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Integrating Circular Economy Principles in the Tourism Industry: challenges and opportunities for Romania

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  • Ioana Cristiana Patrichi

    (Romanian American University)

Abstract

The tourism industry, one of the largest and fastest-growing economic sectors globally, is also a significant contributor to environmental degradation through resource consumption, waste generation, and carbon emissions. Integrating circular economy (CE) principles into tourism offers a transformative opportunity to address these issues by promoting waste reduction, resource efficiency, and the regeneration of natural systems. This paper explores the potential of the circular economy in tourism, focusing on the adoption of CE practices such as resource recovery, product life extension, and circular design in accommodations, transport, and tourismrelated services, focusing on Romania. Key challenges include the industry's dependency on linear economic models, lack of awareness, regulatory barriers, and fragmented supply chains. On the other hand, opportunities arise from technological innovations, growing consumer demand for sustainable travel, and the potential to reduce costs through resource efficiency.

Suggested Citation

  • Ioana Cristiana Patrichi, 2025. "Integrating Circular Economy Principles in the Tourism Industry: challenges and opportunities for Romania," Romanian Economic Business Review, Romanian-American University, vol. 20(1), pages 72-82, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:rau:journl:v:20:y:2025:i:1:p:72-82
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    File URL: http://www.rebe.rau.ro/RePEc/rau/journl/SP25/REBE-SP25-A7.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kirchherr, Julian & Piscicelli, Laura & Bour, Ruben & Kostense-Smit, Erica & Muller, Jennifer & Huibrechtse-Truijens, Anne & Hekkert, Marko, 2018. "Barriers to the Circular Economy: Evidence From the European Union (EU)," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 150(C), pages 264-272.
    2. Michael Edward Allkins & Tshepo Johannes Chauke & Portia Pearl Siyanda Sifolo, 2025. "Delivering Extraordinary Adventure Experiences During the “Chthulucene”: Circular Economy Challenges and Digital Solutions for the Environmentally Conscious Visitor," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-14, January.
    3. Esra Şahin & Vedat Yiğitoğlu & Zuhal Gök Demir & Çiğdem Karakaya & Fulya Erendağ Sümer & Beysun Güneri, 2024. "Circular Economy for Sustainability: A Bibliometric Analysis for the Tourism/Hospitality Field," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-20, July.
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