Innovation travel magazine no 1

travel INNOVATION

No. 1, April 2016

Bucharest

njoy! EEnjoy!

The most full of life city in Europe

Danube Delta, Draculaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s land, Black sea parties, Spa & Wellness

30 trips&tricks about Romania Your vacation in unique places in the world

Bucharest Airports almost 10 million passengers, big growth

D ISCOV E R

TRANS YLV ANI A TH E 1 ST D E STI NATI O N O F 2 0 1 6 !

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Welcome to Romania! Contents

Traian Badulescu & Raluca Repanovici --- Managing Partners, Innovation Travel

Dear reader, Authentic, Natural and Cultural are the words that best capture the essence of Romania, a dynamic country rich in history, arts and scenic beauty. Romania offers countless unique travel experiences that are waiting to be discovered. A journey of three of four hours, by car or train, can take you from the Danube River to a beautiful, intact, medieval town; from Bucharest - Romania's capital city - to the Black Sea; from Southern Transylvania to the historic regions of Bucovina or Maramures. Take a step back in time as you visit one of the unique painted monasteries in Bucovina, the perfectly preserved hilltop citadel of Sighisoara or an authentic, centuries-old, village in Maramures. Explore Romania's many architectural treasures and experience its vibrant and flourishing arts scene. Romania is a year-round tourist destination. However, from the end of April to the beginning of July and from end of August to the end of October are the most popular sightseeing periods, with generally mild and pleasant temperatures. Summers can be hot especially in Southern Romania, including Bucharest, but along the Black Sea Coast, sea breezes offer moderate temperatures. e mountain resorts and higher elevation areas are warm and pleasant during summer. Winters can be very cold, especially in the mountains and snow is common throughout the country from December to mid March. Skiers can usually enjoy their favorite sport in the Carpathian Mountain resorts from December until mid-April. What travel guides say about Romania: "What I like about Romania is that you know you are in a different place, in a good way." (Jayne Clark, USA Today) "… why should you go to Romania? e straight answer is because it is one of the most beautiful countries of Southeast Europe." (e Blue Guide) "Considered by many the most beautiful country in Eastern-Europe, Romania still claims regions that seem bastions of a medieval past long since lost elsewhere." (Fodor's Eastern and Central Europe) "Few regions offer a more dazzling display of cultural and artistic treasures than Romania." (Smithsonian Journeys) "No journey to Eastern Europe would be complete without paying a visit to Romania… Outstanding landscapes, a huge diversity of wildlife…" (e Rough Guide) "Romania has majestic castles, medieval towns, great hiking and wildlife…" (e Lonely Planet) We look forward to welcoming you to Romania!

Interview with Anca Nedea President of the NTA

Bucharest, the new city break destination in Europe

PRIVO – a unique luxury hotel in Transylvania

Bucharest Airports – almost 10 million passengers, big growth

Est Hospitality research: Bucharest Hotel Market (by Mircea Drăghici, PhD)

Hunting in Romania

Partner Tourist Guides

All about Romanian private airfields (by Dorin Ivaşcu)

Romania, a country of medical tourism and health

Romanian spa and balneology is unique

Rural tourism, a jewel of Romania

30 tips & tricks about Romania

About Innovation Travel

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Anca Nedea, President of the National Tourism Authority Welcomes you To RomANiA

Mrs. Anca Nedea, President of the National Tourism Authority (NTA)

- Dear Mrs. Nedea, which are the main assets of Romanian tourism? -e core diﬀerentiators that gives Romania a competitive advantage are authenticity, unspoiled nature & landscapes, unique cultural heritage. Romania delivers a unique mix of Latin and Byzantine cultures and traditions in the heart of Europe; oﬀers true authenticity in the wild Carpathians or nearly untouched Danube Delta, and a unique cultural heritage like of its painted monasteries. Our cultural sites, many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are testament to a unique history, with a heritage of Latin origin mixed with other great cultures of the continent. Romania represents a non explored destination with preserved traditions of Europe’s most rural society. And of course, people enrich this natural treasure with unchanged traditions and a warm and generous personality. - I would like to ask you to focus on the main target markets for Romanian tourism and on emerging markets...

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- We will focus our tourism promotion activity on eight main markets for the Romanian tourism, namely Germany, Great Britain/Ireland, Italy, Russia, Austria, USA, France and Hungary. However, we have developed and implemented several tourism promotion strategies for the opportunity markets, such as Israel, Poland, Spain, United Arab Emirates. We are also convinced that the new emerging markets, such as the Brazil, India and China, can offer an opportunity for Romania to maintain its growth rate, as the tourism industry can play a role in alleviating the effects of the crisis. Europe must also strengthen cooperation with those countries whose population can provide a source of visitors to European destinations as their standard of living increases. - Which are the 2016 NTA’s promotion strategies? - e Strategic Framework of the Marketing Strategy for Romania in 2016 is composed of several major pillars, being the ground for creating different strategies, policies and actions that are di-

rectly related to the delivery of the defined vision. Out of these elements, a growth algorithm was drawn in order to set up and implement the following objectives: - Marketing objective 1: Build global awareness - Marketing objective 2: Focus on products / markets / segments with highest potential - Marketing objective 3: High personal value of holiday experience Major brand strategies to increase the power of the brand are: 1. Creating a system of unique Romanian experiences 2. Raise visitor satisfaction 3. Activate local stakeholders 4. Brand communication strategy 5. Message for tour operators and tourism companies interested in the Romanian tourism Romania has a rich history and culture - Romania holds certain values that go from the spirituality of rural life to authentic culture and ancient traditions Romania has attractive sceneryRomania invites all those who wish to discover "unwalked paths" with unspoiled and wild nature Romania has a lot to explore- Romania is for those who have a strong desire to explore oﬀ-the-beaten track destinations Romania is an attractive holiday destination- Visit Romania and meet a non explored destination in Europe while living rewarding travel experiences Romania has inspiring architecture - Romania has a mixed her-

itage from which has drawn an universalistic message of its architecture and the ever-changing nature of its cities Key tourism products are: • Health and wellness: relaxation, recovery treatments, bio food • Touring: cultural tourism, visiting historical and traditional sites • Rural tourism: holidays in small rural guest houses/farms/ ecotourism • Active tourism: cycling, trips, hiking, equestrian tourism • Trips and holidays in the wild nature and in natural parks: observing specific flora and fauna – for example birds and animal watching • City breaks: weekend touring in a city • MICE: the branch of the industy that manages meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions. - What kind of assistance gives NTA for the foreign investors? -e National Authority For Tourism considers of outmost importance the partnership with the private sector. erefore we can assure you that any foreign investor in the field of tourism will find in us a supportive partner. - Do you have any message for a foreigner interested in Romania and in Romanian tourism? -Romania invites all those who wish to discover "unwalked paths" with unspoiled and wild nature. My country is for those who have a strong desire to explore oﬀ-the-beaten track destinations. anking you for your interest and looking forward for a future collaboration!

