Sibiu becomes for a few days the center of ecotourism in Romania, hosting for the first time in the Main Square the seventh edition of the National Ecotourism Fair. The event, considered the largest of its kind in the country, is important not only because it brings together the most relevant sustainable tourism destinations, but also because it reflects a growing market trend, accelerated post-pandemic: reconnecting tourists with nature and responsible exploration. For Sibiu County, the fair reinforces its status as an ecotourism hub, with authorities already announcing plans to expand the event internationally next year.
The seventh edition of the National Ecotourism Fair, organized by Sibiu County Council through the ASTRA Museum, in partnership with Sibiu City Hall and the County Tourism Association, brought together exhibitors from regions such as the Danube Delta, Maramureș, Harghita, Sălaj and Argeș in the Main Square. At the official opening, Mayor Astrid Fodor underlined that Sibiu practices responsible tourism, which has become a trademark of the region, while Paul Kuttesch, vice-president of the County Council, highlighted the concrete investments through the “Years of Hiking” program, which has led to the development of over 850 kilometers of tourist trails in the Făgăraș, Cindrel and Lotru mountains. The strategic vision was complemented by the announcement that the 2026 edition will become an international one, a decision in line with market trends also identified by Alin Chipăilă, President of AJT Sibiu, who noted that more and more tourists are looking for sustainable experiences and a slower pace of travel.
The fair’s offer covers the whole range of ecotourism, from local gastronomy and handicrafts to nature conservation destinations and projects. Harghita County showcased its strengths as it prepares for the title of European Gastronomic Region 2027, while Siberian exhibitors brought products from the Albota farm, Racovița mangalița pork dishes and multi-ethnic pastries. Other regions were represented by their flagship products, such as sparkling wines from Silvania and ceramics from Zalău in Sălaj, or magiun from Topoloveni in Argeș. The cultural component was provided by the Museum of Maramureșe, with interactive workshops, and the Museum of Dacian and Roman Civilization in Deva. At the same time, associations such as Eco Romania promoted certified destinations, from the Zimbru Land to the Danube Delta, and Conservation Carpathia presented projects to protect biodiversity.
In addition to the presentation stands, the event also included a business component, through the Sibiu County Tourism Exchange, hosted by the Arts House and dedicated to professionals in the field. For the general public, the program, which ends on Sunday, included pottery and gastronomy workshops, guided tours, mountain education activities in the “Hiking Years” area and cultural moments.