Radio România Internațional

Tag: tourism

November 17, 2019

Election campaign – The campaign for the 2nd round of the presidential election due on November 24 continues in Romania. Left in the presidential race after the first round of voting are Romania’s incumbent president Klaus Iohannis, who is supported by the National Liberal Party, and the former Social Democratic PM Viorica Dancila. According to data provided by the Central Electoral Bureau that were validated on Friday by the Constitutional Court, in the first round of voting, when 14 candidates faced off, Klaus Iohannis obtained 37.82% of the votes and Viorica Dancila 22.26%. For the 2nd round of the presidential election, the Romanian citizens living abroad will also have 3 days to cast their ballots, starting on Friday at 12 a.m. local hour until 9 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The voting program may be extended until midnight.

Car market – The car market in Romania has grown by almost 10% in the first 10 months of the year. Romanians have bought more than 167,400 new vehicles of which 114 thousand cars, show latest data provided by the Association of Car Producers and Importers. Legal entities have mainly purchased cars in the first 10 months of this year, accounting for 56% of the total car purchases, but the number of cars bought by individuals has also grown by almost a quarter. 70% of the cars registered in the first 10 months of 2019 run on petrol, by 10% more than last year. In the first 10 months of the year Romanians have bought almost 5,300 ecological cars (electric and hybrid) as compared to 3,500 cars in 2018.

Tourism fair — Romania’s largest tourism fair comes to an end in Bucharest on Sunday. 230 travel agencies from 16 countries have attended the fair. The event gathers travel agencies, tour-operators as well as travel associations and county councils representing certain tourist areas. Visitors can choose holidays for the winter of 2019 as well as for the summer of 2020. Travel agencies provide discounts of up to 45% for travel packages, trips paid by holiday vouchers or paid by credit card in installments. The visitors of the fair could choose packages for the Christmas and New Year’s Eve holidays in Romania and abroad, summer packages on the Romanian or Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, in the Danube Delta, in spa resorts and other traditional tourist areas of Romania. Those with bigger budgets allotted for their holidays could choose a trip to Mexico, Brazil, Thailand, and Lapland in Finland, the land associated with Father Christmas.

Handball — Two Romanian women’s handball teams CS Gloria Bistrita-Nasaud (northern Romania) and CSM Corona Brasov (central Romania) are meeting today in the second leg of the EHF Cup 3rd round. In the first match CSM Corona Brasov won 27-25 and is close to qualification to the competition’s groups. Also today Măgura Cisnădie will play, on home ground, against the Spanish team Rocasa Gran Canaria in the 2nd leg of the EHF Cup 3rd round. On Saturday, Romania’s women’s handball champions SCM Ramnicu Valcea qualified to the main groups of the Champions League after Buducnost Podgorica (Montenegro) defeated SG BBM Bietigheim of Germany 34-28. SCM Ramnicu Valcea was defeated on home turf on Saturday by the French team Brest Bretagne Handball 26-23 in their last match in group C. In the final rankings, Brest Bretagne Handball is on 1st position with 12 points, followed by Buducnost with 8 points, SCM Ramnicu Vlacea with 2 points and Bietigheim also with 2 points. The first 3 teams in the group have qualified to the main groups with points they accumulated in the direct matches. (translation by L. Simion)

17 November 2019
November 14, 2019

FINANCE For the past 3 years, Romanias economy has been managed according to 2 budgets, one presented in Parliament and for which no PM or finance minister in the former Social Democratic governments has taken responsibility, and another one containing accurate data and used for financing party barons, the new Finance Minister Florin Cîţu told a press conference on Thursday. The added he would notify the competent authorities. According to the minister, the budget deficit for the first 10 months of the year is 2.84% of the GDP, above the estimate for the entire year, and unless measures are taken in the next one and a half months the figure will exceed 4%. Some 500 million euros in the public pension budget is unaccounted for, Cîţu added, and explained that this years budget should be adjusted downwards.

ORDER The Government of Romania passed an emergency order on the status of the British citizens living in Romania in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Romania was the only EU member state still to regulate the matter. The Prime Ministers chief of staff, Ionel Dancă, explained that the order was necessary and had been requested by the British side.

COMMISSIONER The Romanian MEP Adina Vălean, nominated for the transport commissioner post, is heard today in the European Parliaments specialist committees, along with the commissioners nominated by France and Hungary. On Tuesday she was given the green light by the Committee on Legal Affairs, which looked at possible conflicts of interest. Also on Tuesday, Vălean was heard by the joint European affairs committees of the Romanian Parliament, whose opinion is advisory. When the formal hearings are over, the president elect of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen will present the full commission and its programme to the European Parliament on the 27th of November.

GROWTH Romanias GDP is up 4% in the first 9 months of this year, compared to the corresponding period of 2018, the National Statistics Institute announced. However, the economic growth rate slowed down in the 3rd quarter, to 3% as against 4.4% reported for the 2nd quarter. In its autumn economic forecast made public recently, the European Commission estimates a 4.1% economic growth rate for Romania in 2019, and expects the rate to drop to 3.6% in 2020 and 3.3% the following year.

TRAVEL 230 operators from 16 countries are attending until Sunday the largest Tourism Fair in Romania, organised in Bucharest. Taking part are representatives of travel agencies, tour operators, and associations and local authorities promoting their regions. Visitors can purchase holiday packages for this winter and for 2020, with discounts of up to 45%.

FOOTBALL Romanias Under 19 football team is playing today at home against Finland, in Group 8 of the 2021 UEFA European Under 19 Championship qualifiers. Denmark tops the group with 9 points, followed by Finland with 7 and Romania with 6 points. In the Euro 2020 qualifiers, Romanias senior team are facing Sweden at home on Friday. Group F is dominated by Spain with 20 points, who have already secured their qualification, followed by Sweden with 15 points and Romania with 14. To qualify, Romania need to defeat Sweden and draw against Spain away. The two best-placed sides in each group will qualify. The drawing of lots for Euro 2020 will take place in Bucharest on the 30th of November. The Romanian capital will also host four European Championship matches, three group matches and a quarterfinal.

HANDBALL Romanias mens handball champions, Dinamo Bucharest, are undefeated in the Champions League, after a draw against the Swedish side IFK Kristianstad, 29-29, in Group D. Dinamo, already qualified into the play-offs, ranks first in the group with 13 points, followed by GOG Gudme (Denmark), with 9 points, Orlen Wisla Plock (Poland) with 7, Kadetten Schaffhausen (Switzerland), with 6, IFK Kristianstad (Sweden) with 5 and Cehovskie Medvedi (Russia) with 4 points. Dinamo is next to take on Cehovskie Medvedi at home on November 20.

(translated by: Ana-Maria Popescu)

14 November 2019
Wine tourism in Romania

If you like wine and you want to visit Romanian wineries but you do not know how such a tour unfolds, Alina Iancu, founder of Crameromania.ro and Revino.ro is the guide that can tell you all about the most impressive wineries in the country.