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Bucharest, the new city Break destination in europe TEXT: Valentina Marinescu, Travel Maker (www.travelmaker.ro) FOTO: BYDANIEL.ME

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ucharest, Romania’s capital city, has become over the past years an important tourist destination, an alternative for tourists of all types to the large and expensive metropolises from Western Europe. Bucharest is the perfect destination for city break holidays in Eastern Europe. It boasts a wide range of cultural attractions, interesting museums, charming parks, really good hotels and hostels that are cheaper than the ones from the West, great restaurants, beautiful architecture, as well as beautiful people. Being over 555 years old, Bucharest went through a series of continuous changes, representing the central scene of Romania’s political, artistic, university, financial and cultural activity. Between both worlds wars, due to the elegant architecture and the elite living here, the city was nicknamed “e Little Paris”. Even if sometimes confusing and exasperating, the city will never be boring and the mixture of cultures is the main reason. What to Visit: e best way of describing Bucharest is by calling it the city of contrasts. ere are many cultural layers that one can discover even during a short city tour. You can choose to join a free walking tour in the Bucharest Downtown, to join a small group and enjoy a city tour with a local guide or you can use the Bucharest City Tour Hop On/Hop Oﬀ services. No matter the way you will visit the city, there are some places & experiences you should not miss if you come to Bucharest: the Palace of the Parliament (the largest administrative building in the world), the Village Museum, the Old Town, the Revolution Square (here you will hear the story of communism in Romania), Primaverii Palace (former residence of the communist dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu), Victory Avenue (Bucharest’s Fifth Avenue), the Arch of Triumph and so on. Where to Eat: In Bucharest there are numerous Romanian restaurants that besides the great food, they are also popular for the

traditional atmosphere created through live music and dance performances. If you are vegetarian or fan of international cuisine, not to worry, as you will also find places that will meet your expectations. Where to Stay: Tourists visiting Bucharest have many options in terms of accommodation. ere are good boutique or chain hotels of all standards oﬀering great conditions and comfort for their guests comparable with those from Western Europe. ere is also the option of hostels or rent apartments. Having fun: Little by little, Bucharest became known as the city which never rests. is thing is due not only to the popular old city center that concentrates a great variety of pubs, nightclubs and terraces but also to the large number of international festivals (like George Enescu International Music Festival or iMapp), cultural events and concerts of all types (this year in the city the music of Muse, e Scorpions, Iron Maiden, Andre Rieu, Maroon 5, Rihanna, Queen & Adam Lambert will be listened to). Day trips from Bucharest: e geographic position of Bucharest in Romania can easy the mission of foreign tourists of visiting besides the capital city, some of the best attractions of the country, as well. Even if they have limited time. All they need is a car, or better still, a car and a tour guide. ere are many travel agencies oﬀering a wide range of travel experiences and day tours that will complete one’s city break holiday. e best and most popular places to see outside Bucharest are: Peles royal castle (in 2015 it was chosen as the most stunning castle in the world by Global Traveler USA), Bran castle (very famous thanks to its connection to the Legend of Dracula), the beautiful medieval city of Brasov in Transylvania (Lonely Planet declared Transylvania as the best travel destination of 2016), Slanic Salt Mine (the largest salt mine in Europe), Poienari fortress (the real fortress of Vlad Dracula) and many others. One can even experience a day trip to the North side of Bulgaria. e range of options is indeed wide.

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simply enjoy Studio, one and two bedroom apartment for short and long stay accommodation. Rates from 1.400 EUR/month.

parkinn.com/hotel-bucharest

reservations.bucharest@rezidorparkinn.com T +40 21 601 3500

PRiVo – a unique luxury hotel in Transylvania Interview with Mrs. Adina Plopeanu, General Manager, Hotel PRIVO, Târgu Mureş www.privo.ro

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PRIVO proved to be one of the most successful hotels opened in Romania lately. e recent winner of the prize "Global Winner - Best Luxury Design Hotel" awarded by World Luxury Hotel Awards, Hotel PRIVO is also thefinalist at this year's World Luxury RestaurantAwards with PRIVO Restaurant. e hotel also has obtained several national and international awards during only its 2 years of existence. How do you explain the success of PRIVO? In the 2 years after opening, Hotel PRIVO won 10 national and international awards and honors. Besides the award received at World Luxury Hotel Awards, we would like to mention that we are the only hotel restaurant in Romania that received the prestigious Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator (USA) for our wine list.We equally thank for all the awards to our guests, partners and to the entire team of PRIVO.e most important thing for us is that the guests are satisfied with our services, they get back to us in Targu Mures and they recommend us further. We were nominated for the World Luxury Hotel Awards and the World Luxury Restaurant Awards as a result of the reviews and recommendations from our guests. e awards come as recognition of our efforts and of the quality of services that we offer. - What makes Hotel PRIVO stand out? And be kind to describe the hotel. - PRIVO is a new hotel concept, where history and modernism complement each other to create an eminent style.e hotel is a minimalist haven for business and all-out relaxation, where design proposes a warm and welcoming dialogue between the new hotel and the historical assembly of Villa Csonka and the surrounding park. PRIVO was created to bring another level of hotel services in Romania. People are looking for authentic places and unique experiences and PRIVO is such a place.Our services are customer oriented and we make sure every guest gets a memorable experience. We respond to each review and guests always appreciate all these things."One of the best hotel in Romania", "e best in Transylvania", "Definitely, the best hotel in Targu Mures," "Best hotel I've been in Romania!!!", "An amazing experience!!!! ", "Best in town”, “Must visit hotel", "Spectacular hotel and spa", "Perfect", "Excellent stay", "Great love with beautiful people, high professional, elegance and pleasant atmosphere, ""High quality and gorgeous!"are some of the titles of reviews posted by our guests on the online platforms. e hotel is iconic for the new standards of hospitality, offering 4 and 5 star guest rooms and suites that redefine the criteria of design and comfort.e new hotel welcomes its guests with a modernist approach and a simple, airy design, where the predominance of neutral tones and of colorful elements create models, viewlines and a feeling that reflects the uniqueness of this place. e restaurant, the wine cellar, the conference rooms, the spa and the park are just a few of the elements through which the hotel seeks to offer its guests the perfect symbiosis between work and relaxation. -You have a unique wine cellar, a restaurant and you host a lot of special events. What can you say about this? -PRIVO Restaurant is the place where customers can relish their senses with carefully selected dishes and drinks. e elegant ambiance and the culinary culture propose an international cuisine interpretation using the best ingredients and the local flavors in a contemporary style. With a capacity of 180 seats, the restaurant proposes a high-end international à la carte menu, as well as the possibility of organizing corporate private events, thematic presentations and various winetastings. Restaurant menus were signed in the first year of opening by Executive Chef Doru Pastrama, and last year by the Executive Chef Martin White. e following menu will be made under the guidance of the Certified Master Chef Henrik Sebok.

Mrs. Adina Plopeanu, General Manager Hotel PRIVO

Our wine cellar has a selection of over 350 labels of wine and 4,000 bottles, with an entrance room for wine tasting and a room dedicated to long term storage and ageing. Our sommelier Marius Danciu has made a selection of wines according to the restaurant's menu, covering as many wine regions of the world. We organize regular wine tastings, gourmet dinners or events at the cellars from vicinity. Hotel guests are offered a unique experience, whatever if it is a team building or an “a-la-carte dinner”. -What is the target audience of the hotel and what strategy have? What are the key distribution channels? -We address mainly to the business segment and for the weekends we try to attract the leisure segment. Our foreign customers come mainly from countries such as Germany, Austria, Hungary, Italy, USA, Netherlands, France, Spain and the UK.We have positioned from the start at a certain level, we targeted the business segment, especially top management in the corporate and medical segment and we focused on selecting and training a team of professionals to provide the best service in town. We have been on the market since its launch and we currently maintain the highest hotel rates in town, while providing the best service on the market. Our main distribution channels are travel agencies, companies, online booking platforms such as Booking, Expedia, HRS, etc. and the hotel's own website. -How do you make the promotion of the Hotel PRIVO? -We organize events for clients and mass-media, we are partners at various events and we participate at the major international tourism fairs in London, Berlin and Budapest. Online we are present through our website, and also through Trip Advisor, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram and Google AdWords campaigns. But the best and effective promotion for us is the "word of mouth", our guests being those who recommend our location and our services. -What news can you reveal us for 2016? -For this year one of the main directions on which we focus is to attract the weekend leisure segment. In this regard we wish to promote tourism in Targu Mures and surroundings by developing a special section of our website. We offer to our guests the opportunity to visit Sighisoara, Turda and Praid salt mines, or to participate in a truffle hunt in Transylvania. We also organize workshops for wine tastings and live cooking and we have various surprises that we will not reveal now.

