STATUS QUO ANALYSIS / STATE OF THE ART / GOOD PRACTICE COLLECTION. Sustainable Transport and Tourism along the Danube

Transcription

1 Sustainable Transport and Tourism along the Danube STATUS QUO ANALYSIS / STATE OF THE ART / GOOD PRACTICE COLLECTION WP 3 / Action3.2 and 3.3 ERDF PP9 The South-East Regional Development Agency 04/06/2013

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 STATUS QUO 1.1 General description Base data of the region Definition of examined area Definition and classification of relevant transportation nodes feeding the examined area Population Area (land use patterns) Protected area Visitor Centres in the protected areas Economy General information Focus on hotspots Transportation General information National and international corridors Regional road network City roads and urban transport Regional railway network Water transport Maritime transport Navigable rivers and channels transport Air transport EuroVelo Access to the target area Macin Mountains The Small Island of Braila Danube Delta Tourism Statistics Focus on tourism hotspots Types of tourism in the hotspots Tourism packages Tourism information system Information Centres Other promotion and information tools Target groups Existent marketing strategies Key stakeholders 1.2 Existing Development plans Existing transport/mobility and tourism development/master plans/strategies National level Local/Regional level Results of previous projects The National Tourism Information and Promotion Centre from Tulcea Municipality/South-East Region of Romania The Danube Delta Eco-Tourism Centre Restoration and rehabilitation of two buildings included in regional tourist circuits in Tulcea

3 Project Danube Connection. Story and Glory 1.3 Organizational and legal framework Organizational framework National public authorities and agencies Regional public authorities County public Authorities Private stakeholders and other organizations Local stakeholders Other stakeholders Legal framework Legal framework in the field of public transportation Urban Transport Technical Standards, Norms and Regulations Tourism Information Centres Tourism legal framework Financial issues 2 SWOT ANALYSIS 2.1 Transportation system and tourism structure Transport Tourism 2.2 Development plans & results of previous projects 2.3 Organizational and legal framework & funding options 3 GOOD PRACTICES 3.1 Soft mobility offers and packages 3.2 Transportation and tourism information systems 3.3 Strategies and Plans 4 THE REGIONAL STATE OF THE ART - FACTORS FOR SUCCESS 4.1 Soft mobility offers and packages 4.2 Transportation and tourism information systems 4.3 Success factors for strategies and plans 5 ANNEX 5.1 List of references 5.2 Additional materials

4 1. STATUS QUO 1.1 General description Base data of the Region Definition of examined area The South-East Region is situated to the eastern part of south Romania. Its neighbouring areas are: The North-East Region to the north, the Centre Region and South-Muntenia Region to the west, Bulgaria to the south, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and the Black Sea to the east. Covering 35,762 sqkm or 15 % of the total national surface, the region is the second largest among the eight regions of Romania. Position of the SE Region in the Romanian territory The South-East Region is part of the Eastern Europe and has natural boundaries formed by the river Prut, Danube River as well as the Black Sea. It includes almost all relief forms: the Danube river meadow, the Baragan field in its centre and the Covurlui field to the north, the Dobrogea plateau to the east-south. In the northern part of Dobrogea plateau are extending the Macin Mountains. The north-western part of the region includes a part of Curved Carpathians and Sub- Carpathians. The region is crossed by the Danube River, includes the Danube Delta and incorporates the whole Romanian coastline to the Black Sea (245 km). South-East Region includes 6 counties: Braila, Buzau, Constanta, Galati, Tulcea and Vrancea as outlined in the following map: The counties of the SE Region South-East Regional Development Agency Page 4 / 74

5 The size of each county over the whole region is outlined in the following diagram: Size of Counties of the SE Region - Total: 35,762 sqkm Source: The Statistical Yearbook of Romania 2012 edition The state of art analysis on transport and tourism will be focused on the urban centres Galati, Braila si Tulcea, as well as Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, Macin Mountains and Braila Small Island Natural Parks Definition and classification of relevant transportation nodes feeding the examined area The main international gateway to the focus area is Bucharest with a broad choice of international connections by air (two international airports), train (daily international connections to Italy, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Croatia, Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey) and bus (international services to other European countries). An important regional transportation and tourist node of type B is Tulcea city as the main entry to the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve. Galati, Braila and Constanta represent an important regional transportation and tourism node (type C) outside the focus area Population The region has 2,794,337 inhabitants. The regional population density is lower than national one because of the fact that the Region is covered by water to a greater extent than other national territories. The higher density is met in Galati county (approx. 136 inhabitants/sqkm) and the lowest one in Tulcea county (approx. 29 inhabitants/sqkm). Source: The Statistical Yearbook of Romania 2012 edition South-East Regional Development Agency Page 5 / 74

6 Development Region County Total (number of persons) Urban Rural Both sexes Male Female Both sexes Male Female Both sexes Male Female Urban As percentage of total South - East Braila Buzau Constanta Galati Tulcea Vrancea Source: The Statistical Yearbook of Romania 2012 edition Area (land use patterns) The South-East Region is an agriculture area. More than 64.99% of the Region total surface is covered by the agriculture surface. In 2010, the South-East Region ranked the first place in terms of surface covered by cereals and other industrial plants (Braila County ranked the second place at regional level). Moreover, the South-East Region ranked the first place in the country for the vineyards surface holding 40.2% of the country's vineyards. The South-East Region is recognized at national and international level for the quality of wines from famous vineyards, which are found throughout the region surface. The Region has also a high potential as regards the forestry. Tulcea is among the counties where timber volume is significant and important in the regional economy. Total land fund, by use, at territorial level, on December 31, 2011 Rural Inhabitants / km 2 Development Region County Total area Agricultural area of which: private ownership Agricultural area by use categories: Arable Pastures Hayfields Vineyards and vine nurseries Orchards and tree nurseries Forests and other forest vegetation lands Waters and ponds Other areas TOTAL South East Braila Buzau Constanta Galati Tulcea Vrancea Source: The Statistical Yearbook of Romania 2012 edition Protected areas The protected areas cover a surface of 655, ha, some of them are situated entirely in the Region, others just partially. They include the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, a National Park and three Natural Parks. The focus area targets on the following protected areas: South-East Regional Development Agency Page 6 / 74

7 - Danube Delta, the most important nature protected area which was declared Biosphere Reserve in It is distinguished from other protected area by its size 580, ha representing 53% of Tulcea county total surface (8,498.8 sqkm), but also by its biodiversity. The National Park lies on a surface of 11, ha and represents the only protected area in Romania where the steppe forests from southern Mediterranean and Balkan are present together and are in a good state of preservation. The Biosphere Reserve has also the international statute of RAMSAR Site (wetland area of international importance) and UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage Site. Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve is included in NATURA 2000 Network. The Park is situated within Tulcea and Constanta Counties, in the North-East of the Region. South-East Regional Development Agency Page 7 / 74

8 - Braila Small Island Natural Park which covers a surface of 17, ha. On its territory, there were identified many types of habitats, divided in 13 groups of which 7 are included in Flora and Fauna Habitat Directive. The Natural Park is entirely situated in Braila County. - Macin Mountains Natural Park which covers a surface of 11, ha. It lies in the central and highest area of the Macin Mountains, which is the oldest geological formation in our country. The Natural Park was international recognized as a component of NATURA 2000 Habitats and Birds Directive. South-East Regional Development Agency Page 8 / 74

9 Visitor Centres in the protected areas and adjacent zones: Information and Visitor Centres focused on the promotion of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Some of the information centres are situated in the urban areas and many of them are located in accessible areas. Information concerning the tourism offer is also provided by the tourism agencies, City Halls and other information centres of the Danube Delta Biosphere Administration partners. In January 2013, one National Information and Promotion Centre was opened in Tulcea Municipality, with the support of Tulcea County Council. The National Tourism Information and Promotion Centre from Tulcea is the first national centre for tourism information and promotion opened in Romania and it belongs to a centres network that will be opened all over the country until According to the Regional Operational Framework, the indicative target is about 10 similar centres to be established in Romania until 2015 that will be visited by approximately 1 Mil. tourists. Information and Visitor Centres focused on the promotion of Macin Mountains Natural Park In this moment, there are two Information and Visitor Centres, one is situated in the area of Macin Mountains Natural Park and one is located in Macin, the nearest city to the Park. Another two information centres will be built in the nearest future; both of them will be placed in the Park area. Information and Visitor Centres focused on the promotion of Braila Small Island The Information and Visitor Centre from Braila Small Island is no longer functional. South-East Regional Development Agency Page 9 / 74

10 Economy General information Regional Gross Domestic Product MEUR APPROX. current prices Region Total 117, , ,000 South - East 12,200 12,000 12,800 Braila 1,500 1,560 1,400 Buzau 1,770 1,660 1,800 Constanta 4,400 4,450 4,800 Galati 2,400 2,200 2,500 Tulcea ,000 Vrancea 1, ,300 Source: The Statistical Yearbook of Romania 2012 edition The GDP ratio by the main economic sectors varied differently. This change in GDP evolution was the result of privatisations, but also due to bankruptcy of inefficient state-owned companies, due to domestic and foreign investments, and the last but not the least, due to the major structural changes in the regional and national economy. In the South-East Region, the industry sector is orientated to the industrial sectors with low added value (food, textiles). A high number of economic agents are concentrated in mechanical industry and metal products fields. The shipbuilding industry represents the traditional sector, with significant importance in almost all of the Region counties. Despite a great agricultural potential, the agricultural products processing capacity is low because of outdated technologies. The high fragmentation of the cultivated land in small parts is another obstacle for agricultural development. The low economical potential of small farms and their inefficient management determined the underdevelopment of the agricultural products processing sector. Nevertheless, the agriculture is very important for the regional economy: 33.09% of employed people work in this sector. The cultivated land represents 78.2% of the Region s surface. The private sector owns the largest part of the cultivated surface. The agriculture production of the Region represented 15.85% of the national agriculture production. The structure of the regional agriculture production was similar with the national agriculture production. Source: The Statistical Yearbook of Romania 2011 edition South-East Regional Development Agency Page 10 / 74

11 Development region Activity (CANE Rev. 2 sections) Total South-East Regional Development Agency Page 11 / 74 The services sector concentrates 64.11% of the Region enterprises, most of them micro-enterprises. An important percentage of 70% of the tertiary sector is covered by the companies from the trade sector, other important sub-sectors are Transport and depositing (12.70% of the active companies), Professional, scientific and technical activities (12%) and Hotels and restaurants (9.60%). The region has a unique tourism development potential, especially in comparison to the rest of the Romanian regions, namely with focus on the coast line and the Danube Delta. The tourism in the region is diversified and includes almost all types of tourism, namely sea, mountains, cruises, cultural, business, ecology, balneal, agro-tourism etc. Active local units from industry, construction, trade and other services, at territorial level, by activity of national economy and by size class, in 2011 of which: by size class, according to employees number and over South - East Mining and quarrying Manufacturing Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning production and supply Water supply; sewerage, waste management and decontamination activities Construction Wholesale and retail; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles Transport and storage Hotels and restaurants Information and communication Real estate activities Professional, scientific and technical activities Activities of administrative services and of support services Education Health and social assistance Shows, culture and recreation activities Other service activities Source: The Statistical Yearbook of Romania 2012 edition Focus on hotspots In the Danube Delta the industrial activities are poorly represented and the percentage of private agricultural production of the area is reduced as compared to the other areas of the region. The result of this situation is the reduced rate of the population employment. The farmland of Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve represents 12.9% of the total area (61,453 hectares). As agricultural land use structure, the highest share has arable land (63%), followed by natural grasslands (36.7%). Vineyards and orchards occupy significant areas on private land. Over 36% (22,545 hectares grassland) of farmland and small extent other non-agricultural land is used for farming, which is a traditional activity of the inhabitants. Most industrial facilities are concentrated in urban areas adjacent to reserve area. In the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve area is developing an industry based on exploitation and valorisation of natural resources, primarily fisheries, agricultural and reed. Macin Mountains. Predominant occupations: traditional agriculture, grain, livestock, wine and fruit growing, mining industry of building materials; Mining and timber-processing; Stone quarrying (some of the best quarries in Romania); Textile and confections industry; ascending trend for ecological tourism. Small Island of Braila

12 The predominant activities are those for subsistence: animal breeding, fishery, some agriculture activities. The population is relatively poor in this area Transportation General information The South-East Region has relative good accessibility, except Tulcea County. Constanta has the highest accessibility, through its port, international airport and the motorway connection to Bucharest which is almost completed. If accessibility to Bucharest can be considered good, the South-East Region accessibility analysis concerning rail and air transport shows a relative degree of regional isolation. Isolation is caused by natural barriers and geographical distance from the main European corridors. In the South-East Region, there are three border counties - space land, river or sea border, all of them are external or internal EU borders (with Moldova, Ukraine and Bulgaria, and borders along the Black Sea). City Distance between major regional cities and main European corridors Distance to Bucharest Distance to Budapest No of hours/minutes to (km) (km) travel to Bucharest Braila Buzau Constanta Galati Tulcea Road Train South-East Regional Development Agency Page 12 / 74

13 Focsani RO UE external borders: Constanta-Black Sea, Galati- terrestrial; Braila-Danube, Tulcea-Danube and Black Sea Source: internet, web National and international corridors The region is crossed by important transport corridors that assure the connection between the urban centres and Bucharest. The main auto and railways are Bucuresti - Constanta in east-west direction, Bucuresti-Braila-Galati and Bucuresti-Buzau- Focsani (via Ploiesti or via Urziceni) on diagonals, these assuring the connection between the main centres of the region. Romania is crossed by the corridors IV (Berlin/Nurenberg-Prague-Budapest-Arad-Bucharest-Constanta-Istanbul- Thessaloniki), VII (Danube, with Sulina and Danube-Black Sea Channels) and IX (Helsinki-St.Petersburg-Moscow-Pskov- Kiev-Ljubasevka-Chisinau-Bucharest-Dimitrovgrad-Alexandroupolis). Two of them (corridors IV and VII) cross the Region s territory. International transport corridors IV, VII si IX Source: National Development Plan Some of the national roads constitute parts of certain big trans-european corridors (codified with an E) as follows: - E60, which crosses France, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, enter the country by Oradea, crosses the region from west to East and ends in Constanta; - E85, which crosses Greece, Bulgaria, enter the country by Giurgiu, crosses the north-western part of the region by Buzau and Focsani; - E87, which crosses Turkey, Bulgaria, enter the country by Vama Veche, crosses the Dobrogea from South to North by Constanta and ends in Tulcea; - E70, which crosses Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, Serbia, enter the country by Stamora Moravita and crosses the region from West to East and ends in Constanta; - E581, which crosses the northern part of the region on Galati-Tecuci line. South-East Regional Development Agency Page 13 / 74