Alina Iancu: “Around 70 wineries in seven wine areas in Romania are open to visitors. It is about the same number as last year. A visit to a winery includes a presentation of the wine making process, the tasting of five to seven types of wine, and, if the weather allows it, a walk through the vineyards. We recommend the visiting of two wineries a day and also lunch at one of them or at a restaurant nearby. There are wineries equipped with tennis courts and bike lanes through the vineyards and bicycles available for rent. Some companies even stage team building sessions in such areas. Wineries provide locations for various activities. Nevertheless, their main purpose is to offer tourists the joy of wine tasting and of walking through the vineyard. After all, it is more important to go out for a walk than stay inside a wine cellar.”

Alina Iancu, who promotes wine tourism, tells us more about the type of activities organized at a winery: “In the upcoming period we host a jazz event in the vineyard. A company stages this event together with the winery. People come here to enjoy good wine and good music. Such events are organized in many wineries in Romania. A few days ago I accompanied a group of 24 foreign tourists from 10 countries. They are pleasantly surprised of what they find here and the demand is growing by the day. Many of them come to Romania on business trips and are interested to get to know the country better, not necessarily the wine. Nevertheless, I have recently accompanied two or three groups of tourists who came to Romania just for the wine. Most tourists are from Europe, Asia and the US.”

Romania is among the world’s top countries in terms of vineyard areas, followed by Iran, India and Moldova. Alina Iancu: “Romania ranks 13th in the world in terms of wine production. Only 5% of production is exported, so we could do much better in this respect. It’s not bad that most of the wine is sold in Romania but we could put more emphasis on quality wine. We have the necessary quantity and potential, but we should work more on quality and international image. There is enough information on the internet for tourists to get an idea about wine tours in Romania. Besides wine cellars and vineyards, there are also tourist objectives to be visited. A trip to Romania usually includes a visit to the top tourist attractions and then to the wineries. There are wineries that have a number of cellars in the same place, in which case tourists can organize their trip only around them. I have recently accompanied a group of tourists through Transylvania. They really wanted to visit Bran Castle so I took them there. From Bran Castle we went to Brasov and then we visited the wine cellars around Ploiesti.”

A wine testing session usually costs between 5 and 20 euros, depending on the wine cellar, but the price can differ depending on the additional events organized. For instance, a wine tasting session at a winery in southern Romania, with a 300-year long history behind, the tasting of 5 wines and a traditional lunch or dinner costs almost 45 euros.

A lot of interesting events are organized in fall, centered on grape picking. Alina Iancu: “Some of them are private events. A month ago, at Dealu Mare vineyard near Bucharest there was an event with music concerts, wine tasting, grape picking competitions and food trucks. All street food events in the big cities are now starting to be held at vineyards. Wine tourism is a premium tourist segment, so it is not cheap. The renting of a guest house at a vineyard is more expensive than a guest house at the mountain. A visit to a winery takes around 90 minutes and booking in advance is highly recommended. It the visit unfolds during grape picking, the visit should be scheduled a month in advance. Although wineries are usually open to tourists, there are periods during the year when wineries do not accept unannounced visits.”

9 October 2019
Wine tourism in Romania

If you like wine and you want to visit Romanian wineries but you do not know how such a tour unfolds, Alina Iancu, founder of Crameromania.ro and Revino.ro is the guide that can tell you all about the most impressive wineries in the country.

Alina Iancu: “Around 70 wineries in seven wine areas in Romania are open to visitors. It is about the same number as last year. A visit to a winery includes a presentation of the wine making process, the tasting of five to seven types of wine, and, if the weather allows it, a walk through the vineyards. We recommend the visiting of two wineries a day and also lunch at one of them or at a restaurant nearby. There are wineries equipped with tennis courts and bike lanes through the vineyards and bicycles available for rent. Some companies even stage team building sessions in such areas. Wineries provide locations for various activities. Nevertheless, their main purpose is to offer tourists the joy of wine tasting and of walking through the vineyard. After all, it is more important to go out for a walk than stay inside a wine cellar.”

Alina Iancu, who promotes wine tourism, tells us more about the type of activities organized at a winery: “In the upcoming period we host a jazz event in the vineyard. A company stages this event together with the winery. People come here to enjoy good wine and good music. Such events are organized in many wineries in Romania. A few days ago I accompanied a group of 24 foreign tourists from 10 countries. They are pleasantly surprised of what they find here and the demand is growing by the day. Many of them come to Romania on business trips and are interested to get to know the country better, not necessarily the wine. Nevertheless, I have recently accompanied two or three groups of tourists who came to Romania just for the wine. Most tourists are from Europe, Asia and the US.”

Romania is among the world’s top countries in terms of vineyard areas, followed by Iran, India and Moldova. Alina Iancu: “Romania ranks 13th in the world in terms of wine production. Only 5% of production is exported, so we could do much better in this respect. It’s not bad that most of the wine is sold in Romania but we could put more emphasis on quality wine. We have the necessary quantity and potential, but we should work more on quality and international image. There is enough information on the internet for tourists to get an idea about wine tours in Romania. Besides wine cellars and vineyards, there are also tourist objectives to be visited. A trip to Romania usually includes a visit to the top tourist attractions and then to the wineries. There are wineries that have a number of cellars in the same place, in which case tourists can organize their trip only around them. I have recently accompanied a group of tourists through Transylvania. They really wanted to visit Bran Castle so I took them there. From Bran Castle we went to Brasov and then we visited the wine cellars around Ploiesti.”

A wine testing session usually costs between 5 and 20 euros, depending on the wine cellar, but the price can differ depending on the additional events organized. For instance, a wine tasting session at a winery in southern Romania, with a 300-year long history behind, the tasting of 5 wines and a traditional lunch or dinner costs almost 45 euros.

A lot of interesting events are organized in fall, centered on grape picking. Alina Iancu: “Some of them are private events. A month ago, at Dealu Mare vineyard near Bucharest there was an event with music concerts, wine tasting, grape picking competitions and food trucks. All street food events in the big cities are now starting to be held at vineyards. Wine tourism is a premium tourist segment, so it is not cheap. The renting of a guest house at a vineyard is more expensive than a guest house at the mountain. A visit to a winery takes around 90 minutes and booking in advance is highly recommended. It the visit unfolds during grape picking, the visit should be scheduled a month in advance. Although wineries are usually open to tourists, there are periods during the year when wineries do not accept unannounced visits.”

9 October 2019
September 27, 2019 UPDATE

ELECTION The Central Electoral Bureau Friday announced the final list of candidates in Novembers presidential election in Romania, which comprises 14 people. On Saturday the Bureau will draw lots to set the order of the candidates on ballots. October 12 is the first day of the campaign, the first round of the election is scheduled for November 10, and the decisive round on November 24. According to a government resolution, the Romanians living abroad will be able to vote between November 8 and 10 in the first round, and between November 22 and 24 for the runoff.