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Bucharest Airports – almost 10 million passengers, big growth There are serious perspectives of gaining hub status

lthough Romania has a great potential for tourism, the industry has to grow before Bucharest Airports can truly benefit from this segment. Bucharest Airports owns two airports: Henri Coanda International (the most important Romanian airport) and Aurel Vlaicu International (for small planes, helicopters etc.). Up until that moment, tourism figures keep growing, but on departures behalf. Business figures are also on the rise, taking a good chunk out of the 44% that declare other purposes for Non E.U. passengers are providing 18% on the traffic considering there is little to no transferring traffic reported. Bucharest Airports take pride in their mainly point to point operations within the E.U. (82% of total). ere are serious perspectives of gaining hub status for an increase in connecting non E.U. traffic. e passenger profile is: 26% leisure, 30% business, and 44% other. 35% are Schengen citizens and 65% non Schengen citizens. 45% are female and 55% male. Bucharest Airports are facing a constant and consistent passenger growth. A spike in domestic activities is expected considering that most low cost carriers started competing on the internal market. At the moment, on Henri Coanda Otopeni International Airport (Bucharest), the most important airport in Romania, are operating 34 airlines, including 26 legacy and 8 low cost carriers. e average load factor is 75%. As top destinations, London is at the top of the list that continues with Paris, Rome, Istanbul, Amsterdam, Brussels, Vienna, Milan, Tel-Aviv and Madrid. Bucharest Airports grew in 2015 by 11.6%, overshadowing the European average of 5.2%. In a regional top for 2015, Henri Coanda Otopeni Airport is ranked the 6th in top 10, after Vienna, Athens, Prague, Warsaw and Budapest. e next airports in the top are Belgrade, Sofia, Katowice and Zagreb.

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e top of the airlines operating on Henri Coanda Otopeni International Airport is lead by TAROM, the national carrier, followed by WizzAir, Blue Air, Ryanair, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Austrian, Air France, KLM and Alitalia. If in 2010 there were 106.700 movements, in 2015 there are 108.600 movements. In 2010 were 7.03 million passengers (6.38 million international and 0.65 million domestic), and in 2015 were 9.29 million passengers (8.78 million international and 0.51 million domestic). e passenger traffic split is 5% domestic and 95% international. For 2015 the Total Net Profit Growth was 88% and the Total Revenue Growth was 13.6%. e airlines are operating 51 destinations, last year being introduced 4 new destinations. e increase in retail revenue was 19% due to new tenants and optimized space utilization. e growth in Operating Revenues was 13.2% based on consistent international passenger traffic increase. e focus on cost efficiency has led to a 6.45% decrease in Operational Cost per Passenger. Also the airport registered over 6.4% increase in Operating Revenue per aircraft movements. 80% from the total number of shares of Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) belong to the Ministry of Transport and 20% to Property Fund (2.875.443 shares from the total of 14.377.215 are managed by Franklin Templeton Investment Management). e operational capacity of Henri Coanda International Airport is 39 movements per hour. e airport has 2 aircraft parking platform, 44 parking lots and 2 runways, each of 3.5 km. e terminal capacity is 12 mil pax per year. e operational capacity of the smaller airport, located in Bucharest, Aurel Vlaicu International, is 15 movements per hour, one aircraft parking platform, 26 parking lots, one runway of 3.2 km and 30.000 pax per year.

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est hospitality research:

Bucharest hotel Market

Mircea Draghici, PhD EST Hospitality Research md@esthospitality.com

Being primarily a business destination, the Bucharest hotel market was aﬀected by the economic downturn. Typical stays in the city are short and budget cuts imposed by businesses on business travel had a significant impact. Nevertheless, there are positive signs in the last two years that this downward trend is showing robust signs of recovery due to signs of increase in occupancy and room rates. Bucharest hotel market managed to register a continuous positive growth over the period 2010-2015 in terms of tourist arrivals and overnights in hotels. As compared to 2010, the number of tourist arrivals in Bucharest’s hotels increased with 63% in 2015 and the number of overnights increased with 53% within the same time frame

Although, the hotel sector was aﬀected by the increase in VAT from 19% to 24% for food and beverages services starting July 1st 2010, a positive measure was to maintain the 9% reduced rate of VAT for accommodation & meal packages in hotels. Another positive measure was the overall decrease of VAT from 24% to 20% starting January 2016. Strong competition between hotels was obvious in 2009-2012. Many of the hotels adopted a policy of occupancy ahead of room rate and aggressive ‘rateslashing‘was clear in the 4-5 Star segment particu-

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larly. However, during 2012-2015 the Bucharest hotel market started to register a steady growth on occupancy, especially during weekends. is is a result of increased leisure activity generated by the new lowcost carriers that are operating from Henry-Coanda airport and the perception of Bucharest as being a safe destination for business & leisure tourism. However, the average daily rate (ADR) is still under pressure and keeps almost the same level achieved in 2014.

SUPPLY OF HOTEL ROOMS Bucharest’s hotel supply has around 10’473 rooms distributed in 143 hotels of 5 to 1 star ranking as shown in the following figure below. e existing hotel supply is dominated by the four star segment that is counting around 49% from the total number of rooms. In 2015, two major refurbishments were completed and created room for two new hotel brands in town: Park Inn by Radisson 4 stars (210 rooms and suites) and Sheraton 5* (270 rooms). FUTURE SUPPLY – NEW HOTELS UNDER DEVELOPMENT In the last 4 years there were no major hotel openings with large capacities of rooms and conference facilities in Bucharest. is was due to the lack of financing opportunities in the market from the banking sector as well as a negative sentiment towards investments during a turmoil period. However, in 2017, there are announced around 450 new rooms located mainly in Bucharest CBD. Keeping the same trend that has started in 2015, Est Hospitality Consulting spotted the most probable hotel projects to be complete in the following years (2017-2018):  Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Old Town, 4 stars, 201 rooms  International branded hotel city centre, 4 stars, 120 rooms  International branded hotel city centre, 3-4 stars, 130 rooms In the coming years we will see more midscale international brands (i.e. Holiday Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, Hampton by Hilton, etc) touching the base in Bucharest and building a strong presence in the market. Since Romania will host some important football matches during European Championships 2020 as well as other international cultural festivals (i.e. George Enescu Music festival every 2 years) it is natural that the hotel market will continue to improve the quality of services in the midscale tier and attract more and more leisure travellers.

EST Hospitality Consulting is a hotel & leisure advisory company specialized in market and feasibility studies for hospitality developments (i.e hotels, restaurants, resorts, spa’s), operator selection and contract negotiation, operational advisory and valuation reports. e company covers the markets of Romania, Moldova, Bulgaria and Serbia.

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PREMIUM ROMANIA Danube Delta & Transylvania & Bucovina & Maramures & Bucharest 6 days/ 8 days/ 10 days/ 12 days/ 14 days

Package “Premium Romania” from 1,190,- € per person in double room Book now on: office@innovationromania.com SeRVIceS: • Accommodation according to the above program in 4* and 5* hotels with SPA ; •Full board, according to the program; • Transfer from/to the airport; • Transfer Tulcea (Murighiol) - Sf Gheorghe Murighiol by motorboat; • Arabic speaking professional guide; • Excursion - 3 hours in Delta by motorboat; • Stay taxes; • All entrance fees to attractions; • 7 nights accommodation according to the above program with breakfast; • Transfer from/to the airport; • Free access to: fitness center and health club with sauna • Free of charge: 2 hours city tour • 5 nights - 1190 €; 7 nights -1290 €; 9 nights -1390 €; 11 nights – 1490 €; 13 nights -1590 € person in double room

