The Ministry of Economy has drafted a Decision regarding the approval of a master plan for the development of spa tourism, a document proposing, among other things, the creation of a working group and “anti-aging” product lines based on thermal or mineral water, as well as the appointment of spa sector ambassadors and the introduction of a new occupation in Romania, “tourist resort animator.”
The “anti-aging” working group will include doctors, paramedics, resort tourism actors, town halls, and other relevant providers from resorts that offer or wish to offer anti-aging products.
“It is very important that the repositioning of the spa sector be a complex process undertaken at the national level, articulating various specializations and local specificities by integrating them into the three proposed national positionings: ‘green’ spa tourism, medical spa tourism, and anti-aging tourism. This ensures the simultaneous takeover of valuable inherited assets and attractive positioning on the European market, a process that requires optimal coherence between modernizing existing spa tourism products and creating new ones,” states the project drafted by the Ministry of Economy.
Authorities intend to develop a national green balneo-tourism cluster to ensure the development and promotion of spa tourism and ecotourism products on the international market. The cluster should help spa resorts find the necessary funding and private partners to develop innovative tourism products.
The cluster’s budget will be 30,000 EUR, and subsequently, the cluster will become autonomous through member contributions and the use of European funds.
The master plan also proposes the creation of a “Destination Management Organization,” an association of public and private actors interested in developing medical tourism in Romania, particularly its spa component.
Additionally, according to the master plan, ambassadors for the Romanian spa sector—athletes, actors, musicians—could be identified to present the curative virtues of Romania’s natural resources and the products offered.
The master plan shows that foreign tourist arrivals in spa resorts are recording solid growth, albeit starting from very low levels, representing less than 10% of total tourist flows in spa resorts.
Romania ranks among European countries with a remarkable spa fund, as nearly one-third of the continent’s thermal and mineral waters are found in our country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main pillars of the master plan for spa tourism?
The master plan focuses on three strategic directions: “green” spa tourism, medical spa tourism, and anti-aging tourism.
How rich is Romania in thermal and mineral water resources?
Romania possesses remarkable potential, hosting nearly one-third of all thermal and mineral waters on the European continent.
What new promotion initiatives are proposed in the document?
The project proposes appointing sector ambassadors (athletes, artists), creating a green spa cluster, and introducing the occupation of “tourist resort animator.”