The 27th Edition of the International Scientific Conference "Tourism and Rural Space in National and International Context" (TARS) Held in Vatra Dornei

The Mountain Area Agency, in collaboration with the Romanian Academy – Iași Branch, the “Gheorghe Zane” Institute of Economic and Social Research, and the Mountain Economy Center – CEMONT Vatra Dornei, successfully organized the 27th edition of the international scientific conference “Tourism and Rural Space in National and International Context” (TARS).

The event took place at the headquarters of the National Mountain Area Agency in Vatra Dornei, Suceava County, and also featured an online participation component.

Specialists from 18 countries across 4 continents attended, including representatives from Romania, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Italy, Greece, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Turkey, India, Gambia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Pakistan, Iran, Canada, Morocco, and South Africa.

In-person participation in Vatra Dornei included delegates from Romania, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Iran. A total of 80 scientific papers were presented by 140 authors.

Workshops and Round Tables

Two thematic workshops were held:

• “Heritage Festival, Tourism and Cultural Economy in Sri Lanka”
• “Successful Entrepreneurial Practices in Romanian Tourism”

As well as two roundtable discussions:

• “Romanian Cultural Tourism”
• “Scientific Journalism Facing New Challenges”

The event also included the screening of the documentary film “From Bălți to Alba Iulia: The Centenary Journey of the Great Union.”

Several local entrepreneurs from the Dorna Basin shared their successful business models, offering valuable insights and lessons learned.

A Platform for Excellence and International Exchange

Once again, the event stood out through the high level of expertise, the quality and academic rigor of the scientific papers, the diversity of topics, and the professionalism and dedication of the participants.

Among the distinguished guests were:

• Zoltán-József Mihály, State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
• Marius Vasile Rîpan, Mayor of Vatra Dornei
• Radu Rey, Director of the Mountain Economy Center
• Emil Stanciu, Vice President of the Union of Professional Journalists of Romania

The evening gala was beautifully enriched by the “Plai Bucovinean” Folkloric Ensemble from Dorna Candrenilor, which delighted attendees with traditional dances and songs from the Bucovina region.

Cultural and Educational Tourism Experience

As part of the practical program, participants visited key tourist attractions in the towns of Vatra Moldoviței and Moldovița, including:

• The “Huțulca” narrow-gauge steam train tour
• The Moldovița Monastery
• The Lucia Condrea Egg Museum
• Valcan Guesthouse

Acknowledgments

The organizers extend their heartfelt thanks to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Municipality of Vatra Dornei, Aqua Carpatica, the Vatra Dornei Children’s Club and its teachers Vasile Moroșan and Dorin Pardău, the “Plai Bucovinean” Folkloric Ensemble (choreographer Sânziana Paula Roșu), the Municipality of Vatra Moldoviței (Mayor Virgil Saghin), and Dr. Mihai Voloșeniuc, Director of the Veterinary and Food Safety Directorate of Suceava County.