14 Development region County Source: National Development Plan Regional road network In 2011, the length of the public roads was 10,898 km which ranked the region 4 th place at national level. As regards the percentage of roads that have been modernised (27.27%), the region is ranked the last place among the Romania regions. As far as the regional road network condition and functionality is concerned, the poor road quality, the poor lighting and the improper signing system in the roads has to be emphasised. Furthermore, in the majority of rural areas the existing interconnecting road system is not paved and in its greater part is composed by sandy roads. The road network of the region and the density of the network in the region and in each one of the counties along with the main characteristics of the roads condition are presented in the following table: Public roads - total Public roads, at territorial level, on December 31, 2011 of which: Of total public roads: Density of public of which: of which: County With light roads Modernized asphalt National With light and With light per 100 communal pavement roads Modernized asphalt Modernized asphalt km 2 pavement roads pavement of territory South - East Braila Buzau Constanta Galati Tulcea Vrancea Source: The Statistical Yearbook of Romania 2012 edition In Tulcea County, the numbers are negatively influenced by the fact that almost half of its surface is occupied by the Danube Delta City roads and urban transport A priority for the South-East Region is to promote forms of transport with low environmental impact. In this context, investments have been undertaken for the public transport with low environmental impact: there have been rehabilitated and modernised tramlines from Braila (6.01 km) and Galati (3.07 km). South-East Regional Development Agency Page 14 / 74

15 The percentage of modernised streets in 2011 was 68.84% Town streets, at territorial level, on December 31, 2011 Development Region County Total Town streets length (km) of which: modernized South - East 3,641 2,489 Braila Buzau Constanta 1, Galati Tulcea Vrancea Source: The Statistical Yearbook of Romania, Bucharest 2012 edition Development region County Length of simple line (km) Trams Trolleybuses Underdergroun d Trams Local public passengers transport, on December 31, 2011 Number of registered vehicles Buses and minibuses Trolleybuses Underground 1) Trams Transported passengers during of the year (thou) Buses and minibuses Trolleybuses Underground South - East , , Braila , Buzau , Constanta , Galati , , Tulcea , Vrancea , Source: The Statistical Yearbook of Romania, Bucharest 2012 edition South-East Regional Development Agency Page 15 / 74

16 Regional railway network The South-East Region ranks the second place at national level in terms of density lines at 1000 km, with a density of 48.9 compared to the national average of 45.2, but only 476 km are electrified railway line, the region being from this point of view in the fifth place at national level. In 2010, the railway network in Romania had 10,785 km of tracks in operation, of which 1749 km in the South-East Region, according to the table below: Railway in South-East Region Railways under operation, at territorial level, on December 31, 2011 Development region County Total South - East Braila Buzau Constanta Galati Tulcea Vrancea of which: electrified Of which: Normal gauge lines Total With onetrack With twotracks Large gauge lines Density of railways per km of territory Source: The Statistical Yearbook of Romania, Bucharest 2012 edition The most important railway junctions in the region are Faurei, Buzau and Barbosi, which ensure the transit to Bucharest, to Moldova and Dobrogea. In the region, there are two main railways Bucharest-Galati (by Urziceni-Faurei-Braila) and South-East Regional Development Agency Page 16 / 74

17 Bucharest-Mangalia (by Fetesti-Cernavoda-Constanta), with link to international routes. There are two bridges over the Danube, linking the Dobrogea: Giurgeni-Vadul Oii and Fetesti-Cernavoda, the last being crossed by the railway too. It is necessary to improve the quantity and the quality of the transport network that links the major economic centres with European transport corridors Water transport Water transport has many advantages compared to the other means of transport: the capacity to transport larger and heavier cargoes, it is less polluting, the transport costs are the smallest, the infrastructure development and the maintenance require relatively low cost, it is an important link in the development of combined transport. Two essential elements favour water transport development: the Danube and Black Sea neighbourhood. On the navigable channel between Sulina and Braila can sale ships with a draught of up to 7 meters. On the rest of the course is navigable only by ships having a maximum draught of 2 m. An alternative for our country is the transport through the Danube River. The Romanian sector of the Danube (1075 km) and the Danube-Black Sea Channel connect the port of Constanta with the Danube River. A study elaborated by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), in 2006, estimated an average increase of transport on the Danube in Calarasi-Braila, from about 16 million tonnes to million tonnes, which would represent an increase in the volume of daily transport from about two to four convoys of barges Maritime transport The Romanian harbours can be divided into two categories: sea harbours (Constanta, Mangalia, Midia) and river-sea harbours (Braila, Galati, Tulcea, Sulina) which have the technical characteristic which allow the access of the sea ships. The maritime port of Constanta is the biggest port on the Black Sea and the sixteenth maritime port in Europe, being situated at the cross-roads of the Pan-European corridors IV and VII, providing services of all transport types (auto, rail, maritime, air, pipes transport), having the proper utilities (warehouses, terminals etc) and having the potential to become the main gateway to Europe-Asia corridor. The Danube-Black Sea Channel is very important. It is a part of the European River Corridor Rhino-Main-Danube, linking the harbours Rotterdam and Constanta. South-East Regional Development Agency Page 17 / 74

18 Source: Eurostat. Statistic Navigable rivers and channels transport The Romanian sector of the river Danube has a length of 1075 km, 170 km having the technical characteristic which allow the access of the sea ships. The Romanian internal navigable ways dispose of 30 harbours. The Braila, Galati and Sulina are river-sea harbours, included in the TEN networks. In 2010 the harbour traffic was thousand tonnes. In the same year, the Romanian river fleet was constituted of ships and the maritime fleet was of 102 sea ships. The ferry in Braila/Smirdan, for passengers and vehicles to Macin town in Tulcea county, makes the link with Dobrogea region. There are ferry routes between Constanta-Derince (Turkey) and Constanta-Batumi (Georgia), reducing the time and distance for cargo wagons and trucks. Number of passengers enter / exit through / from ports Tulcea, Sulina, Mahmudia Year Number of passenger Number of foreign passenger Number of Romanian passenger on maritime ships (Tulcea, Sulina) fluvial boats (Tulcea, Sulina, Mahmudia) fluvial boats (Tulcea, Sulina, Mahmudia) ,724 18, , ,361 14, ,347 South-East Regional Development Agency Page 18 / 74

19 Source: The Statistical Yearbook of Romania, Bucharest 2012 edition Air transport There are four airports in the region: international airport Mihail Kogalniceanu (24 km from Constanta), one in Tulcea (only charter routes), an auxiliary airport in Tuzla City (Constanta County) and an auxiliary airport in Buzau. The problems encountered in the air transport infrastructure of the region, can be summarised to the lack of systems allowing landing and take-offs under specially severe conditions and the provision of adequate technical maintenance services to planes of international standards. The airports have been built in the period and re-equipped/rebuilt gradually in the period They don't comply with the demands required for some types of aircraft. The main airport in the region, Constanta airport, has a modest traffic, occupying the seventh place in 2007 and ninth place among Romanian airports in 2011, with passengers in 2011 (compared to the total passengers embarked/disembarked in all airports in Romania). Destinations departures, arrivals are: Bucharest, Timisoara, Bologna and Pisa in Italy, Brussels, Munich and Vienna. International and national passengers transport in 2011 Place County Number of passengers 1 Ilfov 5,028,201 2 Bucuresti 2,390,857 3 Timisoara 1,227,943 4 Cluj 1,004,946 5 Bacau 293,965 6 Mures 255,056 7 Iasi 183,859 8 Sibiu 176,876 9 Constanta 76, Bihor 44, Dolj 31, Suceava 27, Satu Mare 22, Maramures 18, Tulcea Arad 170 ROMANIA 10,782,712 Source: Airport transportation for passengers and cargo in 2011 Considerable efforts are being made to reduce regional disparities, to improve regional cohesion, to develop a transport system that reduces CO2 emissions and other polluting substances. One of the Eurostat objectives is to extend the current transport indicators to provide a better understanding of the impact of transport policies on economic growth EuroVelo6 EuroVelo 6 or EV6, also known as "Euro-Velo-Route Rivers" or "European Cycle Route of Rivers", is a type EuroVelo cycle route, with a length of 3,653 km, that connects Nantes to Bucharest, and, by extension, Saint-Nazaire to Constanta. It is the most famous European cycle route that crosses Europe from west to east, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Black Sea, passing through ten countries. The route follows the course of the three major European rivers: Loire, Rhine and Danube. South-East Regional Development Agency Page 19 / 74

20 Itinerary: France: Saint Nazaire, Nantes, Angers, Saumur, Tours, Amboise, Blois, Chambord, Orleans, Nevers, Digoin, Paray-le-Monial, Chalon-sur-Saône, Dole, Besançon, Montbéliard, Mulhouse; Switzerland: Basel, Schaffhausen, Stein am Rhein; Germany: Tuttlingen, Ulm, Regensburg, Passau; Austria: Linz, Melk, Stockerau, Vienna; Slovakia: Bratislava; Hungary: Győr, Esztergom, Visegrád, Budapest, Kalocsa, Baja, Mohács; Serbia: Apatin, Belgrade, Pancevo; Romania-Bulgaria: Drobeta Turnu-Severin, Vidin, Lom, Belene, Bucharest, Cernavoda, Braila, Tulcea, Sulina, Babadag, Constanta Access to the target area Macin Mountains. Access to the area can be done by car, the area is linked by roads to Tulcea, Constanta, Braila, Galati, Slobozia (Bucharest). Between Braila, Galati and Macin access is hampered by the use ferry across the Danube, which increases the transit time and cost of travel. Macin city is the main gateway to the region and Greci village is the main gateway to the National Park. Both are linked by daily minibus to Tulcea, Constanta, Braila and Galati. In the west and southwest of the park, access is from the national road DN22D between localities Horia and Macin. To the north lies DN 22, between localities Macin-Jijila-Luncavita. County road between Horia and Luncavita allows access in eastern and north-eastern Park. For tourists who use public transportation, and for those who use their cars, the eastern part of the park is very difficult to access The Small Island of Braila. - DE 60, Bucuresti - Constanta, easy access to individual river boats (kayaks and canoes) and group (motor boats);- Braila, access to river boats to visit the special conservation area Fundu Mare; - Gropeni Commune, acces to ferry crossing point to Big Island of Braila and with river boats sailed upstream and downstream on navigable Danube to Calia Island and Small Island of Braila Danube Delta By car: Braila - 92 km; București 283 km (via Harșova - DN2); Constanța 126 km; Galați 113 km (via Braila); Vaslui km (via Galați) By train: in Tulcea are 2 train stations. Trains connect Tulcea with Medgidia (144 km). Two pairs of trains leave daily towards Constanța and a pair of fast trains towards București. By bus: București Tulcea (minibus); Constanța Tulcea; Iași Tulcea-Alba Iulia By plain: Mihail Kogalniceanu Airport in Tulcea Municipality By ship: Tulcea Sf. Gheorghe: Tulcea Sulina; Tulcea Chilia; Tulcea Periprava South-East Regional Development Agency Page 20 / 74

21 1.1.3 Tourism Statistics In 2010, the South-East Region registered a total number of 1,044,000 tourists, representing 17.19% of the total number of arrivals in Romania. In 2010, the Region was the first in the country in terms of accommodation capacity. In 2009, the South-East Region ranked first at national level in number of overnight stays and the number of arrivals. In 2010, the Region ranked the third place at national level regarding the number of arrivals and ranked first concerning the number of overnight stays. In terms of used capacity, the Region ranks second in Romania. Arrivals / counties in the South-East Region (2010) Source: Statistical Yearbook of Romania, Bucharest 2011 edition Overnight stays / counties in the South-East Region (2010) Source: Statistical Yearbook of Romania, Bucharest 2011 edition Tourists origin, % per total of arrivals (2010) South-East Regional Development Agency Page 21 / 74

22 Source: Department of Statistics, Braila Tourist accommodation capacity and activity, at territorial level, in 2011 Development region County Accommodation capacity Existing (places) In operation (thou placesdays) Arrivals (thou) Overnight stays (thou) Indices of net using of capacity in operation (%) TOTAL 278, , , , South - East 95, , , , Braila 2, Buzau 2, Constanta 83, , , Galati 1, Tulcea 3, Vrancea 1, Source: Statistical Yearbook of Romania, Bucharest 2012 edition Development region County Total Hotels and motels Hostels Tourist inns Tourist chalets Camping house-let type units Tourist villas bungalows School and preschool camps Tourist boarding houses Agrotourist boarding houses Tourist halting places Holiday villages Ships accommodation spaces TOTAL 5,003 1, ,050 1, South - East Braila Buzau Constanta Galati Tulcea Vrancea Source: Statistical Yearbook of Romania, Bucharest 2012 edition South-East Regional Development Agency Page 22 / 74

