AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES IN RURAL TOURISM: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF TOURISM OFFERS IN SPAIN AND ROMANIA
Abstract
In the context of a reorientation of consumer preferences towards sustainable and personalized tourism, the search for authentic experiences has become a main driver in the development of rural tourism. This paper carries out a comparative analysis of how rural heritage is capitalized in tourism offers in Spain, a mature and diversified market, and Romania, an emerging destination with considerable potential. The methodology included a qualitative analysis of the specialized literature and, in particular, an examination of the specific rural tourism offers promoted by travel agencies in both countries. The results highlight two distinct models: the Spanish model, characterized by professionalism, strong regional branding and niche tourism products (wine tourism, ecotourism), and the Romanian model, which is distinguished by a "raw" authenticity, based on hospitality, living traditions and direct interaction with the community, but which suffers from a lack of strategic coordination and unitary promotion.
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LUCRĂRI ȘTIINȚIFICE MANAGEMENT AGRICOL
ISSN print 1453-1410
ISSN online 2069-2307
(former ISSN 1453-1410, E-ISSN 2069-2307)
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Banat`s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara
Faculty of Management and Rural Tourism
300645, Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, Romania
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