BREXIT As many as 433,000 Romanian nationals are officially residing in Britain, but the number is very likely higher, the head of the Office for Brexit with the Romanian Foreign Ministry Adina Bădescu said on Friday at a roundtable on the impact of Brexit, organised by the European Parliament office in Romania. She explained that at present Romanians make up the second largest foreign community in the UK. So far, the Romanian official added, 187,000 Romanian citizens have applied for post Brexit status. The British government has repeatedly promised that the rights of European citizens will be protected after the country leaves the EU.

VISAS Romanian citizens may be granted multiple-entry tourist visas for Saudi Arabia, valid for one year, the Ambassador of this country to Bucharest, Abdulaziz Al Aifan said on Friday. He explained that Romania is one of the 38 European countries, out of a total of 49 states worldwide, included in a first stage of Saudi Arabias opening up to foreign tourists. According to AFP, Saudi Arabia announced on Friday that it would issue tourist visas for the first time, in an attempt to diversify its sources of revenue, which rely exclusively on oil extraction at present.

MOURNING The Embassy of France in Romania will open an online book of condolences on its home page, for those who wish to pay tribute to the former president Jacques Chirac, who died on Thursday aged 86. President Emmanuel Macron declared national mourning on Monday, when the flags of the French Embassy in Bucharest will also fly at half-mast. France is mourning Jacques Chirac, a statesman, a great European and friend of Romania, a country that he visited several times, especially for the Francophonie Summit of 2006, reads a Facebook post of the French Embassy in Romania.

(translated by: Ana-Maria Popescu)

27 September 2019
A tourist in Romania’s salt mines

Tourists’ interest in salt mines has been growing in time, and the curative properties of salty air have led to the development of speleotherapy and climatotherapy, treatments that people can benefit from in the underground, in a salt mine. There are salt mines where amusement parks have been built for both children and adults, as well as relaxation areas and museums.

Daniela Pop, a marketing representative of the National Salt Company (SALROM) presented to us some of the most beautiful salt mines in Romania: “We manage seven salt mines, and five of them are open to tourists. They have access to places which are very beautifully decorated and equipped, they are genuine national treasures. We manage Praid mine in Harghita County, Slanic in Prahova county, which is the closest to Bucharest, Ocnele Mari in Valcea county and Targu Ocna and Cacica in the eastern region of Moldavia. We cover the entire country. Tourists can visit these mines any time during the year, both in summer and in winter, because temperature in the underground is constant.”

Most salt mines have set up special leisure facilities in the underground, to help people spend a pleasant time there. Here is Daniela Pop with more: ”Unless advised otherwise by a doctor, because there are people suffering from certain diseases who are not allowed to go down into a salt mine, visitors can spend two or three hours in the underground together with their children. In Praid, for instance, we have a beautiful adventure park with a zipline, a playground for children, so entire families can spend time there and breathe clean air, which has never been polluted and is very good for their health. The most popular of our salt mines is Praid, in Harghita county. The place also has a restaurant, a concert area and it hosts lots of events. The region of Sovata-Praid per se is quite beautiful. We intend to bring more services into the salt mine, such as audio books with presentations in several languages.”

Romania is famous for its salt mines. According to studies conducted recently, in Romania you will find places with the purest air on the planet. Also, Romania is home to the biggest salt mine in Europe, Prahova, which is located 120 km from Bucharest.

And, although there are similar places across Europe, the Romanian salt mines have a certain characteristic, according to the SALROM marketing representative Daniela Pop: “These are places that you won’t find everywhere in the world. There are salt mines in other countries as well, but they are not so numerous. Romanians are very keen on tradition. They keep the spirit of Christian education alive. In each salt mine from our portfolio we have an altar dedicated to saint Varvara, who is the protector of miners. We have tried to preserve as much as we could from the traditions of Romanian mining. In each salt mine visitors will find leaflets presenting a short history of mining, we want to disseminate information especially among foreign tourists. Most of them come with the purpose of discovering the history of the place, the stories related to salt extraction. I recommend everyone who happens to pass by a salt mine to go down into the mine and spend a few hours in the underground. They will surely feel the benefits of salty air. However, people with health problems should take into account the doctor’s orders.”

We’ll now be heading to northeastern Romania, in the historical region of Bucovina, to visit the Cacica salt mine. The commune of Cacica is located 18 kms away from the town of Gura Humorului and 40 kms from Suceava where salt deposits were uncovered around 1780. The Cacica salt mine was opened to visitors starting in the 19th century.

Ioana Croitoru, a tour guide, will make a short presentation of the salt mine next: “The entire salt mine was carved by hand with the help of hammers and chisels by expert miners from Poland and Ukraine. Everything there is made of salt. Cacica means ‘duck’ in Polish. The area was a marshland with lots of wild ducks, hence the name of the salt mine given by the Poles. Experts estimate that Cacica has a salt deposit that will be enough for another 500 years from now. Exploitation of the salt in Cacica started in 1791. The mine has a small Orthodox chapel with several sculptures made in salt. At the depth of 38 meters there is an artificial lake on whose borders one will spot salt crystals. Visitors will also notice at the lake a small boat in which miners used to take their kids and grandchildren for a ride. A ball room was carved at a depth of 41 meters where parties used to be organized. The room bears the name of the salt mine’s first director general, Agripa Popescu. At 75 meters in the underground there used to be a cheese storage area, given that temperature in the underground is constant, standing at 10 degrees C. Now a sports ground is being set up in the salt mine for those who come for treatment, people with asthma or with various respiratory diseases. There is also a playground for kids.”

We hope we have convinced you to contact your travel agent and book a tour of Romania’s salt mines.

22 August 2019
4 August 2019, UPDATE

Caracal killings. Investigators continued searches on Sunday at the home of Gheorghe
Dincă from Caracal, in southern Romania, the man who said, after being detained
more than a week ago, that he killed two teenagers, 15-year-old Alexandra Măceşanu
and 18-year-old Luiza Melencu. New biological samples were collected from the
suspect’s courtyard and home. The Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime
and Terrorism (DIICOT), which is conducting the inquiry, said the ash collected
from Dincă’s home only showed traces of Alexandra’s DNA, the girl who went missing on the 24th of
July, which confirms the suspect’s statements that he burned her body. While the
investigators were conducting searches at Dincă’s home, locals came to leave
candles outside the house in memory of the two girls. A religious services was
also held on Sunday at the Orthodox Cathedral in Caracal.

Treaty. The foreign
ministry in Bucharest has posted a message on its official Twitter page saying
Romania stands together with the United States and its NATO allies on the INF
nuclear treaty, which has ceased to exist. Russia and the US announced on
Friday the cessation of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which banned missiles with
ranges between 500 and 5,500 km. Washington said it would withdraw from the
treaty back in February. Moscow reacted on the same day, saying it too would
pull out. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has accused Russia of being in
material breach of the treaty, with Moscow repeatedly rejecting the accusation.
The INF pact, which was signed by the US and the former USSR in 1987, banned ground-launched
missiles with short and medium ranges.