23 Focus on tourism hotspots The Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve - 76,121 tourists accommodated in Danube Delta (48,042 Romanian tourist and 28,079 foreign tourists); - 82% Romanian tourists and 18% foreign tourists of which: 29.8% German, 9.6% Italian, 8.0% Spanish, 7.3% French, 6.9% Austrian, 38.4% others; % of the total number of tourists are staying to the hotel and the majority is choosing a 3 star rated unit; - The average length of staying is 1.8 days (for Romanian and foreigners, too) Tourist accommodation capacity and activity, by tourist destination M.U. Total Danube Delta 2010 Total Danube Delta2011 Establishments of tourist reception with functions of tourist accommodation of which: hotels number number 5,222 1, ,003 1, Existing capacity places 311,698 4, ,503 3,634 of which: hotels places 185,521 1, ,149 1,589 Capacity in operation thou places-days 63, , of which: hotels thou places-days 42, , Arrivals thou 6, , of whom: foreigners thou 1, , Overnight stays thou 16, , of which: foreigners thou 2, , Indices of net using of capacity in operation % Average duration of stay days Source: Statistical Yearbook of Romania, Bucharest 2012 edition Internal travels of residents for holidays and business, by tourist area, by travel duration and organizer Total Danube Delta Total 11,985,61 10,796, ,073 42,487 Travel duration 1-3 overnight stays 6,942,549 7,511,865 15,063 16, overnight stays 3,040,240 3,567,385 20,265 23, overnight stays 691, ,163 4,193 2, overnight stays 91, ,405 3, overnight stays and over 30,850 40, Travel organizer South-East Regional Development Agency Page 23 / 74

24 Travel agencies 248, ,749-2,302 Union 68, , Pension offices, the Ministry of Labour, Family and Social Protection 17,567 48, On own account 11,446,46 10,377, ,485 39,706 Other means (professional, cultural, religious associations) 84, , Source: Statistical Yearbook of Romania, Bucharest 2012 edition Macin Mountains National Park - Approximately 3000 visitors, most of them Romanian people from the adjacent zones of the National Park (local communities or Braila, Galati, Tulcea, Constanta municipalities); - The average length of staying in the Park is 1 day, this fact reflecting a minimum economic impact on the local communities; - The main groups of visitors are: residents from the nearby localities (for picnic), bird-watchers, travellers in small groups (2-10 persons), all-terrain vehicles racers, organised groups of persons which request a guide, ciclotourists, climbers, families with trailer campers and with personal cars Source: National Eco-Tourism Development Strategy, September 2009 As concerns the tourism in the Macin Mountains National Park and the adjacent areas, the tourism is in an early stage. The small number of tourists is influenced by the lack of tourism facilities (accommodation and restaurants) that must be developed in the next years. As a result, the tourism economic impact is very low. Braila Small Island - 2,912 visitors in 2009 of which: 1,315 pupils and students (45.15%); 1,254 anglers; 9 scientific researchers; 107 birdwatchers; 220 forest-tourists; 7 rowers; - most of the visitors are Romanian (Source: Braila Small Island Management Plan) By far, the Danube Delta and the wider Tulcea area attract many tourists first of all because of its unique physicalconditions. The most important development opportunities of this area are directly related to the significant tourism attractiveness of the Danube Delta, the historical and religious monuments (in particular the triangle of the three monasteries situated in the northern part of the county). The tourism in Braila Small Island National Park is facing the same problem: small number of tourists; insufficient accommodation facilities in the park area. The tourism infrastructure is concentrated in Braila, the city situated close to the National Park. South-East Regional Development Agency Page 24 / 74

25 Source: Activity Report Braila Small Island Types of tourism in the hotspots Name of the Park/Reserve Tourism trails Tourism for angling Water Sports (canoe, kayak, rafting) Scientific Cultural Attractions Animals observation Equestrian Tourism Ciclotourism Agrotourism Danube Delta Biosphere X X X X X X X X X South-East Regional Development Agency Page 25 / 74

26 Reserve Macin Mountains Natural Park Braila Small Island X X X X X X p X X p p X p x Existent and potential tourism attractions in the natural parks and reservations X=existent; P=potential Ciclotourism In many areas of the Danube Delta Reservation, there are routes (itineraries for 50km till 300km or more) for travelling by bicycle beginning with 1 day till 4-5 days. There is also the opportunity, to start the circuit in the continental area and to end it inside the Delta (combining bicycle with boat). The ciclotourists can rent the bikes already equipped and can request for a guide. Consultancy is offered in order to choose the right route according to the interest for the existent tourism objectives and taking also into consideration the physical condition. Examples of circuits: Razim Sinoe Lagoon circuit through North or South; circuit of the Babadag Forest; circuit of the monasteries (Source: In Macin Mountains National Park, there are marked ciclotourism routes of medium difficulty that link the communities neighbouring the Park with the existent roads. Ciclo-tourism routes are also available in Braila Small Island. Tourism for angling is very appreciated by visitors of all ages, in any season and for any type of fish, as well as sports hunting. Tourism for water sports has a great potential in the Danube Delta. For example, a contest for canotca was inaugurated by the multiple Olympic champion Ivan Patzaichin during Rowmania Festival in 2011 and runs in teams of 10 participants, regardless of age, constitution and athletic experience. Canotca, is an original boat, with an exclusive design, made of wood using old crafts technologies from the Danube Delta Specialized tourism scientific, for ornithologists, specialists, researchers, students is developed in the Danube Delta Reserve and Macin Mountains National Park and has a great potential for development in Braila Small Island Cultural attractions. The holiday in the Danube Delta offer the opportunity to visit the historical and religious monuments, in particular the triangle of the three monasteries situated in the northern part of Tulcea county: Celic Dere, Cocos Niculitel, Saon and the Paleo-Christian Basilica located in Niculitel Village. Other tourism objectives are: the historical, nature sciences, arts museums from Tulcea municipality, some of them recently rehabilitated with the support of the Structural Funds and the archaeological sites from Tulcea county. Animals observation represents a tourism attraction in all three focus hotspots. Equestrian tourism is practiced in Danube Delta Reserve and Macin Mountains National Park, but it can also be practiced in Braila Small Island. The agro-tourism has a long tradition in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, many local families offering their services. There are some pensions which offer to the tourists besides the quality comfort, a family atmosphere and the opportuni- South-East Regional Development Agency Page 26 / 74

27 ty to know the local traditions. This type of tourism represents an important potential to raise the local population revenues. In the area of Macin Mountains National Park, the accommodation facilities are very poor and there is the urgent need to be developed the agro-tourism in the localities situated in the adjacent areas of the Park. The agro-tourism facilities from Braila Small Island must be further developed. Tourism trails The Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration established 24 tourism routes (15 water routes and 9 land tourism routes). The routes by boat are very flexible. Each tourist can establish its own route depending on its interest. There are three target areas: the lagoon, the Delta and the sea. The first audio-guided thematic tour in Romania was achieved by the Association of Ecotourism in Romania in partnership with the Ivan Patzaichin - Mila 23 Association, in Crisan, the Danube Delta. It is a water route with canotca. The tourists have the opportunity to use an audio-guide with recordings of bird species sounds living in the area and a brochure containing information on bird species and the local natural and cultural values. In the area of the Macin Mountains National Park, there are 6 marked tourism routes and there is foreseen another one to be created in the near future. On each tourism route, the Administration arranged camping areas. Moreover, it was created an educational route to be visited by the pupils from the area and a guide to plan and establish educational routes. Source: The project Thematic routes from theory to practice in Macin Mountains National Park In Braila Small Island, the tourists can choose between the 15 marked tourism routes: 2 main routes on the North-South of the Park and 13 subsidiary routes focus on the Park islands. 8 are on land routes (marked in red on the map) and 7 are water routes (marked in blue). Out of the 15 routes, there were selected 3 most visited routes and there were placed panels with information on the area, habitats, protected species and preservation measures. South-East Regional Development Agency Page 27 / 74

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33 Tourism packages The natural and cultural values of the Danube Delta represent the tourism resources. The hotels in Danube Delta offer packages like: accommodation with all inclusive, transport by boat to/from Tulcea, motor boating tours to visit the tourism attractions, kayaking tours, fishing tours, guide etc. There are tour-operators and travel agencies that offer packages, such as: Recreational tourism with accommodation in one of the hotels on the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve territory or on floating hotels, combining trips on channels and lakes with sunbaths on the beaches along the Black Sea coast. Discovery tourism (itinerant), individual or in groups on organized trips, suitable for small visitors groups, giving them the occasion to explore the variety of the wild landscapes, combining trips by row boats on picturesque channels with hiking along channels or sand dunes. Special youth programs (to discover, understand and value the nature). Bird watching, wildlife watching Botanical trips; photo safari; canoeing; cultural tours in Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve; biking; Photo-tours; Bird watching tours in the Danube Delta; nature lovers tours in the Danube Delta; long weekend tours in the Danube Delta; catch & release fishing tours in the Danube Delta; Trekking; biking; canoe; bird watching wildlife watching; cultural activity programs; Walking, hiking, trekking with experienced, English-speaking local guide, or alone with map and route directions; Specialist travel services for professional travellers: photographers, journalists, film crews etc; Travel Planning and Consultancy service with maps and or full support - for independent travelers and trekkers, and specialist travel agencies. Rowmania Eco-tourism Centre from Crisani/Danube Delta offers slow tours by canotca in the Danube Delta, following the quiet, wild channels. The tours may be assisted by an interpretative audio-visual guide, offering a precious insight into the natural and cultural values of the area. The tours can have from 1-day to 4-days duration and include accommodation in hotels/guesthouses in the villages from Delta. The tours can be personalized on visitor s demand. In Macin Mountains National Park, the tourist is mainly focused on visiting the attractions from the area. The territory is characterized by week-end tourism. Camping areas are arranged for tourists. For Braila Small Island National Park, the tour-operators offer packages including: - Trip duration: 3 days; 7days or 8 days - Tour highlights: eco-tourism; sport fishing on the Danube and lakes; for amateurs with Canoe's; cycling visit; Bird watching - observations on species and populations of birds; - Transport means: ferry with coach boarding/boat trip from the local population or from National Park Administration/rowing boat/motorboat/bike using the cycling routes and combination - Accommodation: Bed and Breakfast in holiday villages; agro-tourism boarding houses; rented tents - Package description: visit to protected areas; visit to tourism objectives; traditional meals (local fishery); possibility to purchase handicrafts from local artisans; sightseeing and bird watching from observation towers; organisation of fishing camp; day trip with boats rented from the local inhabitants or with the Administration boats; beach and bath in the Danube river cycling visits using the existent routes; visit to fish warehouse The Administration of Braila Small Island also offers 1 day tour to the National Park to visit the attractions in the area. The offers include: departure from Braila nautical base, visit to the informative tour, guide (English speaker), sightseeing with the rowing boat, bird watching. South-East Regional Development Agency Page 33 / 74

34 Tourism information system Information Centres Inside the protected areas, there are visitor centres and information points, with an important role in promoting the information activity, education and awareness concerning the conservation measures of the natural species/habitats. There are also visitor and information centres located in the nearest urban centres. Generally, a building, which functions as a visitor centre, includes exposition spaces tourist information point, conference hall, park administrative offices and accommodation spaces. Visitor Centres in the protected areas and adjacent zones Information and Visitor Centres focused on the promotion of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve and the tourism in Tulcea County There are 5 Information and Ecological Education Centres and 1 International Ecological Training Centre located in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve as well as 2 information Centres in Tulcea Municipality, as follows: Tourism and Information Centre in Tulcea Department within Tulcea City Hall National Information and Tourism Promotion Centre in Tulcea Municipality Information and Ecological Education Centre in Crisan/Danube Delta Information and Ecological Education Centre in Chilia Veche/Danube Delta Information and Ecological Education Centre in Murighiol/Danube Delta Information and Ecological Education Centre in Sulina/Danube Delta International Ecological Training Centre in Uzlina/Danube Delta Information and Visitor Centres focused on the promotion of Macin Mountains Natural Park Information Centre in Macin Mountains Natural Park (Cetatuia) Information Centre in Macin Information and Visitor Centres focused on the promotion of Braila Small Island The Information and Visitor Centre from Braila Small Island is no longer functional. These centres have a limited uniformity of the services offered and a limited program for working with the public. Unfortunately, the quality of the experience and training of employees in the tourist information centres with reference to the communication techniques and specific tourist information techniques is not so high. Still, new visiting centres and information locations could be set up as well as development of centres that already functioning, through European funds, already mentioned in the management plans of the national and natural parks. The Danube Delta Eco-Tourism Centre from Tulcea Municipality - promotes the eco-tourism development in the Danube Delta Other promotion and information tools Road signing and marking. Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve has implemented a set of signs and indicators that significantly improved the public perception on Danube Delta Reserve location and the opportunities for sight-seeing Panels with information on the area, habitats, protected species and preservation measures were placed on the most visited routes inside Braila Small Island protected area. There were also placed in Braila, the nearby urban centre. Travel publications. A wide range of brochures and leaflets for the tourism promotion in the Danube Delta is offered to the tourists. The content of these brochures has been improved lately through collaboration with other institutions. Audio-visual guide. It is an interpretative tool which offers a precious insight into the natural and cultural values of the area: sounds of the birds living in the Danube Delta CDs, flyers, posters, brochures are distributed for the promotion of Braila Small Island. Press articles and press releases Internet sites. There are many websites with information concerning the tourism promotion in the natural protected areas. Some examples are presented below. The protected areas web pages: the site of Braila Small Island (RO and English) the site of Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration (RO and English) South-East Regional Development Agency Page 34 / 74

