomenon.

Accommodation structures

Most of the accommodation structures within Oradea offered services for the medical staff who came in contact with the patients infected with the COVID-19 virus.

Hotel Ceres offered quarantine spaces for citizens who came from abroad for 14 days. The hotel located in the Oradea Metropolitan Area has been designated a quarantine center until June 21.

Some companies have had to work with accommodation structures to provide suspicious employees with spaces for isolation.

The related expenses for providing these quarantine spaces were settled according to the Government Emergency Ordinance no. 11/2020.

Catering services

Under preventive measures, restaurants, cafes and other similar structures were closed, so most opted for delivery-based services. Thus, many companies focused only on deliveries and served only as a package. Some companies that offer catering services delivered food to the citizens in the quarantine centers.

Tourism

Tourist events and tourist activities were banned during this period due to the high risks of COVID-19 virus infection. Events that allegedly took place during this period have been suspended. Shows have also been canceled or postponed.

During the state of emergency in May, Oradea was designated a tourist resort of national interest by the Romanian Government due to the central area of ​​the city, historical monuments, central pedestrian street, Roman Catholic Basilica, historic center to the University of Oradea, corridor green of Crisului Repede, Nymphaea Aquapark, Ciuperca Hill, Brătianu Park to Ioșia Swimming Pool. Due to the status of tourist resort of national interest, the Oradea Metropolitan Area will be able to attract more European funds for projects regarding the development of tourism.

IV.2. Alert situation

,, The state of alert represents the response to an emergency situation of special magnitude and intensity, determined by one or more types of risk, consisting of a set of temporary measures, proportional to the level of severity manifested or forecasted and necessary to prevent and eliminate the imminent threat to life, human health, the environment, important material and cultural values ​​or property.

(Law no. 55 of May 15, 2020 – Article 2)

Accommodation structures

However, the accommodation structures were reopened with certain restrictions due to the measures taken at national level to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Accommodation facilities operate with a limited number of tourists, those who do not have a restaurant with terraces are required to dine in the rooms.

The local administration supports the travel agencies through funds allocated for tourists staying in hotels in the Oradea Metropolitan Area, provided that the duration of accommodation is at least two nights.

Catering services

Restaurants, cafes and bars have resumed their activities, but only those with terraces work due to the restrictions imposed by the Government through the State of Alert. Many restaurants are still focused on deliveries due to the fact that they do not have terraces, and those with terraces work respecting all the things related to the limited number of customers at the tables, wearing the mask inside the restaurants and respecting the opening hours, until 23 : 00.

Tourism

Events, shows and all cultural activities take place outdoors and with a limited number of participants, the measures of social distancing are observed.

The tourist agencies have resumed their activities so the tourist flow has increased again, tourists can visit the tourist attractions in the Oradea Metropolitan Area, but mainly those in Oradea, where social life is again flourishing especially in the central area of ​​the city. Tourists can enjoy free tourist attractions that are under the administration of Oradea Heritage, through Visit Oradea tourists can benefit from 48 hours of transport within the O.T.L., the conditions that tourists must meet being: at least two nights accommodation at the units accommodation in Oradea.

The European Best Destinations Association has introduced the city of Oradea in the Top of the safest tourist destinations in Europe this year. Through this status, Oradea is promoted not only at national level but also at European level.

"Oradea is also one of the most beautiful destinations on the continent and, moreover, an ideal destination for slow, stress-free tourism." (European Best Destinations)

The first Art Nouveau Museum in Romania was inaugurated in Oradea, "Casa Darvas-La Roche", the building is emblematic due to the impressive stained glass windows, being part of the ensemble of buildings with the Secession architectural style in Oradea.

PERSPECTIVES FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN THE ORADEA METROPOLITAN AREA

The existing development strategies, both within the municipality of Oradea, as well as within the Oradea Metropolitan Area, aim at a variety of objectives to promote tourism in this area as well as the improvement of tourist experiences.

