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Exploring ecotourism in rural Romania: visitor perceptions in a Traditional Multiunctional Cultural Landscape

Author

Listed:
  • Sandeep Joshi

    (University of Hildesheim)

  • Sabine Panzer-Krause

    (University of Hildesheim)

  • Alexandra Bucur

    (Universitatea Babeș-Bolyai)

  • Andrei Atomulese

    (Universitatea Babeș-Bolyai)

  • Stefan Zerbe

    (University of Hildesheim
    Free University of Bozen-Bolzano)

  • Martin Sauerwein

    (University of Hildesheim)

Abstract

Ecotourism is increasingly gaining global attention as a strategy to cope with environmental changes and socio-economic transformations, particularly in rural areas. This study investigates visitor attitudes toward ecotourism in the eco-certified Traditional Multifunctional Cultural Landscape (TMCL) of Vama Buzăului, Central Romania, through a structured questionnaire survey. Employing a seven-statement scale derived from the Ecotourist Predisposition Scale tailored specifically for measuring visitor attitudes in TMCLs, it investigates the relationships among visitor characteristics, ecotourism attitudes, familiarity with ecotourism as a concept, and certification awareness. The results indicate a significant correlation between ecotourism familiarity and certification awareness, identifying two distinct visitor clusters based on their attitudes. The study emphasizes the pivotal role of certification in promoting sustainable tourism and offers insights for targeted marketing and educational strategies in TMCLs. Certification enhances destination credibility, marketability, sustainable practices, and community support while providing feedback to certification bodies. The findings highlight the need for educational initiatives to increase awareness among less familiar visitors, informing strategic marketing and policy development. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for preserving the ecological integrity and cultural heritage of TMCLs, supporting their sustainable development and long-term viability. The study recommends future research on the effectiveness of diverse, tailored on-site educational tools to promote ecotourism and pro-environmental behaviors in TMCLs. These insights, with their practical implications are valuable for researchers, policymakers, and ecotourism practitioners, laying the groundwork for future studies in this field.

Suggested Citation

  • Sandeep Joshi & Sabine Panzer-Krause & Alexandra Bucur & Andrei Atomulese & Stefan Zerbe & Martin Sauerwein, 2025. "Exploring ecotourism in rural Romania: visitor perceptions in a Traditional Multiunctional Cultural Landscape," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 45(2), pages 1-11, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:envsyd:v:45:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s10669-025-10007-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s10669-025-10007-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jinming Wang & Jialu Dai & Bart Julien Dewancker & Weijun Gao & Zaiqiang Liu & Yue Zhou, 2022. "Impact of Situational Environmental Education on Tourist Behavior—A Case Study of Water Culture Ecological Park in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-23, September.
    2. Jinming Wang & Jialu Dai & Weijun Gao & Xingbo Yao & Bart Julien Dewancker & Jiawei Gao & Yuhan Wang & Jiayi Zeng, 2024. "Achieving Sustainable Tourism: Analysis of the Impact of Environmental Education on Tourists’ Responsible Behavior," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-17, January.
    3. Munar, Ana María & Jacobsen, Jens Kr. Steen, 2014. "Motivations for sharing tourism experiences through social media," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 46-54.
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