35 the site of Macin Mountains Natural Park (RO and English) The websites of the urban centres situated near the protected areas: the site of Tulcea County Council (RO and English) the site of Tulcea Municipality (RO) the site of Braila Municipality (RO) the site of Braila County Councils (RO) Other web pages: the site of the Romania Eco-tourism Association the site of the Eco-tourism Centre from Crisani/Danube Delta (RO and English) (RO and English) Target groups The target groups are represented by the tourists and visitors in the protected areas: -pupils, students and teachers present in Braila Small Island and Macin Mountains National Park where educative routes have been created; -anglers/sporting fishermen present in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve and Braila Small Island; -scientific researchers predominant in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve and Macin Mountains National Park; -birdwatchers/animal observers; ciclo-tourists; travellers in small groups (2-10 persons), organised groups of persons which request a guide - present in all three protected areas; -forest-tourists/hiking present in Braila Small Island and Macin Mountains National Park - rowers present in Braila Small Island and Macin Mountains National Park - all-terrain vehicles racers; climbers; families with trailer campers and with personal cars; visitors attracted by the cultural assets of the area; visitors in transit; visitors from the nearby localities and urban centres present in Macin Mountains National Park Existent marketing strategies The natural protected areas Administrations carried out Visitors Management Strategies, Communication or Eco-tourism Strategies in order to analyse the tourists categories, their behaviour and to implement tools and techniques in order to attract a large number of visitors taking also into consideration the sustainable tourism development. The Eco-tourism Strategy of Braila Small Island analysis the ways and tools for an optimal capitalization of the eco-tourism potential considering the limits of the eco-systems supporting capacity and the sustainable development of the local communities. The Visitors Management Strategy of the Macin Mountains National Park is an integrated tool for the management of tourists and visitors flow in the Park taking into consideration the risk of damage the preservation objectives offering in the same time high qualitative information on the existent natural resources and their protection to many categories of tourists and visitors. The Visitors Strategy in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve establishes the objectives and the necessary actions in order to ensure the optimal visiting conditions specific to the natural protected area and in accordance with the management plan Key stakeholders Tourism National Authority applies the national policies for the tourism develop in Romania; Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development local public authorities from Braila, Tulcea, Galati and from the communities situated nearby the protected areas - apply the tourism development policies in the target areas; developing local infrastructures and tourist activities; local associations: "Ivan Patzaichin - Mila 23" Association implements and promotes sustainable development projects at local and regional level Local Action Groups: Local Action Group for the Integrated Development Promotion of Braila Fishery Area; Local Action Group for Sustainable Fishing in the Danube Delta develops and implements the integrated local development strategy for the fishery areas; administrations of the protected areas preserve and capitalise the natural patrimony for tourism; South-East Regional Development Agency Page 35 / 74

36 Tulcea and Braila Forestry Departments (units of the National Forests Administration - Romsilva) managements the public owned forestry from Braila and Tulcea counties tourism agencies and tour operators create and promote tourism programmes for the protected areas; Information and Visitor Centres provide information on tourism attractions in the target areas Association of Ecotourism in Romania develop the ecotourism at national level. 1.2 EXISTING DEVELOPMENT PLANS Existing transport/mobility and tourism development/master plans/strategies Transport/mobility and tourism development plans are initiated and implemented, at national level, by the transportation, environment, tourism governmental authorities and at local/regional level, by the County Councils from the target area and South-East Regional Development Agency National level IN TRANSPORTATION SECTOR, The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has issued a series of strategic documents approved by laws for transportation in general and sectoral strategies also, in collaboration with the institutions subordinated 1 : The Ministry of Transportation has developed two strategies concerning sustainable and intermodal transportation, namely the Strategy of Intermodal Transportation in Romania 2020 and the Strategy for sustainable transportation , 2020, The Strategy of Intermodal Transportation in Romania 2020 was finished in May 2011 and had as general objective, the development of the national merchandise intermodal transport system, in order to improve the merchandise transport and the environmental impact of transport and to improve the traffic system in Romania. The development of an intermodal transport system in Romania has as final target for 2020, minimum 40% of the goods transported through intermodal transport units in Romania. The established actions for short term, period, are the following: Identification on Romanian territory of a minimum number of strategic areas to establish the position of logistic location, acting as transfer between transport modes, operating in short distances, with those operating on long distances; Promotion and implementation of projects concerning modernization and / or construction of intermodal terminals (Regional Intermodal Centre of Merchandise Transport). The established actions for medium term, period, are the following: Strengthening of intermodal merchandise transport; Review and upgrade of the merchandise intermodal transport system strategy at national level. The Strategy for sustainable transportation , 2020, 2030 was finished in March The overall objective is the balanced development of national transport system, in order to ensure modern and sustainable transport infrastructure and services, sustainable development of the economy and improvement of the quality of life. The strategy has five specific objectives: Modernization and development of European and national transport network, increasing the safety and quality of services; Liberalization of the domestic transport market; 1 Sustainable transport strategy for and 2020, 2030 was approved by OMT no. 508/2008 ; Medium-term sectoral strategy on decentralization in the Ministry of Transport ; Intermodal Transport strategy in Romania 2020, approved by OMTI no. 457 of ; Guidelines for the design, development and modernization of national transport network of European interest ; Strategy for the Development of Railway System in the period ; Long-term strategy to restore the railway sector and the modernization and renewal of infrastructure ; Priority program for the construction of highways and national roads in Romania ; Strategic development program of airport infrastructure Bucharest Otopeni International Airport ( ) ; Strategic development program of airport infrastructure in SN Timisoara International Airport SA between ; Privatization strategy of the companies / national companies and companies operating under the Ministry of Transports, Constructions and Tourism. South-East Regional Development Agency Page 36 / 74

37 Stimulation of the economic development and competitiveness; Strengthening social and territorial cohesion; Environmental compatibility. The strategy has eight direction of action, namely: road transport system, railway system, water transport (maritime and inland waterways), air transport, merchandise intermodal transport, passenger intermodal transport, urban and metropolitan transport, transport innovation. Other strategic documents in the field of transportation are: the Governance Program of the Romanian Government, Sectoral Operational Programme Transport The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development has developed the National Strategy for Sustainable Development in Romania, mentioning for sustainable transport the following objectives: To promote a transport system in Romania facilitating safe, rapid, efficient movement of people and goods at national and international level, in line with European standards. To achieve the current average EU level regarding the economic, social, environmental efficiency of transport and ensuring substantial progress in the development of transport infrastructure. To approach the EU average to all parameters of sustainability in transport activity. IN TOURISM SECTOR, the approach of sustainable mobility is missing a general framework of development, the initiatives being mainly concentrated on specific soft mobility plans, like cycling tourism for example. The general framework for tourism development in Romania is established through Romania National Tourism Master Plan elaborated by the specialists of the United Nations World Tourism Organization in cooperation with the national experts. This Plan is an umbrella policy that includes various plans and strategies described in order to optimize the sector s contribution to the national economy. The document covers twenty year timeframe up to 2026 and incorporates a six year action programme ( ) to tie in with the structural funds which Romania received following its accession to the EU in January The objective of the master plan is the the formulation of an overall policy framework for the sustainable development and management of the tourism industry, in terms of natural and cultural resources. The planning document comprises eight strategic initiatives, namely statistics and research; tourism policy, organization and legislation; human resource development and training; development needs and projects; information services; investment policy; destination marketing; environment. Tourism activity represents an important direction of development cycling tourism, hiking and winter sports being supported. The experts recommended the completion of the Danube Cycling Route project also developing and implementing a promotional campaign for the route. For the hiking tourism the action proposed in the master plan are referring to: Rationalise the network of hiking trails in protected areas while preparing a hiking developing plan, GPS mapping, digital cartography, data collection and map production, technical assistance, market research Development and implementation of a hiking marketing plan. The development of Danube cruises facilities is among the actions that need to be improved in the next period, the following initiatives being proposed: Organization of an annual workshop between the representatives of the National Tourism Organization and representatives of the ports authorities, respective local authorities, Naval Authority, Naval Department of the Ministry of Transport, tour operators, cruise operators and Die Donau Association to agree solutions to common issues regarding Danube Cruise traffic; National Tourism Organization will disseminate ship and passenger schedules to ports, operators etc. and will identify means of despatching follow-up promotional materials to passengers; Preparation and submission of proposals for the improvement of pontoon facilities, dock reception facilities including retail services, and dock access by port authorities and local authorities. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has developed the Danube Delta Strategy. The main purpose is the Danube Delta economic and social development. Among the Strategy s specific objectives, there are mentioned the regional de- 2 Sectoral Operational Programme "Transport" is a strategic tool based on the objectives of the National Strategic Reference Framework that sets priorities, objectives and financial allocation for the development of the transport sector in Romania with South-East Regional Development Agency Page 37 / 74

38 velopment and tourism as well as the transport development in the target area. As regards the regional development and tourism, the proposed actions focus on: infrastructure development in the rural area; rehabilitation and modernization of the county and local roads; improvement of the transport infrastructure; development of the attractions with tourism potential. In the field of transport, target actions are foreseen for: the development and modernisation of the naval transport infrastructure; the navigation safety increase; the waters pollution prevention; the maintaining of the transport infrastructure viability Local/Regional Level Development plans prepared by the South-East Regional Development Agency, Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration, Macin Mountains National Park, Braila Small Island, local public authorities include initiatives to develop the tourism and transport sectors as well as to preserve and promote the natural protected areas. These initiatives are in accordance with the proposed national strategies, such as the National Development Plans, the Strategy of the Regional Operational Program MasterPlan for the South-East Region is a complex strategic document elaborated under the coordination of the South-East Regional Development Agency in accordance with its role in supporting the regional development. The document designs the Strategic Reference Framework for regional planning through the identification of the development priorities on the basis of the regional existent resources and also taking into consideration the opportunities offered by the European Union Cohesion Policy. The elaboration of the MasterPlan started in November 2009 once the Regional Development Plan has been finished. The MasterPlan Strategic Vision: The South-East Region of Romania an attractive region, a stable and diversified economic environment capable to ensure the population growth. The general objective of the development strategy is to promote the regional sustainable development and the improvement of the citizens quality life in order to become a competitive region on long term and attractive for investments with the capitalization of the environment heritage, of the highly qualified human resources, creation of new opportunities for labour employment and the significant increase of the regional GDP reaching 90% of the national average until The MasterPlan includes specific objectives related to the improvement of the regional accessibility, mobility and connectivity through the development of the multi-modal transport system based on sustainability, innovation and security principles capable to ensure fast and efficient connections with the international markets taking into account the Region particular geo-strategic position. Moreover, the MasterPlan refers to the contribution to an efficient and sustainable capitalization of the natural environment in urban and rural areas through the creation/modernization of the needed infrastructure as well as through implementation of measures for the environment protection and risk prevention, for the creation of new opportunities for sustainable economic development and life quality growth. The development objectives outline regional priorities, key areas of intervention and proposed actions related to sustainable development of transport and tourism. Development of the transport network at regional level and Preservation and development of the natural heritage and promotion of the environment policies represent two of the MasterPlan priorities. The key areas of intervention for the development of the transport network at regional level refer to: promotion of the most sustainable transportation means especially the railway and maritime/fluvial transport including on short distances through adequate infrastructure and services and improved inter-modal and logistics; development of networks between the urban centres and the multi-modal transport structures with the national and international transport systems to reduce the travel time and increase the traffic safety maintaining and preserving the environment factors; improvement of the conditions for crossing borders especially with Republic of Moldavia and Ukraine; facilitate the accessibility of all rural and mountain areas in order to improve the life conditions in these areas and to support the economic activities including the tourism; increase the mobility in urban and peri-urban areas. The proposed actions are: modernisation of the railway and maritime/fluvial transport system including on short distances; building/rehabilitation/modernization of the national networks road (national/county/local) including the construction of road-railway bridges over Danube; completion of the highway networks passing the Region; modernisation of the airports infrastructure and the existent services for Constanta and Tulcea airports and building news airports for the area Braila-Galati; creation of logistic centres for the intermodal transport; rehabilitation/modernisation of the road network from the urban areas; modernisation of the public transport South-East Regional Development Agency Page 38 / 74

39 lines in the urban and peri-urban areas as well as the development of the sustainable multi-modal transport; modernisation of the ferry crossing; creation, enlargement and modernization of the local/regional tourism harbours including the landing place situated on the recreational lakes. The key areas of intervention for the preservation and development of the natural heritage and promotion of the environment policies are: creation of the management and control system for the environment factors (regional monitoring and intervention units); capitalization of the natural protected areas, enlargement and identification of new natural areas and elaboration of management plans for the areas included in Natura 2000 network; Development of the green areas network in the urban agglomeration areas. The proposed actions focus on: efficient and balanced preservation and capitalization of the natural resources; organisation of training courses for the people in charge with the environment protection, civil protection and local administration fields; enlargement of the regional network on protected areas and natural reserves, rehabilitation of the coastal infrastructure (Romanian coast), ecological and economic reconstruction of the activities from the Danube Delta; preservation of the biodiversity regarding the regional habitats through the promotion of education in the field of environment protection and research/development activities, preservation of the birds and animals in danger of extinction; promotion of modern management methods for the protected areas and strengthening the capacity building of the institutions in charge with the environment protection; establishment of information centres; identification of new protected areas; development of management plans for the areas included in Natura 2000 network. The Strategic Plan for Sustainable Tourism in the Danube Delta was initiated within the Development of the potential for sustainable tourism in a NATURA 2000 wetland area: the Danube Delta case project financed by the Flemish Department of Foreign Affairs. The project was supported by Tulcea County Council and the Danube Delta Reserve Administration. The work started in June 2007 and finished in May The general objective of the Strategic Plan is to contribute to the sustainable development of Tulcea County through the capitalization of the natural, economic and cultural potential as well as the human capital and the entrepreneurship fostering. The specific objectives focus on: promotion of the local traditional tourism; preservation and protection of the biodiversity and the natural habitats; preservation of the cultural heritage; support for the preservation of the ethno-cultural identity regarding the local population; promotion of the traditional elements integration in the field of the local urban development; economic development of the local communities located on the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve territory with the support of the local population; visitors management in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve. For the period , there were foreseen actions in the following key areas of intervention: transport and access infrastructure to the tourism objectives; communication infrastructure information centres; natural resources preservation; rehabilitation of the cultural and heritage objectives; education and training of the human resources in order to increase the quality of the tourism services; entrepreneurship; public-private partnership Regional Development Plan for the South-East Development Region of Romania The experts on planning within the South-East Regional Development Agency are currently working on the draft version of Regional Development Plan. The final version will be available in August 2013 after consultation with the local/regional stakeholders and update the statistics data according to the 2012 Statistical Yearbook. Moreover, the Plan must be approved by the Regional Development Board, the deliberative regional body, without legal personality, which is established and operates on partnership principles, at the level of each region, in order to co-ordinate the activities of elaboration and of monitoring resulting from the regional development policies. The development needs identified within Regional Development Plan will be analysed at national level and they will be the basis for the Operational Programmes. Plans and Strategies designed for the management and promotion of the protected areas There were designed Management Plans for each protected area from Danube Delta, Macin Mountains and Braila Small Island as well as Management Strategy for Visitors. The Administration of the protected areas are looking for identification of financial sources for the update of this documents. The Management Strategy for Visitors is an integrated tool for the management of tourists and visitors flow in the natural protected areas taking into consideration the risk of damage the preservation objectives offering in the same time high qualitative information on the existent natural resources and their protection to many categories of tourists and visitors. South-East Regional Development Agency Page 39 / 74