Tourism. More than five million tourists were reported in Romania in the
first six months of the year, less than last year, according to the National
Institute for Statistics. The majority were Romanian, with foreign visitors
accounting for under 21%. Among foreign tourists, most of them came from
Europe, 85% of whom from the EU. 115,000 tourists came from Germany, and around
92,000 from Italy and Israel each. The visitors used mostly road and air
travel.

Festival. The British singer Robbie
Williams featured on the last day of Untold, a big electronic music festival
hosted by the city of Cluj-Napoca, in north-western Romania. The four-day festival has brought together 200 acts on its ten different
stages.

Fair. Seven Romanian clothes manufacturers are taking part in an
economic mission in Atlanta, in the US, in an event meant to promote the
creative industries and exports of quality products with high added value. The
seven companies are attending for the first time one of the biggest fashion
fairs in the US, hoping to forge collaborations with US companies, writes a
statement from the ministry for business, trade and entrepreneurship in
Bucharest.

Tennis. The Romanian tennis player ranked 223rd in the world Patricia
Maria Ţig on Sunday won the final of the tournament in Karlsruhe, in Germany, defeating the world no. 65 Alison van Uytvanck of Belgium in three sets. Ţig, who won in 1 hour and 38 minutes, has only won two WTA finals in her career, the first in Baku in 2015 and again in Bucharest last month

4 August 2019
4 August, 2019

Caracal. Investigators returned on Sunday at the home of Gheorghe Dincă
from Caracal, in southern Romania, the man who said, after being detained more
than a week ago, that he killed two teenagers, 15-year-old Alexandra Măceşanu and
18-year-old Luiza Melencu. New biological samples were collected on Saturday
from the suspect’s courtyard and home. Investigations focus now on placing
Luiza Melencu, the girl who went missing in April, at Dincă’s home. He says he
dumped her body in the Danube. The Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime
and Terrorism (DIICOT), which is conducting the inquiry, said ash collected
from Dincă’s home also showed traces of Alexandra Măceşanu’s DNA, the girl who
went missing on the 24th of July. On the following day, she managed
to call the emergency hotline, but the authorities were slow to react and
intervened when it was too late. The series of unacceptable mistakes made in
this case have already led to resignations and dismissals.

INF. The foreign
ministry in Bucharest has posted a message on its official Twitter page saying
Romania stands together with the United States and its NATO allies on the INF
nuclear treaty, which has ceased to exist. Russia and the US announced on
Friday the cessation of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which banned missiles with
ranges between 500 and 5,500 km. Washington said it would withdraw from the
treaty back in February. Moscow reacted on the same day, saying it too would
pull out. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has accused Russia of being in
material breach of the treaty, with Moscow repeatedly rejecting the accusation.
The INF pact, which was signed by the US and the former USSR in 1987, banned ground-launched
missiles with short and medium ranges.

Shootings. Ten persons, including the attacker, were killed in a
shooting at a bar in Dayton, in the US state of Ohio, and at least 16 people are
in hospital with injuries, the local police have announced. This incident came
hours after 20 people were killed and 26 wounded in an armed attack at a shopping
centre in El Paso, in Texas. At the end of last week, another attack took place
at a gastronomic event in Gilroy, California, in which four people were killed.

Tourism. More than five million tourists were reported in Romania in the
first six months of the year, less than last year, according to the National
Institute for Statistics. The majority were Romanian, with foreign visitors
accounting for under 21%. Among foreign tourists, most of them came from
Europe, 85% of whom from the EU. 115,000 tourists came from Germany, and around
92,000 from Italy and Israel each. The visitors used mostly road and air
travel.

Festival. Untold, the electronic
music festival hosted by the city of Cluj-Napoca, in north-western Romania,
comes to an end today with a one and a half hour act from the British singer
Robbie Williams. The line-up of the final day also features David Guetta and Martin Garrix on the main stage and the Romanian acts
Paraziţii and Macanache on one of the smaller stages. The four-day festival has
brought together 200 acts, including the likes of Armin van Buuren and 3 Are Legend.

Fair. Seven Romanian clothes manufacturers are taking part in an
economic mission in Atlanta, in the US, in an event meant to promote the
creative industries and exports of quality products with high added value. The
seven companies are attending for the first time one of the biggest fashion
fairs in the US, hoping to forge collaborations with US companies, writes a
statement from the ministry for business, trade and entrepreneurship in
Bucharest.

Tennis. The Romanian tennis player Patricia Maria Ţig has defeated
Italy’s Jasmine Paolini to reach the final of the tournament in Karlsruhe, in
Germany. Ţig, who is currently no. 223 in the WTA ranking, will be facing the
world no. 65 Alison van Uytvanck of Belgium in the final. In the US, the
Romanian-Dutch pair Horia Tecău and Jean-Julien Rojer have reached the doubles
semifinals in Washington after defeating the Bryan brothers of the US. Tecău
and Rojer will face the all-Australian pair Alex De Minaur and John Peers in
the semis.

4 August 2019
Iasi

Today we are going to the northeast of the country, in a city filled with history, with an intense cultural life, Iasi. The first time visitor will find out that they are surrounded by history with every step, related to many eras, be it the history of the prehistoric culture of Cucuteni, the era of the great medieval noble families, the historic election of Alexandru Ioan Cuza as ruler of the united Romanian Principalities, or many manifestations of the arts and sciences.

Today’s trip to Iasi is occasioned by an important celebration. 160 years ago, on January 5, the Elective Assembly in Iasi voted into office as ruler of Moldavia Alexandru Ioan Cuza. The corresponding assembly in Bucharest elected him ruler of Wallachia on January 24, 1859, effectively uniting the two entities into a single state, called the Romanian Principalities, a first important step in the creation of the modern Romanian state. We spoke to Anca Zota, coordinator of the Iasi Tourism Information Center.

“On January 24, we always have activities dedicated to this event, which is the most important of the year for us here in Iasi. We have lots of festivities that end with the Round Dance of the Union. We also have traditional music concerts, and every museum and tourist site that has the slightest connection with this celebration organizes some event to observe the day.

Anca Zota recommends Iasi for its pleasant atmosphere and the welcoming air: “There are plenty of opportunities for cultural tourism, we have great offers for active tourism, too. There is the famous pilgrimage on St. Paraskeva day, along with a rich offer in terms of religious tourism. Lately, another type of tourism that emerged is business tourism, as well as medical tourism. However, in order to truly grasp the essence of the city of Iasi, I would recommend starting your visits with the Palace of Culture, which includes four very interesting museums. The History Museum will provide you with an idea of how the city developed. The Ethnography Museum shows us the way in which our ancestors made their daily living. The Art Museum has a great Romanian painting collection. One other great collection is that of the Museum of Mechanical Music. The curators of this museum organize a festival every two years. Another interesting collection is that of the Metropolitan Museum, in the basement of the Metropolitan Bishopric of Iasi. Visitors can see the old foundations of the building, in addition to the exhibits. One other emblematic museum for the city is the University Museum, showcasing the Cucuteni stone age civilization, and about the Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, the oldest one in the country. I want to make a point of telling tourists that they should not miss the opportunity to visit famous writer Ion Creanga’s memorial house. All Romanians know all about this writer, but foreign visitors may enjoy it too, because it is a very well preserved traditional Romanian home, in a beautiful neighborhood. One other beautiful objective is the Botanical Garden, especially for tourists who enjoy the outdoors.