● DANUBe DeLTA is a natural area without equivalent. In 1992, following the efforts of the Romanian and Ukrainians biologists and with the media encouragements of French explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, the place was registered on the list of the world heritage of UNESCO. ● TRANSyLVANIA is home to some of Europe's best-preserved medieval towns, most notably Brasov, featuring Old Saxon architecture and citadel ruins; Sibiu with its cobblestone streets and pastel-colored houses, and Sighisoara, adorned with a hilltop citadel, secret passageways and a 14th century clock tower. Visitors to Transylvania will also encounter stunning castles such Bran, near Brasov, - a Gothic fairy-tale structure, often associated with 15th century Walachian Prince Vlad Tepes, the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula. In close proximity to Brasov and Bran are the fortified churches at Harman, with its massive 13th Saxon towers, and Prejmer, the largest fortified church in Southeastern Europe. The 15th-century Corvinilor Castle, the most beautiful in Transylvania, located nearby Hunedoara, has a sumptuous Knights Hall – that can be used for functions or parties, as well as towers and buttresses reminiscent of the medieval times. ● Nestled in the rolling hills of northern Moldova is the region of BUCOVINA, home to one of the world's greatest art treasures: the UNESCO World heritage sites of the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina. Built in the 15th and 16th centuries and featuring colorful exterior frescoes depicting dramatic religious scenes, these richly decorated houses of worships are unique in the world. ● MARAMUReS, considered by many to be the heart and soul of rural Romania, is a small and unique location in the geographical heartland of Europe that has carefully and distinctively preserved the culture, traditions and lifestyle of a mediaeval peasant past. The region stands as a testament to traditional; to a romantic era of simplicity, pride and moral values that many of us can only now read about or hear from our grandparents. ● Known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards, glorious Belle Époque buildings and a reputation for the high life (which in the 1900s earned its nickname of "Little Paris"), BUCHAREST, Romania's largest city and capital, is today a bustling metropolis.

Roman Plaza hotel (Roman city, neamt county, moldavian Region of Romania) www.hOTEl-ROMAN.RO Welcome to Roman Plaza****, an elegant and comfortable hotel complex which oﬀers flexible tourist packages, stylish accommodation, gourmet cuisine, spa and wellness experiences and quality entertainment, all for accessible prices. Located in Roman (Neamt county), at the Southern gate of Moldavia, Roman Plaza aims to become the favored supplier of flexible authentic vacations, tours and one-day trips in Moldavia and Bucovina for tourists looking for good quality at correct prices. Roman Plaza Complex oﬀers excellent accommodation (Hotel Roman Plaza), gourmet cuisine (Restaurant Roman Plaza), refined pastries and confectionery (Cafe Roman Plaza) and a diverse, select choice of wellness and spa services (Roman Plaza Spa). Fourstar Plus services, at 3-star prices. Taking advantage of an infrastructure perfectly suited for the needs of business and leisure tourists, our recently refurbished hotel complex will enable you to visit in style the main attractions of Neamt County, Moldavia and Bucovina. e complex' location is ideal for those transiting from Bucharest or the Danube Delta

towards Moldavia and Bucovina. Roman Plaza is located in the center of Roman city, on Moldavia's main roadway and at the crossroads of the most important cities: Iasi, Bacau, Suceava, Vaslui and Piatra Neamt. With 70 fully-furnished rooms designed in a chic style inspired by the "boutique hotel" concept, Roman Plaza is the ideal place for business or pleasure stays in Roman city and the Moldavian area. e two conference rooms, Blue Room and Olive Room, can host weddings or corporate events for between 50 and 250 people. With an exquisite recreation infrastructure within Roman Plaza Spa and oﬀering complementary services of the highest quality at Roman Plaza Restaurant and Roman Plaza Cafe we pleasantly surprise event the most exigent of businessmen and tourists interested in the Neamt Area, Moldavia and Bucovina. rough our location at the Southern gate of Moldavia we are the natural choice for those transiting from Bucharest or the Danube Delta toward Moldavia and Bucovina.

hanu ancutei www.hANU-ANcUTEI.RO Hanu Ancuţei (Ancuţa’s Inn) is the place where you can find authentic traditional Moldavian cuisine, which puts more emphasis on organic food with peerless taste directly brought from farms. e restaurant has a capacity of 500 seats, including 150 on the ground floor and 150 seats upstairs, one terrace up to 400 seats. It welcomes you with a traditional Romanian design and with waiters dressed in authentic popular Moldavian clothes and fiddlers playing the instruments. Here the great Romanian writer and storyteller Mihail Sadoveanu enjoyed to eat and was inspired by the place, writing the famous book Hanu Ancuţei, where customs and traditions are clear from these lands.

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HuNT

iN RomANi

omania has a long history of hunting and remains a remarkable hunting destination, drawing many hunters because of its large numbers of brown bears, wolves, wild boars, red deer, and chamois. e concentration of brown bears (Ursus arctos) in the Carpathian Mountains of central Romania is largest in the world and contains half of all Europe's population, except Russia. Romania is one of the few countries in Europe where the habitat and game are unaltered by human civilization. Wolves, bear and lynx inhabit primeval forests; deer and wild boar complete the primitive landscape. In short, Romania is a place where wild animals roam free like they have for thousands of years. When it comes to wild fowl, Romania's Danube delta region at the Black Sea forms a bountiful paradise of the traditional migratory and game species. Geese, woodcocks, ducks, quail, and many other migratory birds are found there in vast numbers. Beautiful mounting area from Romania - (100 - 180 km from

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Bucharest – 1,5 - 2,5 hours driving) - Roe deer, Red Stag, Wild boar, Rabbit, Chamois - Bear, Wolf, Fox, Marmot, Wildcat, Weasel, Jackal Hills area with rich forest, full of wild animals - (10 - 100 km from Bucharest – 1 - 1,5 hours driving) - Roe deer, Wild boar, Rabbit - Jackal, Fox, Badger, Wildcat, Pheasant, Quail - rush, Skylark, Starling, Pigeon, Turtle Dove, Duck - Crow, Magpie, Jay(bird), Grouse BROWN BEAR - Hunting period: 15.03 – 15.05, 15.09. – 15.12 RED STAG - ¬Hunting period: 15.09 – 31.12 ROE DEER - Hunting period: 01.05 – 15.10 FALLOW DEER - Hunting period: 01.09 – 31.10 MOUFLON - Hunting period: 15.09 – 15.12 WILD BOAR – Male - Hunting period : all time of the year CHAMOIS - Hunting period: 01.09. – 15.12 WOLF - Hunting period: 15.09 – 31.03

TiNG

3-day package “HUNTING IN ROMANIA” from 1,650,- € per person SERVICES: Book now on: • 3 days of hunting office@innovationromania.com • All transport in Romania • 4 nights accommodation (single or double occupancy) on full board basis, juices, coﬀee • Arabic speaking interpreter throughout your stay, other language by request • Romanian hunting license • Invitation provisions permit hunting in Romania • Cleaning and frozen the birds • Use of our dogs by request • Technical support provided by a specialist in hunting and transport in hunting land • Accommodation, food and veterinary assistant for your dogs • VAT is 20% and is included

NOT INCLUDED: • Flights to Romania • Cancellation, evacuation and repatriation insurance • Shipping of birds to your home address (100 € per 5 kilos weight if Europe), • Alcoholic drinks, extras and personal expenses IMPORTANT: To participate in an organized hunt. a new programming will be needed with at least 15-45 days in advance. Prices subject to change depending on the charges set by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, but we will notify you in advance, if necessary. •Prices can be negotiated, depending on the number of hunters and hunting days

For a truly memorable hunting experience,

book a hunting trip in Romania... The experience will make a true hunter's heart race!

