Romania has become a success story in tourism and deserves more, as it has attractions that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, stated Taleb Rifai, the Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and a high-ranking official of the United Nations, during the international conference „Integrated Quality Management for Tourism Destinations: The Key to Competitiveness”.
He also specified that „people have crossed borders defying all obstacles. This movement represents a true change in our lives”.
He added that the IT revolution also contributed to this. Through social media, people have understood that they are more important than governments and the companies they work for.
The UNWTO representative stated that in 2015 there were over 2 billion travelers worldwide. Tourism contributed 10% to global GDP, generating 1.4 trillion USD. Tourists spend 3.5 billion USD globally per day.
He also said that tourism is one of the most effective diplomatic tools, as it is primarily about socialization.
Romania should focus on local myths and legends to promote itself as effectively as possible on a global level, stated Taleb Rifai, who believes that our country should bet on Transylvania and the legend of Dracula.
„Like any other business in the world, to get money you must invest. The golden rule of tourism is to invest at least 1% and at most 2.5% of realized revenues for its promotion. As revenues increase, larger funds should also be allocated for promotion. Finance ministers should realize that as long as investments are made in tourism, all these amounts return to the state in the form of taxes”, stated Taleb Rifai during the conference.
As solutions for the most effective promotion of Romanian tourism, the UNWTO Secretary-General believes that Romania must focus on its particularities, which could just as well be considered a country brand: „The myths and legends of the country, which must be preserved”, referring to the stories of Dracula, Vlad the Impaler, vampires, and other histories from the Transylvanian area.
Source: Economica
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UNWTO’s main recommendation for Romanian tourism?
The UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, recommends that Romania focus on promoting local myths and legends, particularly the Transylvania brand and the Dracula legend.
How much should be invested in tourism promotion?
According to the UNWTO representative, the “golden rule” is to invest between 1% and 2.5% of tourism revenues back into promotion to ensure growth.
What is the global economic impact of tourism mentioned?
Tourism contributes 10% to the global GDP, generating 1.4 trillion USD annually and serving as one of the most effective diplomatic tools.