Prospects for sustainable rural cultural tourism in Maramureş, Romania

Maramureşis one of the mountain regions of Romania where pilot projects for sustainable rural cultural tourism have been started. The paper examines the potentials for this business and evaluates progress in the context of experience elsewhere with respect to barriers that may limit growth and long-term success. The resources are very considerable both in Romania generally and Maramureşin particular; relating not merely to traditional lifestyles but also to their present forms within pluriactive communities. When sustainability indicators are considered it is evident that the business is firmly under local control through rural tourist associations. But the area suffers from remoteness and there is a need for greater cohesion to connect local networks with those operating at the regional and national levels within Romania and also in neighbouring countries. Maramureşis also burdened by localized environmental problems - concerned with mining and recreation - which detract from an otherwise positive image.