Tag: tourist

How can we continue to travel without overcrowding the most attractive destinations? In this episode of Smart Regions, we travel to Transylvania to discover innovative tourism solutions, such as home dining with locals in rural areas.

Who doesn’t like travelling? We visited the famous Count Dracula’s Castle in Transylvania. This destination is one of the most visited in Romania, attracting around one million tourists a year. Travel can be a great experience, but tourism also poses challenges to society.  Count Dracula’s Castle in Transylvania, Romania
Euronews

Many tourists want to visit the most iconic landmarks. How can tourism be redistributed? “We would like to influence tourist behaviour but it’s not easy,” explains Eugenio Van Maanen, researcher at the Breda University of Applied Sciences and leader of the European “Tourism in Balance” project. “How do we encourage them to discover alternative destinations, which are less crowded but which offer equally fascinating experiences?” 

How to Guide Visitors Away From the Crowded Hot Spots

Picture yourself strolling through the legendary Castle of Count Dracula in Transylvania, Romania, and seeing the crowds break up. Euronews recently talked to Eugenio Van Maanen, the brains behind the European initiative “Tourism in Balance.” He asked the big question: “How can we entice travelers to discover quieter places that offer just as much excitement?”

The “Tourism in Balance” Project

• Launched in 2023, backed by Interreg Europe.
• Six European regions—Rome, Amsterdam, Seville, Tallinn, Kraków, and Brașov—are leading the charge with guidance from Breda University of Applied Sciences.
• Ultimate aim: help partners craft strategies and policies that defeat overtourism by moving tourists around in both space and time.

Why It Matters

Van Maanen puts it simply: “It’s all about piecing together tourism—spreading it out so people can enjoy places without the usual congestion.” By directing travellers to less crowded spots, cities not only get relief but also preserve their charm for future visitors.

Feel Like a True Explorer

Imagine catching Rome’s cobblestone streets at a quiet evening or sampling Seville’s lively tapas at night—no long lines, just vibrant local culture. It’s a win‑win: travellers get authentic experiences, while cities breathe easier.

Next Steps

As the project refines its playbook, each partner will design new policies and promote hidden gems. We’re inviting locals and businesses to throw their hats into the ring, making every journey more personal, sustainable, and—most importantly—fun.

Discover Brașov: Romania’s Rising Star

Why Brașov is getting the spotlight

Picture this: a city tucked in the heart of Transylvania, flaunting a brand‑new airport, ready to welcome tourists like a warm chicken broth in winter.

While the locals aren’t yet cursing about crowds, the pot’s set to bubble over. The city has all the right ingredients to turn into a bustling hotspot—if the right recipe is followed.

Getting the low‑down from the pros

In a big meeting right now, partners from Amsterdam, Rome, and Seville are pitching their “oh‑no” moments. Alina Nicoară, deputy director of the Metropolitan Agency of Brașov, says, “We’re jumping off the diving board—painful, but necessary—to learn how to keep tourists flowing to less packed neighbourhoods. That way everyone wins!”

What we’re hoping to achieve

• Balanced growth – Urban and rural regions work together, not at odds.
• Eco‑friendly tourism – Protect the scenery while keeping the cash flowing.
• Community benefits – From farmers’ markets to local cafés, everyone gets in on the action.

See you in Brașov!

Don’t miss the chance to experience the old stone walls, the vibrant market stalls, and the summer breeze that blows through the Carpathian foothills.

Tourists in the city of Brașov, Romania
Euronews

“If we can divert the flow of tourists from the most overcrowded areas to less visited places, the whole community would benefit”

Alina Nicoară

Deputy director of the Metropolitan Agency of Brașov

The agency has launched one of the region’s flagship initiatives to redistribute tourism: the Gastro Local Programme. Inhabitants of rural areas, such as the village of Vama Buzăului, located near the Valea Zimbrilor nature reserve, open their homes to offer home-cooked meals to visitors for a fixed price of 16 euros. 

Alina’s Cozy Kitchen: Where Locals Cook Up Tourist Magic

Alina Tonie – one of the spirited chefs behind the Gastro Local movement – shares the secret behind her mouth‑watering menus. “Back in the day, we had zero restaurant options here,” she chuckles. “Now, thanks to Gastro Local, we can turn our own kitchens into food havens for visitors.”

What Makes Their Food So All‑You‑Can‑Eat Delicious?

• The kitchen is a fragrant wonderland where every dish is born from locally sourced, mostly organic produce.
• All 70% of the ingredients come straight from nearby farms and family‑owned farms.
• Every kitchen satisfies rigorous health inspections, so you’re in safe hands.
• Customers pay a flat rate per menu – drinks aren’t included, so you can keep your budget happy.

Why Visitors (and Locals) Love Alina’s Home‑Cooked Meals

It’s the same spices, the same community spirit, but with a personal touch that says, “You’re not just eating; you’re part of a story.” Alina’s kitchen is a testament that great food doesn’t need a fancy restaurant, just a bit of passion and a lot of local love.

Alina’s Kitchen: A Taste of Transylvania

When you wander into Alina’s cozy kitchen, you won’t just find a place to eat – you’ll stumble upon the family’s secret recipe for hospitality. “What we serve our guests is exactly what we eat at home,” Alina shares, and that makes every bite a story of shared meals and shared smiles.

Why This Feels Like More Than Food

• Authentic Flavors – Think hearty stews, fragrant roasts, and torchy pastries that remind you of a lullaby from grandma’s kitchen.
• Community Vibes – The locals benefit, the tourists get a taste of the real deal, and the producers get a lift to their farms.
• Beyond the Tourists – A chance to wander Transylvania’s hidden corners, away from the usual selfies.

A Quick Guide for Your Next Trip

1. Pack your appetite and a curious spirit.
2. Venture off the beaten path – you’ll find Alina’s door waiting.
3. Enjoy a meal that’s as warm as a family hug, and watch the story unfold with every forkful.

In short, Alina’s kitchen isn’t just about food – it’s a front‑row seat to Transylvania’s community heart, a place where you’re not just a tourist, but a guest in a family’s story.