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WHAT DOES IT MEAN

INCOMING ROMANIA TRAVEL FORUM? OVER 300 TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS: TRAVEL AGENTS (INCLUDING MANAGERS AND OWNERS) HOTELIERS PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS STATE ORGANIZATIONS OVER 50 JOURNALISTS AND BLOGGERS ARE HERE: TELEVISIONS TRAVEL SITES NEWSPAPERS MAGAZINES RADIOS BLOGS GREAT NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES e event is organized by Innovation Travel with the support of National Tourism Authority and it will bring together 350 tour operators, tourism professionals and media representatives. e theme of the event: e importance and development of tourism to the Romanian economy. e purpose of the event: - A better communication between tour operators and MICE companies focused on incoming and generally on travel, Romanian hoteliers and representatives of the media to raise awareness of the importance of tourism to the economic development of our country. - Solutions to promote and exploit the potential of Romanian tourism- Requiring legislative changes in favor of Romanian tourism

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development and for boost the incoming sector. - Opportunity to access European funds. - Creating partnerships between Romanian and foreign tour operators, between Romanian tour operators and service providers etc. Topics discussed: - Ways to promote Romania's tourism- Importance of the events industry (MICE) for Romania - Romanian rural tourism - Romanian spa tourism - Bilateral relations between Romania and another tourism destinations - Cultural circuits- Mass tourism (mountain, sea) and turning to foreign markets - Travel press, from oﬄine to online - Public relations strategies to promote tourism of Romania - e tourism potential of Bucharest and of another large cities in Romania - Romanian tourism and transport infrastructure - Promoting Romania through sporting events - Collaboration between tour operators and hoteliers - Scientific tourism - Danube cruises - Bucharest as a tourism destination - Opportunities for promotion of overseas markets Incoming Romania Travel Forum also aims to identify the potential of Romania's tourism, the sustainable tourism and the sustainable development of our country.

Partner Tourist Guides Mihaela cristina Hadid Languages: Arabic, Greek, English, Italian, French

Florin Arjocu Languages: English Xuebin Burican Languages: Chinese

Ioan Mihailescu Languages: Spanish, Italian, French, English

Sirbu Ioan Languages: German, English

George Vasiliu Languages: English, French, Russian

carmen Murasan Languages: Turkish, Spanish, English, French, Italian

Adelaida consuela Aldea Languages: Spanish, English, French

Alexandra Ionescu Languages: English, French, Russian

Alexandra-claudia Lazarescu Languages: Italian, English

Gyongyi (Perla) Bernath Languages: Dutch, Hungarian, English, Italian

Veronica Minea Languages: Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, English, French

cristian Szugyi Languages: German, English

Alexandra chirila Languages: Dutch, English

Marian Mihai Pastiea Languages: Spanish, Italian, English, French

Valeriu cebotari Languages: Russian, French

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All about the Romanian priv By Dorin Ivaşcu www.aropa.ro Romanian Association of Private Operators

years ago we could not talk about General Aviation in Romania at all. ere were only 18 licensed airports and 17 airfields belonging to Romanian Flying Club. No private aircrafts.

Today we have run a study together with a small group of students and we have found 69 airfields out of which 21 are published in AIP – Air Information Publication for Romania. at brings us to a density of one airfield per 3,400 km which is still lower than European average of one airfield per 1200 km but is still better than before and it gives a flavor related to the fast development of General aviation tourism in Romania and to Romania also as we can see every year a larger number of small aircrafts coming to discover our area both individuals or organized in rallies of 10 - 18 aircrafts. Most of these 69 airfields are private as they are developed by people that have put money to achieve their passions in respect of aviation. You may find most of them on the site of AROPA - Romanian Association of Private Operators in Aviation - www.aropa.ro. ey are not yet published in aviation professional publications as they are not licensed as yet by aviation authorities but just recently under market pressure Romanian CAA has issued a ruling that allows lower and less expensive criteria of licensing for so called “registered airfields” that will be allowed also public transport. is is ideal for isolated communities that may get closer to civilization by using General Aviation specific aircrafts. We hope that Ministry of Transport will also allow special discounts for those that apply for licenses

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in the first years so that many of them will be known via international professional aviation manuals and media. Last year I have seen a lot of individual visitors flying small aircrafts to Tuzla airport (LRTZ as per Romanian AIP) at the Black Sea Coast. Several Air Clubs from France, UK and Luxemburg have come to visit us there but also at some other Romanian airfields. ere are specialized travel agencies organizing large groups of small aircrafts to travel to the new areas of Europe and they may see that they are more and more welcome in Romania too: -More airfields -Lower airport charges at entry airport and others due to the pressure of the local General Aviation community -AVGAS available at many Romanian airport s and airfields -A local community composed of a lot of private flying clubs and the state air club also that still has 17 airfields some of them already published in Romanian AIP -Two AOPA organizations (this is a particular item) www.aopa.ro <http://www.aopa.ro> and <mailto:info@aoparomania.ro>info@aoparomania.ro, each of them with serious membership and ready to support the operations of those choosing to fly to Romania. In total both of them have more than 400 members -Some of the local private airfields are well organized mainly due to the contributions of their club members. If you come to Romania you should not miss Fratauti Airfield (near Suceava http://aero-

vate airfields

dromfratauti.ro/aerodrom.html), Bistrita Airfield, Magura Airfield (ro-ro.facebook.com > Locuri > Cisnadie, Sibiu, Romania >Aeroport), Sibiu Airfields and Tuzla (www.regional-air.ro) -ere is a pilot shop (www.pilotshop.ro) that has issued a diary of Romanian airfields and also a first VFR map of Romania We should consider that General Aviation is connecting a lot more communities to civilization than Commercial airliners. A statistics of European Union estimates that there are 1800 aerodromes in Europe but only 300 are used by scheduled operators and rest are used by General Aviation system. Only in France there are 1417 air clubs and one should consider the value of their tourism activities as most of them are organizing each season a summer rally somewhere to new destinations. Many of them are coming to Romania which is now more friendly and aﬀordable in respect of community of pilots, flying costs, rules and freedom to fly. Last year there was an air show every weekend of the summer somewhere in Romania. And I am giving you here the planning with regards to Air shows this summer too. e largest one is BIAS in Bucharest Baneasa Airport but one should also not forget AEROMANIA at Tuzla airport that will celebrate tenth anniversary this year on 02-nd of July. You may see some other with more appealing names in our 2016 list (such as "Fisg Soup" or "Hangar Party"). ere are many more interesting developments and a vibrant local General Aviation community that welcomes its colleagues from anywhere in the world.

Romanian Aviation Events Calendar 2016 May 6 - May 14 3rd Brasov Cup - Mountain soaring competition - Brasov, Romanian Aeroclub - www.aeroclubulromaniei.ro/brasovcup May 13 - May 14 Cioca Airshow - Cioca Aerodrome, Timis - oﬃce@maxair.ro; avutim@yahoo.com May 14 - May 15 Ploiesti Air Show - 80 years Anniversary - Aeroclubul Romaniei, Ploiesti, Strejnic May 17 - May 21 Sportsman class Aircraft Aerobatic Championship - Aeroclubul Romaniei, Ploiestii, Strejnic May 21 Timisoara Air Show 3rd edition 2016 - Timisoara International Airport, Timis - www.aerotim.ro May 20 - May 22 Hangariada - Festival of Art and Flight -”Alexandru Matei" Aeroclub, Iasi www.hangariada.ro May 28 Fish Borsch - Aerial Club, Vadeni, Braila - www.aerial.ro May 28 -May 29 International Children’s Day Airshow - Aeroclubul Romaniei, Clinceni Aerodrome - www.aerodromclinceni.ro June 6 - June 12 National Glider Aerobatic Championship - Deva Airfield acroplanor@yahoo.com June 11 - June 12 Targu Mures Airshow - “Elie Carafoil" Targu Mures Aeroclub June 30 - July 3 Airfield Festival - Magura Aerodrome, Sibiu - www.kompostor.ro/evenimente/6160-airfield-festival July 2 Aeromania - 10 years - anniversary edition - RAS Tuzla Airport, Constanta - www.regional-air.ro July 6 - July 10 4th International Danubia Aerobatic Cup 2016 - Central European Power and Glider Aerobatic Championships - Romanian Aeroclub and the Romanian Aeronautical Federation, Deva Airfield - www.acrobatie.ro July 23 BIAS 2016 - Bucharest International Air Show & General Aviation Exhibition - “Aurel Vlaicu" Baneasa International Airport www.bucharestairports.ro/baneasa/ro August 27 - August 28 Suceava Airshow - “Stefan cel Mare" Suceva Airport - www.aeroportsuceava.ro September 6 - September 11 National Championship of Air Rally by Airplane - Romanian Aeroclub, Ploiesti, Stejnic September 24 - September 25 Mihai Dobre ULM Cup - Romanian Aeroclub, Clinceni- www.aerocubulromaniei.ro September 27 - October 2 National Aeroplane Aerobatic Championship - Romanian Aeroclub, Clinceni- www.aerocubulromaniei.ro October 11 - October 16 National ULM aircraft championship - Aeroclubul Romaniei, Ploiesti, Strejnic