40 Moreover, Braila Small Island elaborated the Eco-tourism Strategy which foresees the ways and tools for an optimal capitalization of the eco-tourism potential in this area taking into account the ecosystems support capacity and the sustainable economic development of the neighbouring communities. The strategic objectives were included in the Small Island Management Plan Results of previous projects The National Tourism Information and Promotion Centre from Tulcea Municipality/South- East Region of Romania The National Tourism Information and Promotion Centre from Tulcea Municipality/South-East Region of Romania was set-up within a project co-financed with the support of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the Regional Operational Programme, Priority Axis 5 Sustainable development and promotion of tourism, Key Area of Intervention 5.3 Promoting the tourism potential and setting-up the needed infrastructure in order to increase Romania s appeal as tourism destination. The project was implemented by Tulcea County Council as beneficiary and its general objective was to promote the tourism potential in North Dobrogea. The total project budget was approximately 1,8 millions lei (400, Euro). The Centre was opened in January 2013 in a historical heritage building from Tulcea Municipality. Among the direct beneficiaries of this investment there are the 20,000 tourists which spend their annual holidays in Tulcea County. The National Tourism Information and Promotion Centre from Tulcea is the first national centre for tourism information and promotion opened in Romania and it belongs to a centres network that will be opened all over the country until According to the Regional Operational Framework, the indicative target is about 10 similar centres to be established in Romania until 2015 that will be visited by approximately 1 million tourists The Danube Delta Eco-Tourism Centre The Danube Delta Eco-Tourism Centre is located in the South-East Region of Romania, in Tulcea Municipality and it was opened in April In the first year, there were registered about 122, visitors: local citizens and foreign visitors from Europe, Asia and North America. The Centre was founded within a cross-border project implemented with the support of the Tulcea County Council, the Eco-Museum Research Institute, the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration and financed by the Neighbourhood Programme Romania-Ukraine , Priority Axis Promoting Local Socio Economic Development, Measure Expand and strengthen tourism. The Danube Delta Eco-Tourism Centre is the gateway from Europe in the Danube Delta presenting specific elements of the Danube Delta which are unique in the world. The establishment of Centre was determined by the great ecological value of the largest natural protected area from Romania, by the need to protect and preserve the Danube Delta Reserve for the future generations raising awareness of the local stakeholders and tourists on regional identity of the Danube Delta. The exhibition organized on the theme of Danube Delta Reserve is addressed to the large public emphasizing the informational and educational components and represents a research and information centre for specialists, students, pupils interested by the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve. In order to facilitate the access of the foreign visitors, the information materials are presented in two languages (Romanian and English) and the popular names of the flora and fauna are mentioned in Romanian, French, English, German, Russian. At each level, info-kiosks are available for visitors to access a large number of information regarding the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve. Using the interactive maps, walking through the museum corridors and looking at the reproduction of some natural habitats specific for the Delta, the traditional fishery, the aquariums with fish species, corals and other aquatic organisms, all these are only some of the ways of spending the leisure time. Visiting, watching a documentary film about Danube Delta or a virtual exhibition offer an unforgettable experience to the tourists. South-East Regional Development Agency Page 40 / 74

41 The Centre aims to promote the eco-tourism development in the Danube Delta of Romania, the only alternative for a sustainable development of the protected natural areas. Moreover, the Centre s mission is to raise the awareness of the local stakeholders and tourists on regional identity of the Danube Delta. This initiative represented the framework for exchange of experiences and transfer of know-how in eco-tourism development Restoration and rehabilitation of two buildings included in regional tourist circuits in Tulcea Tulcea County Administrative Unit is the project beneficiary and the South Eastern Development Region, Tulcea County, Tulcea Municipality is the project location. Is projects is financed under Key Area of Intervention 5.1 Restoration and sustainable valorisation of cultural heritage and setting-up/modernisation of related infrastructure. The overall objective is sustainable tourism development in the north of Tulcea, the restoration and sustainable valorisation of cultural heritage and its inclusion in Tulcea county regional tourist circuits. Specific objective pursued by the project: Creating a Complex Cultural Heritage Museum North Dobrogea - sustainable facility for the recovery and promotion of cultural heritage Tulcea. The total value of the project is approx. 10 MEUR and the eligible value is approx. 8 MEUR. The achieved indicators are 2 restored heritage buildings, 12 maintained jobs, 6 new jobs and an estimated number of tourists over 25,000 people. Valorisation of this new tourism product after completion of the project will lead to: the duration of stay increased by combining ecotourism with cultural offerings, increasing number of tourists in the North Tulcea (on a short and medium term); season extending with at least two months a year by promoting cultural tourism products (on a long term) Project Danube Connection. Story and Glory The Romanian Cultural Institute, through its national branches in Vienna, Prague and Budapest, organised, together with the Association Ivan Patzaichin Mila 23, from June 22 to September 2, 2012 in Austria, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania, the project DANUBE CONNECTION. STORY & GLORY. This extensive program was initiated in accordance with the directions set up by the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, adopted in December Started in 2011, with the occasion of the first edition ROWMANIA, the Rowing Boat Festival in Tulcea, Danube Connection. Story & glory aims to highlight the natural and cultural potential of the Danube area by promoting an eco-cultural and eco-technological movement. The links between art, urbanity and technology is illustrated by its cultural and environmental implications. Moreover, the project objective is to develop an interactive and interdisciplinary platform in the Danube area, encouraging a discussion on topics of European interest, such as: the concern for a sustainable lifestyle; the activation of artistic creativity as a tool to promote non-perishable, mutual values; environmental protection and sustainable development. During the Danube Connection. Story & Glory project, the Romanian Cultural Institute and the Association Ivan Patzaichin Mila 23 collect the creative energies and shared mythologies in the Danube area and propose a model of best practice to which other organisations, institutions and companies interested from all river side countries can connect to, starting with the 2013 edition. The three sections of the project are: PLUG TO NATURE illustrates a set of values represented by Romanian sportsman Ivan Patzaichin. The public art installation aims to contaminate the public with the entrepreneurial, social and ecological energy behind the Olympic hero which, after the end of his sport career, dedicated himself to the protection of Danube Delta s biosphere and the creation of small industrial centres based on ecological materials and green craft techniques. PLUG TO NATURE invites us to reflect upon the dimension of nature. Art and urban intervention in this context function as that in-between space which enables the (re) interpretation of the contemporary relationship between culture, public space and ecology. ROWMANIA sustainable lifestyle. It is a contest for canotca, an original boat, with an exclusive design, made of wood using old crafts technologies from the Danube Delta. The contest was inaugurated by the multiple Olympic champion Ivan Patzaichin during Rowmania Festival in 2011 and runs in teams of 10 participants, regardless of age, constitution and athletic experience. South-East Regional Development Agency Page 41 / 74

42 imyth Danube mythology. It is an outdoor video installation that focuses on common elements from the mythology of Danube countries. imyth starts from a formula that combines documentary and mythological elements in a visual representation based on animated illustration and computer graphics. The project partners are: karlsplatz.org, ASKÖ Wien, Ruderverein STAW, Centre for Cultural Information of the City of Bratislava, Bratislava Town Hall, Canoeing Association Slovakia, Sports Centre Cunovo, Hungarian Federation of Kayak- Canoe (Magyar Kajak-Kenu Szövetség), Hotel Le Meridien Budapest, Lágymányosi Öböl. The project sponsors: DC Communication, Kulturkontakt Austria, TARUS Media. 1.3 ORGANISATIONAL AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK Organisational framework National public authorities and agencies: National public authorities and agencies experienced in the field of sustainable mobility and tourism are: - The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) and Environmental Fund Administration. MECC and Environmental Fund Administration have initiated several programs for environmental protection and reduction of pollution involving also mobility solutions, e.g. Order no. 1730/ approving the Funding Guide of the Programme for cycling paths implementation. MECC has developed the National Strategy for Sustainable Development of Romania, period. - The Ministry of SMEs, Business Environment and Tourism and its National Tourism Authority, which is a newly established institution subordinated to ministry. National Authority in Tourism sustains the development of sustainable tourism and cycling tourism and supports the development of National Network of Labelled Cyclo-tourism Paths in Romania. - The Ministry of Regional Development and Public Administration (MRDPA) has responsibilities in areas affecting the sustainable development of tourism such as: regional development, cohesion and regional development, cross-border, transnational and interregional cooperation, constructions, land planning, urban planning and architecture, housing, real estate management and development of utilities, public works (transport infrastructure, urban public works), central and local public administration, decentralization reform and administrative-territorial reorganization, taxation and regional and local public finance. MRDPA together with Consultative Council for Territorial Cohesion is involved also interested in promoting solutions for the improvement of mobility management and elaboration of various documents for multimodal transportation and sustaining the development of transport infrastructure along the Danube. - The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure (MTI) has in its organizational chart The General Directorate of Strategy, Public Policy and Multimodal Transport. MTI has developed the Strategy for sustainable transportation for and 2020, 2030 sustaining the development of water transport infrastructure and harbour facilities for tourism and leisure activities. MTI has developed the Strategy of intermodal transportation in Romania 2020 supporting the development of green corridors of logistic and efficient transportation. Besides the role of establishing the general development framework of the two activity sectors (transport and tourism and their interaction) the public authorities listed above are responsible for prioritizing and implement public investment in tourism and transport Regional public authorities For the development and implementation of the public policies on various branches of activity at regional level, functions the South-East Regional Development Agency (SE RDA), a public, non-governmental, non-profit institution. Following the fundamental objectives of the regional development policy in Romania, the South-East Regional Development Agency provides coordination and services in order to: -diminish the existent regional unbalances by stimulating the balanced development through the recovery of disadvantaged areas development due to historical, geographical, economical, social and political background; South-East Regional Development Agency Page 42 / 74

43 -stimulate the interregional, national, international and cross-border cooperation, the euro-regions included, as well as the development region participation in the European structures and organizations County public authorities The Local Authorities have an important role in the process of tourism development at local level, in promoting the Danube tourism, by getting involved in the creation of the specific infrastructure, in setting-up some tourism programmes, creating local marks or attracting the interested factors into the creation of some tourism development associations. Local authorities play a strategic part in this matter. They have financial and human resources that can support these actions of tourism offering in the same time the necessary experience to develop them. The County Councils from the target area have an important role in the development and implementation of county strategies, in setting the framework of county development, implementation of national policies and programs etc. County Councils from the target area show a pro-active, responsible, open attitude to the application of principles of sustainable development, supporting active tourism such as cycling tourism. The concept of sustainable mobility has not been yet implemented in the development strategies, plans and guides. Furthermore, the local authority has not clearly defined plans and programmes for sustainable mobility solutions in sector and thus, promoting alternative forms of ecologic transportation. Prefecture - is organised and operates as a public institution with legal personality in the county and contributes to the achievement of the strategy and objectives included in the Government program. The Agency of Local Environment Protection is responsible for the achievement of the objectives set out in the Government Programme (Chapter 18 - Protection of the environment), the environment monitoring, the authorization of environmental impact activities, local implementation of environmental legislation and policies, transparency in the implementation of environmental policies. National and Natural Parks Administrations Macin Mountains National Park; Braila Small Island National Park; Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve National stakeholders and other organisations Other competent institutions in the field of sustainable mobility in tourism are: Metropolitan Club, Asociatia pentru Tranzitia Urbana/Association for Urban Transition, Organizatia pentru Promovarea Transportului Alternativ in Romania (OPTAR)/Organisation for Promoting Alternative Transport in Romania, Asociatia Industriei Feroviare din Romania/Romania Railway Industry Association, Club Feroviar, Federatia Biciclistilor din Romania/Romanian Cyclists' Federation, Regional Environmental Centre for Central and Eastern Europe (REC) Romania, Association of Ecotourism in Romania (AER), Association "Bate Saua sa Priceapa Iapa". Metropolitan Club is a group of experts for sustainable mobility and urban development. Meropolitan Club identifies, supports and promotes effective policies and practices implemented at European level in the field of sustainable mobility and urban development. The main communication tool of the expert group is the online publication Metropolitan Club. In October 3012, Club Metropolitan organised the workshop Sustainable mobility and metropolitan development as a message for the authorities to support sustainable mobility and metropolitan development, Several stakeholders have participated to the event, e.g. Ministry of Regional Development and Tourism, transport operators, municipalities, National Regulatory Authority for Community Public Services, The National Society of Railway Passenger Transport C.F.R. Calatori - S.A., Subway Company Metrorex, Club Feroviar, The Centre for Sustainable Policies Ecopolis, architecture and technical universities. Also, Ministry of Regional Development and Tourism organised a national workshop on mobility management, in November 2011 in partnership with the Regional Environmental Protection Centre for Central and Eastern Europe and the National Office Romania (REC Romania). This workshop promoted the concept of mobility planning and management as an integral part of the process of sustainable spatial planning and sustainable urban mobility in Romania. Asociatia pentru Tranzitia Urbana (ATU) / Association for Urban Transition has implemented several projects on sustainable mobility e.g. "ACTIVE ACCESS - Encouraging Active Travel for Short Trips to Improve Health and the Local Economy", South-East Regional Development Agency Page 43 / 74