It is a great idea to visit Iasi during your summer vacation. You will find there a relaxing atmosphere, great Romanian cuisine restaurants, and restaurants catering for international tastes as well. There are plenty of clubs and cafes with live music. Local bands and bands traveling from all over the country and abroad play jazz, rock and blues late into the night. You can also plan a vacation depending on the schedule of events. You will definitely find something to enjoy here.

Here is Anca Zota once again: “We have some events that have gained tradition, and are scheduled at specific times. In late February we have the Azalea and Camellia Exhibition at the Botanical Garden. In the first week of March we have the March Fair. One week before Easter we have a fair dedicated to the event, and in May we have a month dedicated to music. On May 11 and 12 we have the Folk Festival of Iasi, between May 16 and 19 we have a rock music festival, and between May 24 and 26 we have the Hangariada Festival at the Air Club in Iasi, which is a festival including art, music, and flying airplanes. The music shows are accompanied by air shows and parachute jumps. In the last weekend of June we have a traditional festival dedicated to the Cucuteni stone age culture, featuring the famous Cucuteni ceramics. In October we have two interesting festivals: the International Literature and Translation Festival, and the International Youth Theater Festival. If you want to attend you should buy your tickets a few months in advance, because these festivals sell out very quickly. The people who come to Iasi may want to book their trip for the month of October, where we have the city celebration on the 14th.

Anca Zota told us that tourist traffic has been on the rise in the last few years: “So far, since our grand opening in 2006, the greatest numbers of tourists have come from France, Italy, Spain and Germany. Lately we have had greater and greater numbers of tourists from Israel. They are delighted with the fact that this is a special city, full of welcoming and smiling people, with plenty of things to see and do. We have a map of the city in English, and lots of promotional materials in English, French and German, which we provide to tourists.

Iasi is a great venue for outdoor activities: “The city is surrounded by forests, where you can take long walks. The forests are very safe. We have marked trails for walking, as well as for cycling. You can pick among trails for experienced trekkers, and less experienced ones. You can take walks as long as 20 km in the forests. There are bicycle rental centers, and our office keeps in touch with them, and we highly recommend them.

Iasi, therefore, is a highly recommended tourist destination for any time of the year.

18 July 2019
Traveler’s Guide the Piatra Craiului National Park

Today we take you to around 200 kilometers north of Bucharest, to the Southern Carpathians, that boast one of Romania’s most spectacular mountain massifs, Piatra Craiului. Tourism is one of the park administration’s main management objectives. In spite of the fact that there are several areas, in the Piatra Craiului mountains, where tourists’ access is forbidden, in order to protect biodiversity, there are still many tourist routes, which are clearly marked, as well as a number of natural attractions worth seeing. Mircea Verghelet is the head of the Piatra Craiului National Park.

He tells us that today’s destination is unique in Romania: ”It is a special area as compared to other massifs in our country, since it is the only one reaching a height of more than 2,000 meters, with limestone being the main rock. In all massifs across Romania, limestone makes a spectacular relief, but in Piatra Craiului its dimensions are impressive. There are steep limestone walls, especially on the western slope, on the so-called western wall in Piatra Craiului. Here you can find the most spectacular tourist routes. Also, there is a unique trekking route in Romania, crossing the Piatra Craiului peak, which makes it well worth the effort.”

The area is a favorite with mountain climbers. In the Zarnesti Gorges, for instance, there are many vertical walls. All passionate climbers, even the ones who climbed the Himalayas, go there to practice. But you don’t have to be experts in mountain climbing, as there are routes accessible to everybody, some with a higher degree of difficulty and others easier to take. You can find all the information you need on the park’s webpage, at www.pcrai.ro, a page that also has an English version. There is also a detailed map of the park, also available in the 3D format, with the help of Google Earth. The head of the Piatra Craiului National Park administration, Mircea Verghelet, recommends tourists to start their visit with the Park’s Visiting Centre.

Mircea Verghelet: ”Practically, it is a museum of the massif, where tourists can get info on Piatra Craiului, on the flora and fauna species in the park, on local traditions, and even on how to prepare sheepskin cheese in fir tree bark, which is a traditional product in the area. We have a 10-minute documentary film, showing the entire process of making this kind of cheese. The Visiting Center also has lots of interactive elements, dioramas, touch screens and also a 3D model of the massif, offering a comprehensive perspective of the tourist route maps, the type of soil and the distribution habitats. The information is also available in English, with the digital information on the screens and on the boards of the Visiting Center having all a Romanian – English version. This is a rule we have implemented and which we observe. Also, the tourist route is marked, and we also have Braille boards for visually impaired visitors.”

The Piatra Craiului National Park is home to numerous wild animals. Mircea Verghelet tells us more about it: “We have a growing population of mountain goats, that have changed their behavior due to the fact that hunting is forbidden in the Piatra Craiului National Park. To our joy, these animals can be sometimes observed from a distance of only five or six meters, at high altitudes. Usually, tourists venturing to the alpine and subalpine area are sure to see mountain goats and, if they are lucky, even bears and wood grouses. There are over 120 bird species that can be observed in the park. We have ticket machines at the park’s main entrances, one in central Zarnesti, at the Post Office, where there is also a tourist information center, one at the park administration office and another one at the Plaiul Foii chalet. Tickets can also be purchased via all mobile telephony networks, through SMS or directly on the National Park’s webpage.”

In Zarnesti, we talked to Stefan Balogy, head of the National Center for Tourist Information and Promotion: “We are trying to attract families to visit the area. We want them to spend not just one day here, but a few more days. For them we have several special routes of one to two hours, and also long routes that take 10 to 12 hours. At present, we have 42 marked mountain routes, whose maps can be also be downloaded in a GPS format on the phone. As of last year, we have started developing cyclotourism. There are 11 marked trails in the park, connecting Zarnesti to Bran and Moeciu villages, with a total length of 120 km. Horse riding is another attraction. We have four centers that offer horse rides in the surrounding woods and sleigh trips during winter. Also, hiking and climbing in the most popular area of Piatra Craiului, the Zarnesti Gorges, is also worth considering. This is also the most visited tourist attraction, due to the fact that it is easily accessible. Also, paragliding and moto-paragliding, which we have also been offering lately, are becoming increasingly popular.”

Piatra Craiului is a mountain rather difficult to climb, which is why the use of proper equipment is highly recommended. Tourists should not miss out on several hot spots in the area, such as Bran Castle, Dambovicioara Cave and the city of Brasov.