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www.med-concierge.eu

romania, a country of medical tourism and health Romania has a high tourism potential, very good doctors, cuttingedge technologies and low prices in the field. Romania is one of the emerging destinations on the map of Europe and of the world. In this regard, Medical Concierge Travel (MCT) is a Romanian agency which is established to promote and oﬀer the medical tourism, which today makes an increasingly important role in the revitalization of the psycho-physical abilities of man. e company aims to promote an individual approach to the customer with a mission of our, so called, “All Inclusive” oﬀer, that in the health aspect includes a carefully selected network of top healthcare facilities: from hospitals, clinics, internationally qualified doctors and specialists, body care & wellness facilities to travel organizations, transfers and accommodation. Feel good. Enjoy your life. “Satisfied guests, the elimination of their health problems and guaranteed welfare are the objectives of the Medical Concierge Travel MCT. e set goals are achieved by providing real and quality information in the shortest possible time, based on which the potential customer decides on visiting Romania, in pursuit of an appropriate destination for medical services. We guarantee that all information is based on expert opinion of qualified medical personnel, so we eliminate uncertainties, fears and concerns which arise in the process of decision-making, planning and during medical journey itself. We listen to our client needs and we stay connected with them throughout the experience. We are a facilitation service, not a medical advisory service. We give the clients all the necessary information which they can use in order to make their own decisions, together with their doctor. We do our best to meet our client’s expectations and find the best healthcare solution for them”, stated Ionut Tudorache, Managing Partner of Medical Concierge Travel. Romanian medical tourism target markets are, according to the representatives of Medical Concierge Travel, Western Europe (UK, Germany, Italy, France, and Spain), Northern Europe (Norway, Denmark, Sweden) and Israel. ey are still traditional classic tourism markets for Romania and our country benefits from mul26

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tiple air links with these countries. "We want to increase the awareness of the quality of medical services available in Romania and also provide a source of unbiased information for patients, for insurance companies and for employers, regarding hospitals / clinics in Romania, the quality of care provided and the results. We also intend to protect the reputation of medical tourism by hospitals / clinics, health care providers who do not meet all the requirements and quality standards of healthcare", said Cosmin Goicea, Managing Partner of Medical Concierge Travel. e team of Medical Concierge Travel (www.med-concierge.eu) has developed a database of hospitals and private clinics in Romania and contacted foreign collaborators with the same field in order to promote the concept of medical tourism in Romania. e Concierge Team - 24/24 h support for client But how is performing a medical tourism package in the most professional way? e Concierge Team assists the client since he launches an application and until he completes a concrete offer. External clients are provided with an online support team assisted by personal consultants who review the request, launch it in a system of medical providers and then cover absolutely all medical tourism related services. Upon validation of the offer by the client, the personal consultant takes him to the airport, deals with accommodation and transfers him to the medical clinic.e consultant also takes care about the free time and holiday of the patient, 24 of the 24 hours. Personal team of consultants is always prepared. ey are attending specialized training and providing support in all major languages. At the request of external customersthe consultants can provide translation services for medical documents. We answer to an important question: why would a customer choose to come to Romania and not on other countriesin the region with tradition in the medical tourism, such as Hungary, Poland or Croatia? According to the Medical Concierge Travel, we have very good and specialized doctors, personalized treatments, and cutting-edge technologies, with 50% lower costs but also unique locations and great touristic potential, capitalized at very affordable prices.

y r u x u L Danube Delta tour

BOOK NOW!

Registered within the World heritage of UNESCO since 1991, being the twenty-third delta of the world by it’s surface, the Danube Delta is a natural reserve without equivalent. The Danube Delta shelters more than 1.200 varieties of plants, 300 species of birds and 45 fish species. Sfantu Gheorghe is a magical place, where the Danube meets the Black Sea, an unconventional, picturesque place out of time... The beach, situated at a 15 to 20 minutes walking distance on roads covered with fine sand, is wild, full of shells and teasels and seems infinite. You will enjoy the fascinating sunset in the Delta and serve a special dinner on the terrace of the restaurant. You can watch the nesting of water birds, the apparition of chicks on the canals, the colonies of noisy pelicans, black coots running on the water, graceful swans or frowning cormorants.

5 days package “Luxury Danube Delta” from

750, - € per person in double room Book now on: office@innovationromania.com

Services: • 4 nights accommodation according to the above program in 4* hotel ; • Full board, according to the program ; •Transfer from/to the airport; • Transfer Tulcea (Murighiol) - Sf Gheorghe - Murighiol by motorboat; •Arabic speaking professional guide; • Free access to: Badminton, Beach football, Ping pong, Pool, Sauna, Jacuzzi, Internet, TV, Board Games, Rummy, Library, Swimming Pool, Fitness, Cinema, Fishing etc; •Excursion for 3 hours in the Delta by motorboat; • Fishing session on the lakes around the complex; • Stay taxes; • All entrance fees to attractions; NOT INCLUDED: • Alcoholic beverages, extras Hotel (phone , internet, minibar, etc.), tips, travel insurance; Innovation travel magazine

Romanian SPA & BALNEOLOGY is unique

Innovation travel magazine

Various pools at Baile Felix Resort

Romania has an important natural potential for Spa and balneo treatments. More than one third of Europe’s mineral and thermal springs are located in Romania. e large range of Carpathians Mountains are the host of a lot of Spa and Balneo Resorts. Started by Romans 2000 years ago and unique in Europe, today Romania’s 70 natural spas treatment provide relief for many medical disorders and illnesses including rheumatism, endocrine, kidney, liver, respiratory, heart, stomach and nervous diseases as well as nutrition, metabolism and gynecological disorders. Covasna is one of the spas richest in mineral waters in all Romania, with a broad range of physicochemical compositions. e mineral waters are recommended in the treatment of cardiovascular, gynecological, locomotive, dermatological, metabolic and nervous system complaints. Calimanesti Caciulata Digestive tract complaints, liver and gallbladder complaints, kidney and urinary tract complaints, metabolic and nutritional complaints, inflammatory rheumatic complaints, rheumatic complaints, respiratory complaints Geoagiu Bai Degenerative rheumatic complaints, inflammatory rheumatic complaints, post-traumatic conditions, peripheral neurological disorders, gynecological complaints Slanic Moldova Digestive tract complaints, liver and gallbladder complaints, respiratory tract complaints, metabolic and nutritional complaints, kidney and urinary tract complaints; peripheral neurological complaints;

Baile Felix is the largest resort in the country. ermal spring-water facilities in tubs and pools, with facilities for kinetotherapy and underwater stretching; hot mudpack facilities; facilities for gynecological cures, aerosol and inhalation therapy facilities; outdoor thermal spring-water pools, some of which are open twenty-four hours a day, all year round; medical physiotherapy rooms, Gerovital and Aslavital facial and body cosmetic treatments. Baile Govora Respiratory tract complaints, peripheral and central neurological conditions, gynecological complaints, renal, digestive, endocrine, cardiovascular and occupational illnesses. Baile Herculane Sulphurous and chlorate-sodic thermal spring water bathing facilities, both in tubs and pools, outdoor thermal spring water pool; spring water aerosol and inhalation therapy facilities, Eforie Nord is located on the Romanian Black Sea coast, nearby Lake Techirghiol, whose waters have long been held as cure for arthritic, rheumatic, internal and nervous system disorders. Besides the sea air and sun, another curative factor is the rich, black, sapropelic mud – known locally as namol – from Techirghiol Lake. Sovata Gynaecological complaints, degenerative rheumatic disorders; inflammatory rheumatic complaints, post-traumatic complaints, peripheral neurological complaints Vatra Dornei Cardiovascular complaints, degenerative rheumatic complaints, abarticular rheumatic complaints, posttraumatic complaints, peripheral and central neurological conditions.