44 "ELTISPlus - Dissemination and support initiative in the field of energy aspects of urban transport", "Transport Learning - Empowerment of practitioners to achieve energy savings in urban transport". ATU promotes Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans and organised various workshops and conferences having this topic in cooperation with universities, ministries of education and regional development, local authorities, Organization for Promoting alternative transport in Romania, together with Association "Bate Saua sa Priceapa Iapa", Ecopolis. The Regional Environmental Centre for Central and Eastern Europe (REC) Romania is involved in projects supporting sustainable transportation such as cycling, transport management e.g. EPOMM PLUS (17 national networks were established and have involved relevant ministries to facilitate EPOMM membership), Mobile 2020 (promotes and initiates cycling measures and policies also in Romania). REC Romania encourages green transport, mainly through the promotion of cleaner and better transport in cities. The Association of Ecotourism in Romania (AER) has achieved a partnership for nature conservation and tourism development among tourism associations, non-governmental associations acting in local development and nature conservation, nature conservation projects and travel agencies. Therefore, the innovative idea promoted by AER is to bring together the public and the private sector in a partnership for nature conservation and sustainable tourism development. The Association s actions are also focused in the promotion of the Danube Delta eco-tourism. Association "Bate Saua sa Priceapa Iapa" has developed several initiatives in promoting sustainable mobility projects and alternative transport solutions in urban areas. In some projects and activities these institutions worked together and/or in cooperation with national authorities in regional development, environment, transportation, tourism. European initiatives on sustainable mobility have been extended to some parts of Romania, but the involvement of the NGO s is mainly concentrated in large cities such as Bucharest, Sibiu, Timisoara. For example, Ecopolis is involved in the European Commission s Sustainable Urban Mobility campaign Do the Right Mix, raising public awareness of sustainable mobility issues in Bucharest. Ecopolis has participated to sustainable mobility actions with the financial support from the European Commission's Sustainable Urban Mobility Campaign e.g. I like bike! promoting measures for sustainable infrastructure. Other organisations e.g. Romanian Cyclists' Federation, Association "Bate Saua sa Priceapa Iapa" promotes bicycle as a means of transportation and recreation utility and the development of bicycle culture in Romania, changing Romanian mentality regarding the use of bicycle for tourism, utilities and sports Local stakeholders At local level, several associations e.g. Ivan Patzaichin Mila 23 Association/Asociatia Ivan Patzaichin Mila 23; Litoral Danube Delta Association for Tourism Promotion and Development /Asociatia pentru Promovarea Turismului Litoral- Delta Dunarii, Danube-Delta Tourism Entrepreneurship Association /Asociatia Patronatului in Turismul din Delta Dunarii, Save Danube and Delta Association/Asociatia Salvati Dunarea si Delta are involved in promoting sustainable tourism and sustainable mobility. Still, the initiatives are rather spread out, concentrating mainly on promoting particular types of soft transportation such as canotca. Ivan Patzaichin Mila 23 Association was founded in 2010 in order to generate sustainable development programs in the Danube Delta, aiming to co-interest the local and the regional audiences and to support the articulation of a long term strategy in the region. The Association, led by the multiple Olympic champion Ivan Patzaichin, assumes the task of promoting an environmental-awareness movement, called rowmania, having as its core values: the effective protection of environment, the preservation of natural resources and biodiversity, the nurturing of entrepreneurial energies and the revival of traditional crafts. The model of development proposed by the Association Ivan Patzaichin-Mila 23 is based on the use of local resources, their coalition and involvement of local people. The Association aims at applying different methodologies and involving various creative fields, such as design, contemporary art, film and architecture, to build a local and international production cluster based on entrepreneurial practices that privilege the ratio between the natural environment, creativity, South-East Regional Development Agency Page 44 / 74

45 community and technology. Moreover, the Association encourage the water sports, namely the use of canotca for the tourism in Danube Delta. Littoral Danube Delta Association for Tourism Promotion and Development includes local authorities, entrepreneurship associations, private companies, NGOs and acts for the sustainable tourism development. The Association participates in many promotional campaigns for the tourism promotion in Dobrogea Region, in the local and central mass media, in internal and international tourism fairs. Moreover, the Association is involved in implementing projects and organising various events with the Association s members for the tourism promotion. It is the Association s aim to set-up new tourism entrepreneurship associations and to strengthen the partnership between the National Tourism Agencies and the hotels. Danube-Delta Tourism Entrepreneurship Association protects the interests of the tourism services providers and aims at the sustainable development of the ecological tourism in the Danube Delta. Save Danube and Delta Association implements concrete actions for the Delta and Danube preserve and promotes a responsible attitude of the public towards the environment Other stakeholders: the Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture from Braila, Galati, Tulcea, other tourism associations and tourism NGOs e.g.: The National Association for Rural, Ecological and Cultural Tourism with representatives in Braila and Tulcea, the National Association of the Travel Agencies with members and representatives in all the counties, Romanian Tourism Employers Federation with representatives in all the counties Legal framework Legal framework in the field of public transportation The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure is responsible for the elaboration of the strategic and the legislative framework in the field of public transport. Within the laws with impact in this area are following documents: Law on spatial planning and urbanism. No 350/2001 and its amendments; Law approving the National Spatial Plan - Section IV Network of localities No 351/2001; Law ratifying the Memorandum of the development of motorways of the sea in the region of the Organization for Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), signed at Belgrade on 19 April 2007 No 28/2008; Law on local public transport services, law No. 92/2007; Law amending Law no. 171/1997 approving the National Spatial Plan - Section II Water No 20/2006; Law approving the National Spatial Plan - Section I - Transport Networks No 363/2006; Law on civil airports coordinators responsibilities No 443/2006; Law amending and supplementing the Government Emergency Ordinance no. 12/1998 on the Romanian railway transport and reorganization of the National Society of Railways No 155/2005; Law for accepting amendments to the European Agreement on Main International Traffic Arteries (AGR), concluded at Geneva on November 15, 1975 No 455/2005; Law regarding the development and modernization of the national transport network of European interest No 203/2003.; Law for approving Government Ordinance no. 42/1997 on civil navigation No.412/2002; Law on Ratification of the Agreement on the international occasional carriage of passengers by coach and bus (Interbus Agreement) signed by Romania in Brussels on October 2, 2000 No 439/ Urban Transport Technical Standards, Norms and Regulations: Transportation Studies Standards for cities and their territory of influence (1993); Technical Norms for Planning and Design of Streets, Crossroads, Sidewalks, Bike; South-East Regional Development Agency Page 45 / 74

46 Lanes, Traffic Capacity Evaluation, Lights and Signals, Public Transport Networks, Parking, Garages ( ) ; Technical Directions for traffic census and surveys (1993) Tourism Information Centres National Tourist Information and Promotion Centres. These centres function in the subordination of local and county councils, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, which does their accreditation. The centres can sell products and services like: tickets to cultural and sports events, information materials (e.g. maps, town plans, tourist guides, books, video tapes, CD-s, DVD-s, posters, cards, town brochures), souvenirs (e.g. flags, shawls, t-shirts, umbrellas, badges, ceramics objects, traditional art products and others). Visiting Centres and Information Points located in the National and Natural Parks. Inside the protected areas, there are visiting centres and information points, with a role in promoting the information activity, education and awareness concerning the conservation measures of the natural species/habitats in Romania by the public. Specific laws: Government Ordinance no. 58/1998 on the organization and performance of tourism in Romania; Order of the Minister for Small and Medium Enterprises, Commerce, Tourism and Liberal Professions no. 1096/2008 approving the Methodological Norms for accreditation of the national information centres and tourism promotion Tourism legal framework Tourism is not included in the category of the exclusive competences or in those shared in the multilevel governance system of the European Union. Therefore, there is no existence of a Community tourist policy, the Commission's involvement refer to the articles concerning the freedom of services. The Romanian Tourism Sector has suffered from the absence of an overall policy to run and manage the development of the sector. In 2009, The Ministry of Tourism prepared and published a Tourism Law - draft for consultation, the citizens and institutions concerned having the opportunity to submit any proposals or suggestions. This law was not approved yet by Parliament Financial issue Romania owns a valuable and rich natural potential, an important motivation for the development in the field of sustainable transport and tourism. These industries benefits from various systems of assistance offered by national and European funding programs. The prospect of an integrated and sustainable development involves close connections between tourism, transport and local development, as a series of measures are not directed connected to tourism, but they indirectly contribute to its development. For example, the increase of accessibility, the environmental protection as an instrument to protect the cultural and natural heritage, the pollution reduction, the improvement of the quality and availability of natural resources are ways to improve the performance of the tourism sector. The main financial resources that support the sustainable transport and tourism fields are represented by the Structural Funds, especially the European Fund for Regional Development (EFRD). In terms of quality, the European and National Funds positively directly affect these fields, particularly in what concerns the development of the institutional capacities at local and regional level, and due to the interdisciplinary nature of these sectors. From a quantitative perspective, the impact of these funds on tourism sector is represented by investments in transportation infrastructure, accommodation or in programs that promote tourism destinations, in addition to indirect effects connected to other local and regional development. Finally, communities supporting different projects focus on the anticipated results and on various types of long-lasting developments. In terms of project s funding sources with direct or indirect impact on tourism and sustainable transport, the County Councils can exploit not only its own budget but various other grants schemes, or may act as project manager and get involved in the implementation of national scale projects funded by the national government. There are many resources, at national and European level for the projects co-financing aiming to support sustainable tourism and transport development. South-East Regional Development Agency Page 46 / 74

47 FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES Sources inside the country Sources outside the country y Romanian Government Local authorities own funds (self-financing) European Union Ministry of Environment European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Ministry of Regional Development and Tourism The European Regional Development Fund + The Cohesion Fund (CF) Ministry of Finance The European Social Fund (ESF) The European Fisheries Fund European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) South-East Regional Development Agency Page 47 / 74

48 1.Ministry of Environment Order 1730/2011 to endorse the Guide on financing the Programme implementing the bicycle trails 2.Ministry of Regional Development and Tourism a. The annual development programme for tourism destinations and products b. The multianual programme of marketing and tourism promotion 3.Ministry of Finance State aid schemes 4.European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) a. The Regional Operational Programme (ROP) Key area of intervention: 1.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3. * Regional Operational Programme: Priority Axis 1: Support to sustainable urban development urban growth poles Key Area of Intervention 1.1: Integrated urban development plan, Sub-Area Urban development poles. Priority Axis 4: Supporting the development of regional and local business environment Key Area of Intervention 4.1. The sustainable development of companies that support regional and local business Key Area of Intervention 4.2. The rehabilitation of polluted and unused industrial sites and preparing new activities Key Area of Intervention 4.3. Support the development of micro-enterprises. Priority Axis 5: Sustainable development and tourism promotion Key Area of intervention 5.1: Restoration and sustainable capitalization of the cultural heritage and the creation / modernization of connected infrastructure. Key Area of intervention 5.2: The creation, development, modernization of tourism infrastructure for the capitalization of natural resources and for improving the quality of tourism services. Key area of intervention 5.3: Promoting tourism potential and creating the necessary infrastructure in order to increase Romania's attractiveness as a tourist destination b. The Sectoral Operational Programme Economic Competitiveness c. European Territorial Co-operation Cross-border co-operation programmes: Romania-Bulgaria, Romania- Ukraine-Republic of Moldova, Romania-Serbia, Black Sea, Hungary-Romania, Hungary- Slovakia -Romania- Ukraine Transnational: South East Europe Interregional: INTERREG IV C, ESPON 2013, URBACT II 5. The European Regional Development Fund + The Cohesion Fund (CF) a. The Sectoral Operational Programme Environment (SOPE) Priority Axis 4 - Implementation of adequate management systems for nature protection b. The Sectoral Operational Programme Transport (SOPT) Operation 2.3. Modernization and development of Danube and Black Sea ports 6. The European Social Fund (ESF) The Sectoral Operational Programme - Human Resources Development (SOP HRD) 7. The European Fisheries Fund The Operational Programme for Fisheries (OPF) South-East Regional Development Agency Page 48 / 74

49 Measure 3.3. Fishing ports, landing sites and shelters points 8. European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) National Rural Development Programme (NRDP) Measure Encouraging the tourism activities Official sources of information Useful information about the Regional Operational Programme can be found at: Management Authority for ROP The eight Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) established in each Region Useful information about the SOP HRD can be found at: Management Authority for SOP HRD The eight Intermediate Body established in each Region Useful information about the SOP EC can be found at: Management Authority for SOP EC Useful information about the SOPE can be found at: Management Authority for SOPE The eight Intermediate Body established in each Region Useful information about the SOPT can be found at: Management Authority for SOPT Useful information about the NRDP can be found at: Management Authority for NRDP Useful information about the OPF can be found at: Management Authority for OPF Useful information about the European Territorial Co-operation can be found at: Useful information about the Government Programme can be found at: South-East Regional Development Agency Page 49 / 74

50 2 SWOT ANALYSIS 2.1 Transportation system and tourism Transport Internal characteristics Strengths - Strategic position of the South-East Region: situated in the Black Sea area, neighbouring Ukraine, Moldova and Bulgaria and also on the main fluvial connection to other European countries; - The South-East Region is crossed by important Pan European corridors (IV road/rail and corridor VII fluvial - Danube); - Some of the national roads crossing the Region (E60; E85; E87; E70; E581) are part of big trans-european corridors; - The important transport corridors assure the connection between the urban centres and the country capital; - The Region has the fourth largest maritime port in Europe and the largest Black Sea harbour, namely Constanta; - The existence of maritime harbours (Mangalia and Midia) and river-maritime harbours (Braila, Galati, Tulcea and Sulina, river ports which can be accessed by sea ships); - One international airport M. Kogalniceanu in Constanta, one internal airport in Tulcea and two secondary airports (Tuzla and Buzau). Weaknesses - Low share of modernised roads (national, regional, local, communal); - Low carrying capacity of existing roads showing accelerated degradation; - Improper lighting and marking of road; - Difficult access in some rural areas and tourist destinations (for example the access to the Muntii Macinului National Park between Braila, Galati, Macin is hampered by the use of ferryboats across the Danube, which increases transit time and travel costs); - Lack of fast road connection (bridge over Danube) - Insufficient connections with the main European roads; - Low speed circulation by rail as compared with European standards, due to advanced degradation of the rail network; - Insufficient number of modernised train stations and bus stations; - Lack of bicycle routes as an alternative to motorised transport. External characteristics Opportunities - The development of targeted national programmes for road transport sector; - High transport development potential, especially for the river and sea transport (Danube and Black Sea); - The transfer of freight transport from road transport to the air, railroad and sea/river ones; - Creation of new Danube harbours in the future; Threats o Lack of correlation between the transport infrastructure and the existing demand; o Increase number of polluting ways of transportation at the expense of non polluting ones that require investments and involvement of the public authorities South-East Regional Development Agency Page 50 / 74