21 March 2019
February 24, 2019

SUMMIT — The President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, is currently attending The EU-The League of Arab States Summit, held in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, which brings together for the first time heads of state or government from both sides. The major objective of the summit is to set up a cooperation platform between the European Union and the Arab world as an important strategic partner in the southern neighbourhood. The Sharm el-Sheikh Summit also offers an opportunity to both sides to boost their relations and join forces to cope with common challenges. In this context, the European and Arab states leaders will approach a series of regional and global issues, such as migration, fighting terrorism, the sustainable resolution of regional crises and climate change. On Saturday, President Klaus Iohannis held talks with his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The Romanian president underlined the very good and solid relationship between the two countries, saying Egypt is one of Romania’s traditional friends in the region and a key factor in ensuring regional stability and security. The two heads of state have expressed their determination and interest in boosting bilateral relations, particularly their economic dimension.

PROTEST — Magistrates in Bucharest and several other cities across Romania have decided to suspend their activity, for a week, as from Monday, after on Friday they protested in front of courts against the new changes to the justice laws. Prosecutors and judges say the provisions of Ordinance 7, adopted by the government early this week, can lead to an institutional deadlock and impact the independence of the judiciary. Some of the changes to the justice laws which has stirred the magistrates’ discontent refers to the appointment of top level prosecutors, as these positions can also be occupied by judges who have earlier been prosecutors, the seniority condition being thus eliminated. The Ordinance has been criticised both in Brussels, by the European Commission, and in Romania, by the magistrates’ associations, the Superior Council of Magistracy, through its department for prosecutors and the right-of-centre opposition.

REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA — Some three million voters in the Republic of Moldova, a former Soviet state with a predominantly Romanian speaking population are called to the polls today to elect their new MPs. The Moldovan authorities have opened 2,141 polling stations. 123 stations have been opened abroad. 12 such polling stations have been opened in Romania, 2 of which in Bucharest. The ballot is monitored by some 4,200 national and international observers. Opinion polls indicate as favourite in the election the Socialists’ pro-Russian party, which prompt pundits to say Moldova will slow down on its European path after the elections. For the first time ever, the elections are held based on the mixed voting system, with 50 MPs being elected directly on party lists, whereas 51 others will by elected in uninominal electoral constituencies, in only one round. A referendum on downsizing the number of MPs from 101 to 61, in the future, and introducing the possibility of replacing them by the citizens is held concurrently with the elections.

DIASPORA — Experts on Diaspora-related problems from 9 countries are attending a debate in Craiova, southern Romania, for the first time during a rotating presidency. The talks focus on issues related to the Diaspora in the EU, laying emphasis on socio-professional reintegration of people in their countries of origin, cracking down on human trafficking and eradicating the scourge of modern slavery. The participants are presenting examples of reinsertion and reintegration of citizens, after their return to their countries of origin, as well as awareness raising campaigns on human trafficking. On Saturday, the spokesperson for the Ministry for the Romanians Abroad, Adriana Dănilă, said these meetings are aimed at drafting measures and establishing practical instruments to support the Romanians living abroad.

YELLOW VESTS — Yellow vests protests have been reported in France for the 15th Saturday in a row. Enjoying a much larger participation than last week, the rally ended in new violent actions. The French Interior Minister, Christophe Castaner, has condemned the damages produced in several towns across France and has hailed the intervention of the riot police. Some 30 people have been arrested in Paris and scores others have been taken into custody across France.

FLU — The National Public Health Institute on Sunday announced a new death caused by the flu virus, thus taking to 149 the total number of people who succumbed to the flu in Romania since the start of the season. The last person to die of flu is a man, 39, without pre-existing conditions, who hasn’t gotten a flu shot. The latest data released by the National Public Health Institute show over 1.3 million people have been vaccinated against the flu so far.

TRAVEL — The Tourism Fair which started in Bucharest on Thursday will close its doors today. Participating have been 330 companies from 15 countries. A project titled “The Route of Ruler Stephen the Great”, destined for Moldovan and Romanian citizens, as well as for foreigners who want to embark on an interesting cultural and historical itinerary has been launched during the fair. The route includes 24 historical and cultural attractions on Romania’s territory and 10 others located in the Republic of Moldova. (Translated by D. Vijeu)

24 February 2019
Iasi

Today we are going to the northeast of the country, in a city filled with history, with an intense cultural life, Iasi. The first time visitor will find out that they are surrounded by history with every step, related to many eras, be it the history of the prehistoric culture of Cucuteni, the era of the great medieval noble families, the historic election of Alexandru Ioan Cuza as ruler of the united Romanian Principalities, or many manifestations of the arts and sciences.

Today’s trip to Iasi is occasioned by an important celebration. 160 years ago, on January 5, the Elective Assembly in Iasi voted into office as ruler of Moldavia Alexandru Ioan Cuza. The corresponding assembly in Bucharest elected him ruler of Wallachia on January 24, 1859, effectively uniting the two entities into a single state, called the Romanian Principalities, a first important step in the creation of the modern Romanian state. We spoke to Anca Zota, coordinator of the Iasi Tourism Information Center.

“On January 24, we always have activities dedicated to this event, which is the most important of the year for us here in Iasi. We have lots of festivities that end with the Round Dance of the Union. We also have traditional music concerts, and every museum and tourist site that has the slightest connection with this celebration organizes some event to observe the day.

Anca Zota recommends Iasi for its pleasant atmosphere and the welcoming air: “There are plenty of opportunities for cultural tourism, we have great offers for active tourism, too. There is the famous pilgrimage on St. Paraskeva day, along with a rich offer in terms of religious tourism. Lately, another type of tourism that emerged is business tourism, as well as medical tourism. However, in order to truly grasp the essence of the city of Iasi, I would recommend starting your visits with the Palace of Culture, which includes four very interesting museums. The History Museum will provide you with an idea of how the city developed. The Ethnography Museum shows us the way in which our ancestors made their daily living. The Art Museum has a great Romanian painting collection. One other great collection is that of the Museum of Mechanical Music. The curators of this museum organize a festival every two years. Another interesting collection is that of the Metropolitan Museum, in the basement of the Metropolitan Bishopric of Iasi. Visitors can see the old foundations of the building, in addition to the exhibits. One other emblematic museum for the city is the University Museum, showcasing the Cucuteni stone age civilization, and about the Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, the oldest one in the country. I want to make a point of telling tourists that they should not miss the opportunity to visit famous writer Ion Creanga’s memorial house. All Romanians know all about this writer, but foreign visitors may enjoy it too, because it is a very well preserved traditional Romanian home, in a beautiful neighborhood. One other beautiful objective is the Botanical Garden, especially for tourists who enjoy the outdoors.

It is a great idea to visit Iasi during your summer vacation. You will find there a relaxing atmosphere, great Romanian cuisine restaurants, and restaurants catering for international tastes as well. There are plenty of clubs and cafes with live music. Local bands and bands traveling from all over the country and abroad play jazz, rock and blues late into the night. You can also plan a vacation depending on the schedule of events. You will definitely find something to enjoy here.