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Transylvania tour Located in the central part of Romania and served by three international airports and an extensive railway network, Transylvania has become the country’s second-most popular meeting destination. New or recently renovated hotels and conference facilities located in the close proximity of old historic towns, museums, art galleries and shopping areas are adding additional appeal to this old historic region of Romania. Some of Europe’s most charming medieval towns, most notably Brasov, featuring Old Saxon architecture; Sibiu, with its cobblestones and pastel-colored houses; and Sighisoara, a unique hilltop citadel with secret passageways and a 14th-century clock tower, are located in southern Transylvania, only three to four hours by car or train from Bucharest, Romania’s capital city. Cluj, the largest city in Transylvania, has become one of the area’s most popular meeting centers due to its booming economy, many universities and new, improved infrastructure. A visit to Bran Castle, a Gothic fairytale structure often associated with Vlad Tepes (inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula), can be done easily in three or four hours from the nearby city of Brasov. Also close to Brasov are the fortified churches built by the Saxons: Harman, with its massive 13th-century defending towers, and Prejmer, the largest fortified church in Southeastern Europe. e 15th-century Corvinesti Castle in Hunedoara, located 75 miles from Sibiu, has a drawbridge, soaring 70-ft. buttresses, several inner courtyards, a chapel and some 50 rooms resplendent with medieval art. Its sumptuous Knights’ Hall can host functions for up to 300 guests. Activities: Biking, Camping, Caving, Climbing, Fishing, Hiking, Nature walks, Rafting, Skiing, Wildlife and Bird Watching. tour

Package “Transylvania” from

650,- €

per person in double room Book now on:

office@innovationromania.com

SERVICES: • Accommodation according to the above program in 4* and 5* hotels with SPA ; •Full board, according to the program; •Transfer from/to the airport; • Stay taxes; • All entrance fees to attractions; • Transfer from/to the airport; • Arabic speaking professional guide; • Free access to: fitness center and health club with sauna • 3 nights - 650 €; 5 nights - 750 €; 7 nights - 850 € person in per double room

RuRal touRism, a jewel of Romania Rural tourism is the most spectacular form of tourism in Romania developed over the last 20 years. Currently, we Model: Daniela Herea have over 8,000 rural authorized guesthouses, of which over half are members of ANTREC (e National Association for Rural, Ecological and Cultural Tourism). You must know that rural tourism in Romania was informally practiced since hundreds of years and the traditional Romanian hospitality is recognized worldwide. Beginning with 1967-1968, the first organized actions were carried out in rural tourism for groups of tourists visiting the Romanian Black Sea coast. After 1989 appeared the first registered guesthouses in Bran – Moieciu - Rucăr area (Braşov County). en many guesthouses were built or opened in the areas of Bârsa, Dorna, Maramureş, Apuseni, Cluj and Sibiu. e first organization concerned with rural tourism was Operation Romanian Villages - known in French as "Operation Vilagge Roumains". In 1994 was founded the National Association for Rural, Ecological and Cultural Tourism (ANTREC). e idea belongs to Mrs. Mioara Stoian Vişan, a Romanian language teacher, and the executive founder was her daughter, Mrs. Maria Stoian, who is considered the "Mother of Romanian rural tourism". Mrs. Maria Stoian was ANTREC Presi-

dent until 2006, when she became Honorary Chairman for life. In 1995 ANTREC becomes a member of the European Rural Tourism Association - EUROGÎTES. Soon, Maria Stoian is elected as Vice-president of EUROGÎTES, this decision showing the respect for Romanian rural tourism all over Europe. One by one, ANTREC began to have oﬃces in almost all parts of Romania, in more than 30 counties. e most developed areas of rural tourism are in the counties of Braşov, Suceava, Maramureş, Cluj, Constanţa, Buzău, Vrancea, Cluj, Neamţ and Gorj. Over time, ANTREC tried and succeeded to promote and developt another regions as the Sub-Carpathian area of Buzău, Northern Oltenia, Apuseni Mountains (in Transylvania). Nowadays the Romanian rural tourism attracts both Romanian and foreign tourists. Romanians' preferences are turning to the escape in nature with friends and family and to extremely aﬀordable prices charged by the guesthouse owners. Foreigner preferences are turning to authenticity and tradition, and they usually choose Bucovina, Maramureş, Sibiu, Apuseni Mountains. e rural tourism is one of the forms of tourism that Romania can compete with any European developed country. Over time, a lot of foreign experts in tourism have noted the diversification of tourism products in rural tourism and agro-tourism in Romania ( "Live Natural", "Health and pampering", "Bird Watching in the Danube Delta," "Wine Road", "Foray Land cheese”, “Following Constantin Brâncuşi","Nature and culture" etc.). Every year, in most rural areas of Romania are organized many festivals and events for the delight of tourists.

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30 Tips & Tricks

about Romania

Photos by cristian Alexandru cATANA

1. Romania has the largest civil administrative building in the world: e Palace of Parliament. It was built between 1984 and 1990 in Bucharest, at the order of the communist dictator Nicolae Ceauşescu, replacing a big district with old houses and villas, that were demolished. 2. e most wonderful waterfall in the world is situated in CaraşSeverin County (Banat Area) in Western Romania and it is called Bigar Waterfall. 3. e Transfăgărăşan mountain road or national road 7C is world's best road trip according to Top Gear 4. In Surdeşti (Maramureş County, Northern Romania) is the tallest historical wooden church in the world, the tower measuring 54 meters. 5. Also the highest modern wooden church in the world is in Săpânţa-Peri (also Maramureş County, Northern Romania). e tower is 78 meters tall and the building is considered the tallest wooden church in the world, being registered in the Guinness Book. 6. Lonely Planet declared Transylvania the best region in the world in 2016 7. e Bran Castle (Braşov County, Central Romania) is the legendary Dracula’s castle 8. e Făgăraş Citadel is ranked the 2nd in e World’s 10 Best Castles top made by Huﬃngton Post in 2015 9. e Danube Delta is the biggest delta of European Union and the largest and most remarkable river wetlands in Europe. Danube Delta is still increasing on a yearly basis (67 million tons of alluvium/year). Danube Delta’s biodiversity is close to the famous Australia’s Great Reef and it has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage in 1991, with several areas oﬀ-limits for the tourists (more 32

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than 50% of the biosphere reserve is intact) 10. Romania has 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Churches of Moldavia; the Dacian Fortress of the Orastie Mountains; the Historic Centre of Sighisoara; the Monastery of Horezu; the Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania; the Wooden Churches of Maramures; the Danube Delta. 11. Romania has 9 of the world’s top 15 cities with fastest broadband internet. For example, Ploiesti, a city 60 kilometers north of the capital Bucharest, ranks third in the world, after Singapore and Hong Kong’s central district. 12. Romania has one of the happiest cemeteries on Earth. Tucked away in a tiny village of Maramures county, near the Ukrainian border, the Merry Cemetery (Cimitirul Vesel) is not only a very unique burial site, but also an open-air museum and a tourist attraction in its own right. 13. Many Romanian inventors have changed the world. Some of these include: Nicolae Constantin Paulescu – discoverer of insulin; Eugen Pavel – inventor of Hyper CD-ROM; Aurel Persu – the first engineer and car designer to build a car with the wheels inside its aerodynamic line; Petrache Poenaru – inventor of fountain pen; Emil Racovita – founder of biospeleology (the study of organisms living in caves); Anastase Dragomir – inventor of parachuted chair, an early version of today’s ejection seat. Furthermore, Romanian engineers have successfully contributed to the history of flight. Henri Coanda, Traian Vuia and Aurel Vlaicu – all of them have played an important role as pioneers in aerodynamics and aviation. 14. e largest population of brown bears in Europe lives in Romania. 15. e Statue of Decebalus, situated on the Danube, is Europe’s largest rock sculpture.