Objectives include:

Improving the accessibility and local transport infrastructure;

Development of tourist offers related to tourist attractions, accommodation and catering services;

Promoting this area at regional, national and international level;

Creating a partnership between tourism and heritage management, etc.

Through these objectives, tourism in the Oradea Metropolitan Area will develop significantly, increasing not only the number of tourists but also the number of funds that the city will be able to benefit in the future. These strategies have been formulated on the basis of a longer-term plan.

Some of these objectives have already been achieved, the Oradea Metropolitan Area receiving this year the status of Resort of national importance and reaching the Top of the safest destinations in Europe.

The infrastructure in the Oradea Metropolitan Area is in the process of modernization in several parts, modernizing the tram lines, thus contributing to the streamlining of traffic and also to improving accessibility for tourists.

Through the funds benefited by Oradea Metropolitan Area, most of the buildings with historical and cultural value were rehabilitated, which made it possible to introduce the city in the Art Nouveau Network of Europe, which designated Oradea as the first and only city that is part of this network.

The COVID-19 pandemic was not an obstacle to the realization of these objectives because the local government managed to manage the situation in such a way that many of the projects that were started before the pandemic were completed.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper aimed to highlight the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism phenomenon in the Oradea Metropolitan Area, as well as future prospects in terms of tourism in this area. The area is located in Bihor county, being also the county seat, it is located near the border with Hungary, thus having a suitable location for the promotion of tourism, being accessible from all points of view.

The tourist resources in this area are especially anthropic resources, dominating the cultural, historical, religious, sports and health ones; However, there are also some natural resources that are valued and have a special importance at European level, so the area is rich in tourist resources that are promoted very well both nationally and at European level, Due to the promotion of the Oradea Metropolitan Area attracts a significant number of tourists, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic this flow decreased during the state of emergency, and during the state of alert we try to remedy this situation and increase the number of tourists.

In this paper I tried to highlight the rich and numerous resources of the Oradea Metropolitan Area and the effects of the pandemic on tourism, I tried to highlight how this situation was managed, as well as prospects for the future and local government attempts to concerns the increase of the tourist flow.

In conclusion, this paper highlights the strengths of this area and how it tries to combat the effects of the pandemic.

ANNEXES

List of figures, tables and graphs

Fig. I.1. Bihor County within Romania and its composition

Fig. I.2. Neighbors of Bihor County

Fig. I.3. Communes Neighboring the Oradea Metropolitan Area

Fig. I.4. Map with the relief of Bihor county

Fig. I.5. Hidrografia Bazinului Crișurilor

Fig. I.6. The evolution of the stable population in ZMO, between 1990-2010

Fig. I.7. The age pyramid in the Oradea Metropolitan Area after the 2010 Census

Fig. II.1. Cetariu lake

Fig. II.2. Fishing lake from Husasău de Criș

Fig. II.3. Poiana Narciselor-Oșorhei

Fig. II.4. The "Valea Roșie" nature reserve

Fig. II.5. Betur Natural Site 2000 and the Fossil Nature Reserve on Șomleului Hill

Fig. II.6. Lotus flower / Water lily

Fig. II.7. The Palace of the Roman Catholic Episcopate in Oradea / The Baroque Palace in Oradea

Fig. II.8. Roman Catholic Basilica of Oradea

Fig. II.9. Șirul Canonicilor

Fig. II.10. The Black Eagle Palace

Fig. II.11. Oradea Fortress

Fig. II.12. Oradea Zoo / Specimens from the zoo

Tabel II.1. Tabel with the protected objectives

Fig. II.13. Evolution of accommodation capacity according to ZMO

Fig. II.14. Trams and buses within the ZMO

Fig. III.1. The evolution of arrivals and overnight stays in the Oradea Metropolitan Area

Fig. III.2. Average length of stay in accommodation structures, compared to different areas

Fig.III.3. Examples of events held within the Oradea Metropolitan Area

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