Here is Anca Zota once again: “We have some events that have gained tradition, and are scheduled at specific times. In late February we have the Azalea and Camellia Exhibition at the Botanical Garden. In the first week of March we have the March Fair. One week before Easter we have a fair dedicated to the event, and in May we have a month dedicated to music. On May 11 and 12 we have the Folk Festival of Iasi, between May 16 and 19 we have a rock music festival, and between May 24 and 26 we have the Hangariada Festival at the Air Club in Iasi, which is a festival including art, music, and flying airplanes. The music shows are accompanied by air shows and parachute jumps. In the last weekend of June we have a traditional festival dedicated to the Cucuteni stone age culture, featuring the famous Cucuteni ceramics. In October we have two interesting festivals: the International Literature and Translation Festival, and the International Youth Theater Festival. If you want to attend you should buy your tickets a few months in advance, because these festivals sell out very quickly. The people who come to Iasi may want to book their trip for the month of October, where we have the city celebration on the 14th.

Anca Zota told us that tourist traffic has been on the rise in the last few years: “So far, since our grand opening in 2006, the greatest numbers of tourists have come from France, Italy, Spain and Germany. Lately we have had greater and greater numbers of tourists from Israel. They are delighted with the fact that this is a special city, full of welcoming and smiling people, with plenty of things to see and do. We have a map of the city in English, and lots of promotional materials in English, French and German, which we provide to tourists.

Iasi is a great venue for outdoor activities: “The city is surrounded by forests, where you can take long walks. The forests are very safe. We have marked trails for walking, as well as for cycling. You can pick among trails for experienced trekkers, and less experienced ones. You can take walks as long as 20 km in the forests. There are bicycle rental centers, and our office keeps in touch with them, and we highly recommend them.

Iasi, therefore, is a highly recommended tourist destination for any time of the year.

24 January 2019
December 30, 2018 UPDATE

EU Romania takes over the rotating presidency of the EU Council on January 1, for the first time since its accession in 2007. The priorities of the Romanian presidency focus on 4 areas: Europe of convergence, A Safer Europe, Europe, a stronger global actor, and Europe of common values. During its term, Romania will have to manage several complex issues like Brexit, the 2021-2027 budget, a coherent strategy on migration and increasing the Unions global role. The official web page of the Romanian presidency of the EU Council has been launched. The page, available at românia2019.eu, in Romanian, English and French, provides useful information for journalists, the general public and European affairs experts. The calendar of the Romanian presidency will be posted on this website after January 15th.

POLICE Over 25,000 Interior Ministry personnel are on duty during the New Years holiday. Some 9,000 police with more than 3,000 vehicles are in charge of preventing and handling events that might jeopardise public safety and security. A helicopter of the Aviation Inspectorate General, with a policeman also on board, will monitor the most crowded areas. Special attention will be paid to the protection of the participants in the 125 large-scale public events expected to bring together a total of 300,000 people. The largest shows will be organised in Bucharest, Brasov, Sibiu and Cluj Napoca. Meanwhile, the Police continue searches for the Brasov robbery perpetrators, who on Friday night blew up an ATM containing over 30,000 euros. The door and front window of the respective bank unit were shattered and pieces were scattered on the sidewalk and in the street.

MONARCHY Romania Sunday commemorated 71 years since monarchy was abolished and the country was declared a “peoples republic. On December 30th, 1947, with the country under Soviet military occupation and headed by a communist puppet government, King Mihai I was forced to relinquish power and to leave the country. Previously, on August 23rd, 1944, during WW2, the King had ordered the arrest of the countrys de facto leader, Marshall Ion Antonescu, Romanias withdrawal from its alliance with Hitlers Germany and joining its traditional allies, the USA and Britain. Historians say this decision shortened the war by at least 6 months and saved hundreds of thousands of lives. King Mihai I was only allowed to return to Romania after the 1989 Revolution, when he regained his Romanian citizenship and some of his properties. The King lobbied for Romanias accession to NATO in 2004 and EU in 2007. He passed away on December 5th, 2017, at 96 years of age. His first born, Princess Margareta, is custodian of the Crown and the Kings successor as head of the Royal House of Romania.

TOURISM Over 2 million foreigners checked in during the first 9 months of this year in Romanian hotels and boarding houses. According to the National Statistics Institute, they spent more than 1 billion euros. Foreign tourists came to Romania for business, congresses, conferences, courses, trade fairs and exhibitions. Close to half of them used travel agencies to arrange their trips to Romania, and most of them travelled by plane.

MEDAL A Romanian woman born in Timişoara (west) and currently the owner of a bar in Rome was decorated by the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, for her courage of informing against 2 members of a mafia family. According to Radio Romanias correspondent in Italy, Roxana Roman, 34, was granted the title of Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, for her contribution to upholding the law. Roxana Roman owns a bar in Romanina neighbourhood in Rome, where on Easter day 2 members of the Casamonica mafia family attacked her husband, Marian Roman, and a client with disabilities. Although the mobsters ravaged the bar and warned them not to report the matter to the police, the Romanians were not intimidated and informed against them. It was the natural thing to do, said Roxana Roman. “The neighbourhood has been living in fear for a long time. There are lots of people willing to change things, but we need a new attitude, and this begins with ourselves, she told Italian mass media.

MIGRANTS Romanian border police in Nadlac (west) found 41 foreigners attempting to cross the Hungarian border on foot, illegally. The Border Police Inspectorate announced on Sunday that during an operation to combat illegal migration they arrested 22 people who were trying to cross illegally into Hungary. They notified the Hungarian authorities, who searched the area and found another 19 illegal migrants. Of the individuals found on the Romanian side of the border, 21 are Iraqis and 1 Afghan, 15 adults of 19 to 40 years of age and 7 children, most of them seeking asylum in Romania. They said they were trying to get into Western European countries to find jobs.

TENNIS The Romanian player Sorana Cîrstea (84 WTA) Sunday qualified into the eighth-finals of the WTA tournament in Shenzhen (China), after beating Magda Linette of Poland, cu 6-3, 6-3. Cîrstea is to play next against Pauline Parmentier (France). Also on Sunday the Romanian Irina Maria Bara and the Georgian Oksana Kalashinkova moved up into the quarter-finals of the Shenzhen doubles.

(translated by: Ana-Maria Popescu)

30 December 2018
December 30, 2018

EU The official web page of the Romanian presidency of the EU Council has been launched. Romania is to take over the helm of the Council on January 1, 2019, for 6 months. The page, available at românia2019.eu, in Romanian, English and French, provides useful information for journalists, the general public and European affairs experts. The calendar of the Romanian presidency will be posted on this website after January 15th.

MONARCHY Romania today commemorates 71 years since monarchy was abolished and the country was declared a “peoples republic. On December 30th, 1947, with the country under Soviet military occupation and headed by a communist puppet government, King Mihai I was forced to relinquish power and to leave the country. Previously, on August 23rd, 1944, during WW2, the King had ordered the arrest of the countrys de facto leader, Marshall Ion Antonescu, Romanias withdrawal from its alliance with Hitlers Germany and joining its traditional allies, the USA and Britain. Historians say this decision shortened the war by at least 6 months and saved hundreds of thousands of lives. King Mihai I was only allowed to return to Romania after the 1989 Revolution, when he regained his Romanian citizenship and some of his properties. The King lobbied for Romanias accession to NATO in 2004 and EU in 2007. He passed away on December 5th, 2017, at 96 years of age. His first born, Princess Margareta, is custodian of the Crown and the Kings successor as head of the Royal House of Romania.