16. Romania has the only Gold Museum in the world. Also known as the Mineralogical Collection of Brad, e Gold Museum in the small Romanian city of Brad is the only one of its kind in Europe. Romania is also Europe’s richest country in gold resources. 17. Timişoara is the first city lit by electric street lamps in continental Europe, back in 1884. 18. Romania has its own Stonehenge, very similar with it, called Sarmizegetusa Regia. It was the most important Dacian military, religious and political centre. Erected on top of a 1,200 meters high mountain , the fortress was the core of the strategic defensive system in the Orăştie Mountains (in present-day Romania), comprising six citadels. 19. Bucharest was coined 'the 2nd coolest city in Europe' by French online magazine slate.fr, coming right after Lisbon. Also Europe Backpacker Index for 2016 states that Bucharest is the second cheapest city in Europe, after Kiev. 20. Peleş Castle (Sinaia, Carpathian Mountains) is not only the most spectacular castle in Romania, but one of the most stunning castles in the whole of Europe. It was built by the first King of Romania, Carol the 1st. It also was the first European castle entirely lit by electrical current. 21. Sighişoara (Central Transylvania) Sighisoara is regarded as one of the best preserved mediaeval towns in Europe. 22. Corvin Castle (Hunedoara Castle) is one of the largest and most known castles in Europe 23. NASA researchers have decided that Movile cave in Dobrogea (southeastern Romania) is the only place on earth that would be saved in case life ceases on our planet due to a major disaster or nuclear attack. And this is because it is the only place in the world

where life is not based on carbon complex, but on sulpho-compounds. 24. Romania has one of the largest areas of undisturbed forest in Europe covering almost 27% of the territory. 25. e Danube - Black Sea canal - in south-east Romania - is world's third longest man-made navigation route, after the Suez and the Panama Canals. 26. e city of Braşov (Transylvania) is home to the largest gothic church east of Vienna (Austria). e Black Church has the largest organ in Europe with 4000 tubes (built by Buchholz, Berlin's famous organ builder, in 1836) 27. Braşov is home to one of the narrowest streets in Europe: "e Rope Street" (Strada Sforii). 28. Romania has the second-largest outdoor museum in the world. Astra Museum in Sibiu features more than 300 buildings as well as watermills and windmills, gigantic presses for wine, fruit and oil, hydraulic forges and structures representing village architectural styles from many parts of Romania. Sibiu city was also the European Capital of Culture in 2007. 29. e Brukenthal museum in Sibiu was established three years prior to the Louvre Museum in Paris. Founded in 1790 by Samuel Brukenthal, the governor of Transylvania, the museum opened to the public in 1817. It is the oldest museum in Romania and one of the first museums in Europe. 30. Voronet Monastery, located in northeastern Romania, is also known as the 'Sistine Chapel of the East'. e monastery – built in 1488 – is known worldwide for its abundance of interior and exterior frescoes (wall paintings) featuring an intense shade of blue commonly known as 'Voronet blue.' Innovation travel magazine

ABOUT INNOVATION TRAVeL

Innovation Travel is a travel agency focused on marketing, promotion, events and tourism. e management team of Innovation Travel has an important experience in organizing public relations campaigns, in organizing events dedicated to travel or to another related fields. Our main products are: - ematic tours in Romania (Dracula Tour, Premium Romania, Transylvania, e Monasteries Tour, e Wine Tour, e Castles Tour, Hunting ) - City breaks in Romania (Bucharest, Sibiu, Timisoara, Brasov) - MICE / Events in Romania (business forums, sports & culture, music) - Travel publishing - Public Relations for travel industry Clients & Partners: Governmental Organizations, Travel agencies , Reservations systems/GDS, Airlines, Non-Governmental Organizations, Hotels, Restaurants, Another companies, Cultural and artistic personalities. Events organized by Innovation Travel e Swan Lake, ballet on ice – 18 of January 2014 – organizing partner Symposium "Discover fascinating Calabria" - April 29, 2014 European Snooker Under-21 Championship – 18-23.03.2014 – Bucharest European Snooker Team Championship – 23-29.03.2014 – Bucharest European Snooker Gala – Caro Hotel Bucharest – March 23, 2014 Romanian Travel Forum & Innovation Travel Gala, ursday,

May 15, 2014 Conference " Danube - Europe's treasure " - Capidava , August 5, 2014 Fam trip with journalists and bloggers at Domeniile Ostrov Winery – 12-13 of September 2014 “Romania from Your Heart concert” - the international panflute master Nicolae Voiculet “Incoming Romania Travel Forum” and “Incoming Romania Travel Gala”- 1st Edition International music band BZN Press Conference e New Wine Festival at Domeniile Ostrov Sandra Concert –December 2 2014 – organizing partners Schoenbrunn Orchestra Wien Concert –December 5 2014 – organizing partners e Nutcracker Ballet on Ice – December 6 2014 – organizing partner Conference for Shenzhen Municipality Business Meeting for Chongqing Municipality “Incoming Romania Travel Forum” and “Incoming Romania Travel Gala” – 2nd Edition Famtrip with journalists and bloggers at Hanu’ Ancutei Restaurant and Roman Hotel, 5 – 7 June 2015 Famtrip with journalists and bloggers at Avrig, 16-18 of May 2015 DELI – Diversity in the Economy and Local Integration Conference - 19 of March – 30 of June 2015 WORLD Snooker Championship for Juniors 17- 26 of July 2015, Bucharest “Incoming Romania Travel Forum” and “Incoming Romania Travel Gala” – 3rd Edition 10th December 2015 http://innovationromania.com/events

Publisher of Innovation Travel Magazine: INNOVATION TRAVeL (Ralma Business & events) Managing Partner & Publishing Project Manager: Traian Bădulescu traian@innovationromania.com +40735452682

Managing Partner: Raluca Repanovici raluca@innovationromania.com +40724200070

Layout & DTP: ANIMACTION HUB SRL/ Anne-Mary Nechita - anne@advisortravel.ro 34

Innovation travel magazine

cITy BReAK Enjoy Bucharest is to enjoy a vibrant city! Bucharest is a city full of surprises, which can satisfy the wishes of everybody e second largest administrative building in the world and the most expensive building in Europe •the best nightlife in Europe -coﬀee places, restaurants from all over the world, pubs and clubs • Aero Taxi - head in the clouds • Luxury Casinos • Bucharest is Full of Amazing Architecture, Ancient and Modern. • It’s a City of Contrasts.

8 days package “Bucharest City Break” from per person in double room Book now on: office@innovationromania.com

SERVICES: Airplane ticket, direct flight, Bucharest-Dubai-Bucharest, airline FLY DUBAI (economy class) •7 nights accommodation according to the above program with breakfast; • Transfer from/to the airport; • Arabic speaking professional guide; • Free access to: fitness center and health club with sauna • Free of charge: 2 hours city tour • 3*hotel - 710 Euro; 4*hotel - 810 euro; 5* hotel - 910 Euro / person in double room

NOT INCLUDED • Alcoholic beverages, extras ( phone , internet, minibar,), tips, travel insurance; • Half Board: 250 euro/person/7 days – in traditional Romanian restaurants; • Full Board: 450 euro/person/7 days – in traditional Romanian restaurants • e oﬀer is subject to availability in the moment of booking. • e tariﬀs are available at the moment of publishing, they may be amended .