51 2.1.2 Tourism Internal characteristics Strengths o SE Region has an important tourism potential with its large diversity of cultural and natural resources, harmoniously distributed; o Various forms of tourism practiced in the Region as well as in the protected areas; o The customs and traditions in the localities of the rural areas are still preserved (for example in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve) o Great and diverse number of protected natural areas; o The existence of some NGOs/Associations which are very active in developing and promoting niche tourism (for example Ivan Patzaichin Mila 23 Association in the Danube Delta) o Existence of scientific points of interest (geological, biological); existence of historical sights (monasteries, relics); o The existence and diversity of some valuable natural and anthropic tourist resources: tourist resorts, a rich culturalartistic patrimony, archaeological sites, a great range of museums with different themes, parks and lakes with recreational facilities o Major interest of the local public authorities for the tourism sector development as a priority area for the regional development o The initiation of some financing projects for tourist infrastructure, including tourist information and promotion centres by the Tourism Ministry; Weaknesses o A poor offer of tourism packages, organised tourist routes and undeveloped extra-hotel services; o Small number of tourist programmes promoted by the tourism agencies; o Poor leisure facilities offer; outdated equipment and installations; accommodation facilities; o Poorly developed infrastructure; o Low promotion of the tourism offer at national and international level; o The region's old city centres are in a very poor state and need to be renovated; o The bad conservation condition of the historic monuments; o The weak tourism capitalisation of the Danube river in tourism (transport, leisure activities); o Poor tourist information (signs, panels, tourist marks); o Insufficient number of travel information centres and promotional activities; o Limited uniformity of the services offered by the Visiting Centres and Information Points (VC&IP) and a limited working program with the public.; o Limited experience and training of employees in the tourism information; o The tourism areas do not have a suitable network of multi-functional tourism centres that can ensure the easy access of the tourists to the information and specific services and events. o Seasonal tourism o Poor cooperation among the tourism operators in the country and in the cross-border area o Lack of regional strategies for tourism in a larger context of a national strategy where the representation role South-East Regional Development Agency Page 51 / 74

52 External characteristics Opportunities o Development of some niche tourism forms: ecotourism, cycle-tourism, offroad; o Easy access to European Funds and the opportunity to attract foreign investors for the tourism development; o Tourism sector has a high potential regarding the contribution to the achievement of several major EU objectives, such as sustainable development, economic growth, employment as well as economic and social cohesion; o Creation of new visiting centres and information points using European funds; o A high interest at the international level for biodiversity preservation and sustainable tourism promotion. o Existing potential for the development of the tourism sector, recreational tourism and Danube cruise tourism; o Increased interest for the development of rural tourism and agro-tourism; o Development of niche tourism sectors: religious tourism, agro-tourism, nature tourism, angling tourism, cyclingtourism; should be of the regional tourism promotion associations o Poor number of partnerships existing in the tourism field among local administrations and tourism organization; o No correlation among the initiatives for tourism development and the national programmes of general infrastructure development; o Insufficient financial resources especially in the local councils to implement new development projects; o Lack of entertainment facilities such us golf courses or aqua parks Threats o A stronger competition of the Region's tourism areas with the neighbouring regions' or countries' similar tourism destinations; o Underdeveloped infrastructure hinders economic development of affected communities, also adversely affect people in their daily activities; o Lack of capital of the tourism companies for direct investment in tourism; o The international economic crisis that affects negatively more and more the national economy; o Romania s negative image abroad; o The exodus of the qualified workforce in other countries and the fluctuation of the tourism personnel; o The trend to develop economic activities with a negative impact on the environment and with no implication of sustainable development of natural resources South-East Regional Development Agency Page 52 / 74

53 2.2 Development plans & results of previous Internal characteristics Strengths The interest of governmental authorities for local development and tourism development through the development of various strategies and plans and implementation of cross-border cooperation projects; The existing strategies at national/regional/local level regarding the development of both tourism and transport sector; The development of previous strategies along the Danube with special focus on tourism supported through European Cooperation Programme; Special attention from local authorities supporting the development of tourism sector; Weaknesses The lack of a tourism marketing strategies; The strategies and development plans are too general with no practical application in supporting soft mobility in tourism; Transport and tourism development plans are missing concrete actions supporting soft mobility as well as soft in tourism; Specific objectives and activities for sustainable mobility in tourism are isolated, especially referring to cycling tourism, active tourism and cruises tourism and they are not developed in an integrated perspective; The strategies are missing concrete activities for development of sustainable mobility offers in tourism; External characteristics Opportunities Access of international funds for implementation of development plans and strategies; Access to European soft mobility good practices in tourism and the opportunity to transfer the exchange of knowledge and experience; Development in various stages of implementation of projects aimed to support infrastructure development, giving priority to tourist areas with tourism potential. Threats Implementation of innovative marketing strategies and plans in tourism and soft mobility offers and packages in the neighbourhood areas; South-East Regional Development Agency Page 53 / 74

54 2.3 Organizational and legal framework & funding options Internal characteristics External characteristics Strengths The involvement of different stakeholders, both public and private, having different areas of competence; The public authorities are aware of the potential of the Danube River; The existing relationships and structures in cross-border cooperation Opportunities Existing European funds for tourism development; The success of tourism development in the Danube area depends on the support of the stakeholders involved and their cooperation; Development of public and private partnerships in order to capitalize tourism opportunities and sustainable transportation options, integrating natural and cultural patrimony, environmental protection, accessibility and development with the most appropriate methods; The interest of the international community to support marketing projects; The interest to expand and improve the tourist information system. Weaknesses Uniformity of the services offered and a limited working program with the public for the Visiting Centres & Information Points; Limited experience and training of employees in the Tourism Information Centres; In the field of sustainable mobility in tourism, the involvement of stakeholders is very low, mostly are focused on supporting principles of sustainable mobility at national and local level or promoting soft tourism forms such as cycling tourism; The efforts of the authorities are isolated and no single cooperation could be identified in the field of sustainable mobility in tourism as a distinctive topic between public authorities, tourism organisations and public transport operators; Insufficient local funding sources; tight local budgets, insufficient financing/co-financing resources to support national and European projects in the field. Threats Low interest of local investors in supporting tourism sector and soft mobility offers in tourism; Insufficient implementation of European standards in infrastructure; Low involvement of public authorities in developing sustainable mobility plans/strategies/programmes in tourism; Lack of concrete strategies for supporting tourism development and soft mobility in tourism will result in loss of tourism potential values, investing in projects that affect the sustainability of landscape or natural environment. Poor involvement and understanding by public authorities for the appropriate exploitation of tourism development might affect the Danube river environment; Low level of absorption of the European Funds in the cross-border programmes for financing from the EU. South-East Regional Development Agency Page 54 / 74

55 3 GOOD PRACTICE 3.1 Soft Mobility offers and packages Description PROJECT VOTE FOR BICYCLE, VOTE FOR A CLEANER CITY General project description Initiator & stakeholders Project bases Finances of the project Accompanying measures The project was implemented with the support of the European Union Funds within the Life Environment Programme; reference LIFE00 ENV/RO/ Objectives: The major objective of the project was to improve urban air quality by lowering the pollution levels generated by car traffic in the city of Oradea. The project aimed to influence the mobility behaviour of citizens by encouraging more sustainable modes of transport, such as cycling and walking, and by convincing the population through an extended campaign that travelling in an eco-friendly way is better and more convenient than travel by car. Other objectives stressed the need to create a living example of the way bicycles can help tackling traffic problems in a medium-sized city and to disseminate the experience to other Romanian cities. The aims of the project are closely tied in with the prospect of sustainable development as set out in Agenda 21. Results: The project achieved the following results: 150 prototype bicycles were purchased equipped with cyclo-computer which measures the number of kilometres travelled by each bicycle; 45 were equipped with mobile GPS unit; a bicycle tracking system was installed which also allows identification of bicycles in traffic; a lighted board that informs Oradea inhabitants on the level of pollutants generated by urban traffic was installed; 12 bicycle sheds were placed; 6 kilometres of bicycle lanes were created. Project duration: Coordinator: Oradea City Hall Project partners: SC PROIECT BIHOR SA; Oradea Environmental Protection Agency (a local branch of the Ministry of Environment); SC FOLOS SRL CATO (local NGO) Oradea is a medium-sized city in Western Romania. It has a population of more than 220,000 and covers a total of 38.5 sqkm. Oradea have large industrial districts, as well as significant historical sites, tourist and educational centres. Economic development in the area is influenced by the proximity to the Hungarian border, with both rail and road linkages. The effects of economic and transport development over the last two decades have exacerbated the conflicts between transport and the environment. The extent of motorized transportation had a considerable impact on urban life quality and led to calls for measures to improve the situation, especially in the denser populated areas. Influencing the travel habits of inhabitants towards more environmentally friendly transport modes, especially cycling and walking, is a real challenge because, for most people, cycling is still a leisure mode of transport, a sport or an activity for children. So far, cycling has not been properly promoted. It does not benefit from dedicated lanes, being considered unsafe. Total project budget: 697, Euro EU contribution: 328, Euro To increase the level of awareness regarding the need for changing mobility behaviour and the benefits brought by the use of bicycle as urban mean of transport, during the all project lifetime a major bicycle promoting campaign has been developed. An Awareness Raising and Dissemination Plan was elaborated in order to define the role of awareness raising campaign, to identify the target groups and to decide the best communication methods, which should be used. South-East Regional Development Agency Page 55 / 74

56 Success factors & Challenges The project evaluation and impact assessment was based on the information collected during the implementation phase. The project implementation impact was assessed not only regarding the quality of the environment but also in the economic and social area. The beneficiary noticed a slight change in the behaviour of the inhabitants but also stated a low level of awareness. It mentioned that environmental protection issue was not a priority for a major part of the population in comparison to economic and social problems. The conclusion of the beneficiary is that the project marks the starting point of a long process. Some progress was noted: the urban planners are taking into consideration the space needed for bicycle lanes; the Municipality s investment plan includes an extension of the bicycle lanes; the number of bikers is increasing; Oradea Police initiated a procedure in order to correct the oversights of the Romanian Traffic Regulation. 3.2 Transportation and tourism information systems General project description Initiator & stakeholders Project bases Finances of the of project Description Project name: PIMMS TRANSFER - Partner Initiatives for the development of Mobility Management Services & Transferring Actions in Sustainable mobility For European Regions PIMMS TRANSFER was a three year project which promoted the exchange of good practices between regions and it was completed in The project mainly aimed to stimulate the use of measures in the planning and organisation of traffic and encouraged environmentally friendly transport by promoting alternative transportation modes like: public transportation, bicycles and walking. Project results: Timisoara has been successful in developing areas of the city into pedestrian, cycling and rollerblading friendly areas. A map of the cycling routes in Timisoara has been posted on the city s website. A public transport website that promotes public transport by presenting useful information (tickets, fares, stations, maps, routes etc.) about alternative way to travel in the city (tram, trolley, bus) was developed. Timisoara Municipality Local Authority for Transportation (RATT) Whilst a number of local and regional authorities across Europe have implemented hard and soft measures to promote sustainable mobility, these are often kept isolated as opposed to complementing each other in an integrated manner. The promotion of sustainable forms of transport is more challenging in the New Member States as they do not always have high quality alternatives to car use, for example quality public transport, comprehensive cycling infrastructure or good road safety provision. The effectiveness of Mobility Management to improve sustainable mobility and citizens' quality of life by reducing congestion and the accompanying CO2 emissions has yet to be accepted by some key decision makers and it remains a 'minority' policy field that is established in very few European regions. Thus, PIMMS TRANSFER aimed to increase sustainable mobility by promoting and transferring effective Mobility Management techniques to regional and local decision-makers. Timisoara Municipality total budget: over 100,000 Euro. The project was implemented with the support of the European Union under the South-East Regional Development Agency Page 56 / 74

57 Accompanying measures Success factors & Challenges INTERREG IVC Programme. The City Hall implemented accompanying measures in the project framework in order to raise awareness on the public concerning the use of public transportation and bicycles. In this context, there were organised events like Schools Challenge or the European Mobility Week. Schools Challenge aimed to encourage students to go to school by foot or by using public transport and bicycles while the European Mobility Week created substantial media coverage and put sustainable transport on the new agenda. The City Hall also implemented some pilot actions (the street that links the central town with the student campus was reserved for pedestrians, cycling and children s sport competitions). The pilot actions represent an excellent way to determine the potential effectiveness of permanent measures. Timisoara Municipality s role as an initiation partner within the project allowed them to learn about and implement measures from the progression regions. The possibility of bringing together experts from the field through Mentoring Workshops, Study Visits and Master Classes represented a great opportunity for the local public authority. The implementation of transport measures is easier through the exchange of sustainable mobility practices between initiation countries and progression regions because it s more efficient to implement proven solutions. The city s difficulties in implementing good practices stemmed from a lack of funds. Previous EU projects allowed the development of some measures that touched on Mobility Management, but PIMMS TRANSFER allowed Timisoara to commit to three years of enhancing sustainable transport options and educating residents about smarter travel. 3.3 Strategies and plans General project description Description SUCCESS Smaller Urban Communities in Civitas for Environmentally Sustainable Solutions was a 4-year project ( ), implemented within the European Research and Demonstration Programme CIVITAS II ("City-Vitality- Sustainability" or "Cleaner and Better Transport in Cities"). The target project areas were the cities: Rochelle (FR), Preston (UK) and Ploiesti (RO). The project main objective was to develop sustainable transport and energy policy in small and medium sized cities using mobility and traffic management measures. SUCCESS addressed technical, social, environmental and economic aspects of an integrated mobility strategy. Several actions have been engaged in each city ranging from controlled access zones to bio fuels, from real time information systems to alternative modes for transport, from cycle and walking paths to integrated ticketing. In total, more than 50 different projects have been set up involving a large number of stakeholders leading to a very wide scope on sustainable mobility management implementation. Moreover, a methodological guide gathering the best practices used by SUCCESS partners and their recommendations to implement a set of innovative related urban mobility measures was elaborated. During the project implementation, Ploiesti City Hall developed the City Logistic Strategic Plan and the Strategic Plan for Soft Transport. The City Logistics Strategic Plan developed by the City Hall was the first step in order to restrict heavy transport and setting up the alternative routes for delivering the goods. The Strategic Plan for Soft Transport included the design needed South-East Regional Development Agency Page 57 / 74