MEDAL A Romanian woman born in Timişoara (west) and currently the owner of a bar in Rome was decorated by the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, for her courage of informing against 2 members of a mafia family. According to Radio Romanias correspondent in Italy, Roxana Roman, 34, was granted the title of Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, for her contribution to upholding the law. Roxana Roman owns a bar in Romanina neighbourhood in Rome, where on Easter day 2 members of the Casamonica mafia family attacked her husband, Marian Roman, and a client with disabilities. Although the mobsters ravaged the bar and warned them not to report the matter to the police, the Romanians were not intimidated and informed against them. It was the natural thing to do, says Roxana Roman. “The neighbourhood has been living in fear for a long time. There are lots of people willing to change things, but we need a new attitude, and this begins with ourselves, she told Italian mass media.

POLICE Over 25,000 Interior Ministry personnel are on duty during the New Years holiday. Some 9,000 police with more than 3,000 vehicles are in charge of preventing and handling events that might jeopardise public safety and security. A helicopter of the Aviation Inspectorate General, with a policeman also on board, will monitor the most crowded areas. Special attention will be paid to the protection of the participants in the 125 large-scale public events expected to bring together a total of 300,000 people. The largest shows will be organised in Bucharest, Brasov, Sibiu and Cluj Napoca. Meanwhile, the Police continue searches for the Brasov robbery perpetrators, who on Friday night blew up an ATM containing over 30,000 euros. The door and front window of the respective bank unit were shattered and pieces were scattered on the sidewalk and in the street.

TOURISM Over 2 million foreigners checked in during the first 9 months of this year in Romanian hotels and boarding houses. According to the National Statistics Institute, they spent more than 1 billion euros. Foreign tourists came to Romania for business, congresses, conferences, courses, trade fairs and exhibitions. Close to half of them used travel agencies to arrange their trips to Romania, and most of them travelled by plane.

HANDBALL Romanias mens handball team Saturday night lost the final of the “4 Nations Cup, held in the Polish city of Opole, against the host country Poland. The score was 6-5 after penalty shootouts. In the semis Romania beat the Czech Republic 27-26. The national team, coached by Spains Manuel Montoya and the Romanian Eliodor Voica, is next to have a training session in Slovakia, followed by a tournament in which the host country and Netherlands are also taking part. The mens handball team failed to qualify into the World Championship due next month in Germany and Denmark. On the other hand, Romanias womens handball team has already booked its ticket to next years World Championship in Japan, after finishing 4th in the European Championship in France this month.

(translated by: Ana-Maria Popescu)

30 December 2018
Winter Holidays in the foothills of Piatra Craiului Mountains

If you want to spend your winter holidays far from the hustle and bustle of the big cities, in a natural environment and a fairy-tale atmosphere, we have the perfect destination: the Dambovicioara Gorges. The area boasts an impressive number of tourist attractions, while winter traditions and customs will add special charm to your stay in the region. Raluca Busioc is a travel agent with Arges County’s Dambovicioara Tourism Information center.

She gives us details about the region: ”The commune of Dambovicioara is located on the border of Arges and Brasov counties. It is, in fact, Arges county’s northernmost commune. The main tourist attractions here, that made it famous, are the Piatra Craiului massif, the Dambovicioara gorges, and especially the Dambovicioara cave. However, there are lots of other tourist attractions here. When it comes to trekking, the Dambovicioara gorges and also the Dambovicioara Cave is a favorite with tourists. “

There are around 50 caves in the Piatra Craiului reserve. The Dambovicioara cave was discovered more than 400 years ago, in 1579, and has had electric lighting since 1980. Now it has a metal walkway, along which tourists can walk the 250 meters that are open to visitors. There are also other walkways that are closed to the public.

Raluca Busioc: ”In the cave there are stalactites of various shapes. People with a rich imagination said these stalactites and stalagmites have the shape of a snake’s head or a bear’s paw, for instance. One of the legends says that a hermit used to live in the Dambovicioara cave, Pavel (Paul) by his name, who used stones to build a library, a bed, and several other objects. We may also say that, if we let our imagination wander, we can identify certain objects. Children in the Dambovicioara commune do volunteer work, playing the role of guides. They love telling tourists the legend of hermit Pavel. They also tell another story, that of a bunch of outlaws who stole money from the rich and gave it to the poor. Children are delighted when they see that tourist really love listening to these legends.”

The area is perfect for trekking, as travel agent Raluca Busioc tells us: “We have trekking routes of medium-difficulty, suitable for the winter season, such as the routes to the Piatra Craiului reserve, or to Leaota, that are also perfect for short walks. We also have a very beautiful traditional museum, with very old pieces. And we also have very interesting traditions. Brezaia is one of them. Youngsters in the village form groups and go caroling on the New Year’s Eve night with Brezaia, which is a wooden goat, adorned with lots of vividly-colored headscarves belonging to unmarried girls. We help youngsters promoter this tradition. We also have a Christmas ball, as on Christmas Eve the Brezaia Ball is staged. According to tradition, this is mainly a pretext for bringing unmarried people together, a round dance of the entire village, with the other people in the commune taking part as well. We also have other projects in mind for the upcoming period.”

Raluca Busioc recommends tourists to practice organized tourism in the Dambovicioara area. They can thus reach all tourist objectives in the region and can get all the information about them. That is her recommendation for all those who come to the Dambovicioara Tourism Center: “We have some books with information on Dâmbovicioara, Rucăr and Lerești, the three communes of tourist interest in the region. However, we dare say it is most useful for tourists to access our website. My phone number is also available there. Of course, they are welcome at the Tourist Centre, where I have some traditional objects available, and a room laid out in a traditional way, to get tourists more familiar with our culture. I can also offer them useful information on the itineraries which are accessible all year round.”

Most tourists are foreigners, says travel agent Raluca Busioc: ”They come from Israel, France, Canada, the US. Actually, they come from many countries, mostly from Europe. They are delighted with what they find here, particularly tourists from Israel, where there are not so many green areas like here. Our commune is ideal from this point of view, because we have many green areas, forests as well as scenic mountains and rivers. I invite everyone to come to Dâmbovicioara and open their hearts to discover the place and its people, because Dâmbovicioara is a small and simple commune, but with hospitable people, willing to show our guests what’s best and most beautiful here: traditional food, peace and quiet, in brief all they need to have a pleasant stay. So, we have all the trumps cards.”

The guest houses in Dâmbovicioara are ready to accommodate guests during the winter holiday season. Either you choose to rent a whole guest house or only a room, prices are very good. For instance, a chalet for 16 people can be rented for 300 Euros per night, with self-catering. The chalet, has a beautiful garden, with barbecue and a terrace as well as free Wi-Fi.

20 December 2018