58 to implement the clear zone. The necessity of coordinating the high density zones and pedestrian facilities needed for traffic safety and increased recreation facilities appeared in the context of increasing traffic congestion and air pollution. The main results achieved by Ploiesti City Hall were: Clean and energy efficient vehicles: conversion of 25 Diesel buses to LPG; Access management: 5 sqkm Clear Zone; Stimulation of collective transport modes: improved infrastructure for collective transport and enhanced quality of 10 interchanges; New Concepts for the distribution of goods: freight partnership, routing, signing, information in real time to freight operators; Innovative Soft measures: 12 km of cycling routes and 8 sq.km of walking streets; Telematics: GPS system for the public transport fleet, new ticketing system and a real time information system for the public transport. Initiator & stakeholders Project bases Finances of the of project Accompanying measures The local partnership was composed of: Ploiesti City Hall, Public Transport Company, Petroleum and Gas University of Ploiesti. Within the project, the dissemination strategy was led by the Ploiesti City Hall, which had proved to be very innovative in terms of marketing and communication. Moreover, the City Hall and the Local Public Transport Company programmed a survey to determine the user acknowledgement and satisfaction regarding the implemented measures; the Petroleum and Gas University in Ploiesti worked on evaluating the environmental impact and on determining its effects on reducing the inner city pollution. The project involved extensive investment in the participating cities, along with a large range of stakeholders and integrated packages of demonstration measures. The stakeholders were involved to detail the contents or the way of implementing the measures. Although the process took longer than expected it had proved to lead to a better acceptance and increased understanding of shared mobility. With a surface of 50 sqkm and a population of 230,000 inhabitants, Ploiesti City, the Prahova county capital is located in the centre of Wallachia, in the northcentral part of the Romanian Plain, at a distance of 60 Km North of Bucharest, the capital of Romania. The integration of transportation policy and land use planning has been identified as an essential element in achieving sustainable development. Sustainable transport provision meant identification of all types of development to reduce the overall need to travel, particularly by car, and improving accessibility by walking, cycling and public transport. In this way there was a strong need to: enhance the environment for pedestrians and cycling by better design, access and security, improve the functioning and environmental compatibility of the traffic system components. The project idea was based on the local policy provisions, namely: to set-up an efficient management of environmental issues and a clean urban transport development. The objective was to reduce congestion at city level and develop a new system of urban transport. The Civitas Initiative is co-financed by the European Union. Ploiesti City Hall aims to further support the development of public space and encourage pedestrian movements as a safe means of transportation, leisure and South-East Regional Development Agency Page 58 / 74

59 Success factors & Challenges social development, in a convenient manner. In this respect the pedestrians needs will be developed in all projects in the future. Within the project, a political committee had been established, which gave real political support and follow-up of the main implementation stages and met every year alternatively in the 3 cities. Through the project, the vitality was brought back into the city centre; the resulting improvements to the quality of life and accessibility attracted new economic investments and promoted the viability of cycling and walking. Ploiesti City needed such a project to be implemented, which encouraged a coordination between urban transportation, traffic and the European requirements. Ploiesti City made the efforts to reduce congestion and pollution in the city centre and also to improve the accessibility of public spaces, both of them having a positive impact on the citizens life. South-East Regional Development Agency Page 59 / 74

60 4 THE REGIONAL STATE OF THE ART - FACTORS FOR SUCCESS 4.1 SOFT MOBILITY OFFERS AND PACKAGES Factors for success Public sector recognition of the importance of soft mobility transportation for local/regional/national development; Grants for development of soft mobility sector; Development of new strategies, plans, funding schemes; Increasing private operators involvement; Involvement, support and cooperation of the stakeholders in tourism and transportation sectors; Specific activities to rise the tourism competitiveness and joint stakeholders action; Identification of factors that prevented the development of this sector. Cooperation in joint sectors of transport - tourism in order to identify the factors that the poor infrastructure, poor transport connections, lack of intermodal transportation. Organization/Operator Create shorter routes without the need to overcome long distances and without need for a speed boat; those shorter routes have to link the major points of interest in the proximity of the communities with tourism potential; Create circulation routes to minimise impacts on integrity of place and in the vicinity of larger towns, communities with accommodation; No high speed boats allowed except for the inhabitants and special social services, taking into consideration the targeted tourist zoning; Signs for the navigation and visitation routes for different types of boats, according to the suggested tourist zoning as well as with the existing navigation regulations; giving a great importance to the creation and placement of some indicators; attention for signs; Preventing pollution; Rehabilitation and modernization of Tulcea port infrastructure; Improving roads sectors: DN22, Tulcea - Ovidiu, km km ; DN22, Smardan - Tulcea, km km ; DN22A, Harsova - Cataloi, km km ; DN 22, Braila - Tulcea, km (99,29 km); DN 22, Ramnicu-Sarat - Braila - Tulcea - Ovidiu, km ; DN22 Tulcea - Ovidiu, km km (109,40 km) Making a direct connection Sulina - St. George, by rehabilitating existing route; Bridge over the Danube in Braila-national public interest objective; Construction of a tourist port at Port Portita; Integrating cultural tourism offers (archeology, ethnography) in packages; Extension to the mainland of the county offer by including the Macin Mountains area in coherent tourism offers; Development of religious tourism offers (1 day trip). The creation of special trails for hiking, biking, canoeing and kayaking Developing outdoor cycling tracks, routes covering most important cultural sites. Integrating local traditions travel packages. South-East Regional Development Agency Page 60 / 74

61 Funding of services and packages Demand Operational characteristics Characteristics of packages Accompanying measures For small scale investments for the creating of cycling tracks, walking tracks etc. The initial investments is not high and the success of further implementation depends on the implication in previous projects implemented and the feedback of the stakeholders; The involvement of local authorities and stakeholders should be more visible in international projects in order to access funding and to capitalize European good practices in soft mobility, tourism, transport. The segmentation of the market and identification of the target group; A clear market analysis for a proper development of strategies and plans; Feasibility studies should be carried out for the identification of the suitable area for the development of cycling routes, intermodal connection, connections ships road train; The soft mobility and tourism packages should be developed considering special requirements of the target groups (elderly people, people with disabilities, young people, families); The development of sustainable transport and tourism offers should be extended to comprise all Danube areas. The understanding of tourism sector characteristics: the tourist needs are not only for a proper transport system, but also for accommodation, food-beverage, recreational facilities; The roads infrastructure must prevent traffic congestions; Tourism Information Centres/Points must respond to the real needs of the tourists; The development of a common criteria and standards for evaluation of the transport system, for a better understanding and perception of the services provided to the visitors; The linkages between various means of transportation and intermodal offers should be equally accessible by the public, periodically analyzed. The soft mobility offers must be developed together with other connected packages and services; A brand of the region, visible and coherent for the visitors; A common brand in sustainable mobility in tourism for the entire area; The creation of a quality label for the soft tourist packages. This sector needs a common marketing strategy, with a common analysis and studies, with a common vision, a general objective and a common guideline for local strategic initiatives in supporting sustainable transport offers in tourism; Creation of some new Danube harbours in the near future (ports are the main elements of cohesion in Europe) South-East Regional Development Agency Page 61 / 74

62 4.2 TRANSPORTATION AND TOURISM INFORMATION SYSTEMS Factors for success In the tourism information system must include a wide variety of products and destinations and must involve public and private stakeholders; Increasing cooperation between tourism and transport stakeholders; The need for a more stable legislation in the area, with a clear regulation of public-private cooperation; Organization/Operator Funding of services Demand Operational characteristics Accompanying measures More website information platforms are needed; beside classical information and promotion instruments (i.e. leaflets, brochures); Focus on the social media and interactive presentation of the information (interactive maps, online reservation systems); Composing a leisure consultative platform, for the tourism and environmental sector and other sectors involved; Visitor centres must be developed in order to provide the following activities: centralised booking system to foresee booking facilities for smaller offer; centralising all information concerning the destination in a visitor centre with attention for information, sensitization,(destination information versus interpretation information) (see also Eco-Tourism Centre in Tulcea); Development, positioning and marketing tourism centres as the core information and communication offer travel to the county area, equipped with modern information and communication equipment. European Regional Development Funds and public financial support from the national / local authorities were used for the most of the information centres and points; The implementation of soft mobility packages and offers should be supported through ERDF funds and private investments; Local initiatives are needed; Increase the initiatives in accessing European funds. The information regarding transportation and tourism should be presented in an integrated manner; Taking into consideration the origin countries of the tourists, the target groups and the marketing strategies, the information should be presented in various languages (compulsory in English); The demand for soft mobility packages should be analysed, with a special focus on domestic and foreign cyclists, the number of visitors of the websites offering specific mobility products etc. The promotion of the tourism centres should be increased especially via internet; The information system must include integrated information, soft mobility offers, tourism attractions and facilities, data on the activities carried out in the tourist spots, tourist operators offering active vacations; prices; reservation options, schedule of the train in connection with bus / bike renting points/ ships etc. The local authorities should include in the promotion activities at county, national and international level the brand of soft mobility transportation along the Danube developed on a local basis through the support of the TRANSDANUBE project. South-East Regional Development Agency Page 62 / 74

63 4.3 SUCCESS FACTORS FOR STRATEGIES AND PLANS Marketing strategies Overall strategies Factors for success The tourism regional marketing strategies should be concrete, with actions supporting sustainable mobility and sustainable mobility with special regards to tourism, with measurable results in terms of outputs; ; The offers and packages in soft mobility in tourism created should be promoted in a integrated way, with a common brand of transnational Danube soft mobility, with an integrated promotional mix campaign and considering the specific characteristics of regional area of Danube; The natural and cultural tourism product should be attractive and sustainable; Sustainable tourism can be used as a label to promote the destination: UNESCO heritage/natura 2000; In order to have more impact on the market, collaboration between stakeholders is essential. Special focus on the image of the Danube Delta, subsequently on giving information with attention for: consistent house style; Importance of using the right images (wetland, culture, folklore). The overall strategy must include both tourism and transportation development actions; Tourism stakeholders should cooperate both with local and national authorities in transport area and transport services providers; The information systems should be more focused on new promotional instruments such as social media, direct marketing, new technologies i.e. QR codes, internet. The success of a tourism destination in its approach to destination management can be influenced by a wide range of factors. As a dynamic and complex industry, destination managers need to be continually monitoring, reviewing and evaluating tourism performance and management strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of tourism in the destination. The strategic planning and ongoing management for a destination will contribute to the continuous improvement and success of a tourism destination. A wide range of research has been undertaken into the best practice of tourism organisations and destinations. Consultation with the local community before development or significant changes in activities. Planning and management of the institutional framework; Planning and management of carrying capacity, quality and integration in an overall monitoring system; Planning and management of sustainable product development; Planning and management of communication; Transport and tourism management; Sustainable construction; Green and garden policy. Other strategies National authorities should develop a overall intermodal transportation strategy for passengers, not only for freight. Amending Law no. 82/1993 on the establishment of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration, in order to regulate the management of renewable resources, and for authorization to pursue economic activities and tourism in partnership with local communities South-East Regional Development Agency Page 63 / 74

64 Regulating access and movement of ships and pleasure boats on the canals and lakes of the area inside Biosphere Reserve "Danube Delta" in order to reduce negative effects caused by boats traveling in the Danube Delta, including recreational boats The Ministry of Regional Development and Tourism has an important role, being involved in the coordination of the other stakeholders in the tourism activity (e.g. accommodation units, tourism agencies) for the creation of the institutional background in the field, the development of the specific infrastructure and the initiation of promotional activities at national level. By its regional development direction, it has a role in the territory development, border cooperation and territory planning with involvement also in the development of the Danube tourism. The Ministry of Environment draws up the policy in the environment field and from this perspective; it has attributions in the creation of the legislation and institution background. The Ministry of Culture, Cults and National Patrimony, by its role to sustain and promote the cultural heritage, the capitalization of the national non-material patrimony and the promotion of the cultural objectives of international value. The Ministry of Agriculture Forests and Rural Development. The Ministry of Education, Research and Innovation has an important role in the process of education and public awareness and for the development of human resources and its involvement in this process is essential. The role of the Regional Development Agencies (RDA) is to contribute to the sustainable development and the prosperity of regions, by encouraging investments, by a permanent implication in the economic reconstruction process and by creating new jobs. They also are involved in the promotion of innovation, in creating an environment favourable to innovations by qualifying the human resources and creating the networks between institutions. From this perspective, the creation of some functional agencies, which should coordinate the activity of some associations by accentuating the role of these on local plan, would be very important. South-East Regional Development Agency Page 64 / 74

65 5 ANNEX 5.1 List of reference South-East Regional Development Plan draft version Regional Development Plan South-East Territorial Audit Regional Operational Programme Sectoral Operational Programme on Transport Strategy Plan for Sustainable tourism in the Danube Delta 2009 Danube Delta Strategy National Strategy for Development of Ecotourism in Romania The tourism patrimony in urban and peri-urban areas draft version December 2012 Conservation Plan of Balta Mica of Braila Strategic plan for tourism in Danube Delta Visitor Strategy of Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Visitor Management Strategy in Macin Mountains National Park Macin Mountains Study ROMSILVA Macin Mountains National Park Administration Feasibility Study of Balta Mica Braila Activity Report Braila Small Island South-East Regional Development Agency Page 65 / 74

66 Additional materials Danube Delta South-East Regional Development Agency Page 66 / 74

67 South-East Regional Development Agency Page 67 / 74

68 South-East Regional Development Agency Page 68 / 74

69 South-East Regional Development Agency Page 69 / 74

70 South-East Regional Development Agency Page 70 / 74

71 South-East Regional Development Agency Page 71 / 74

72 South-East Regional Development Agency Page 72 / 74

73 Braila Small Island South-East Regional Development Agency Page 73 / 74

74 Macin Mountains South-East Regional Development Agency Page 74 / 74