4 Days of Inspiration and Collaboration in Brașov
Day 1: Setting the Stage for Sustainable Tourism
The meeting kicked off with a full day of insightful presentations and discussions. Alina Nicoară, Deputy Director at Brașov Metropolitan Agency, opened the session by presenting valuable data insights from Brașov’s Historical Centre. Aleksandr Michelson offered a forward-looking perspective on Estonian tourism with his presentation “The Long-Term Outlook for Estonian Tourism 2025-2035: Creating Value Sustainably.”
Esteban Herrera, from Turismo Andaluz, presented the D3HUB Project, focusing on supporting green and digital transitions of tourism destinations, while Alina Drăgan provided a comprehensive overview of tourism development at the county level. The morning concluded with Rene van Schie encouraging the group to reflect on how tourism taxes can play a role in promoting more sustainable visitor behaviour.
In the afternoon, participants enjoyed a guided walking tour of Brașov’s picturesque Old Town, followed by a hands-on chocolate workshop hosted by Dorian Lungu from Luado. The first day beautifully combined expert knowledge with cultural immersion.
Day 2: Exploring Best Practices in the Field
The second day brought participants into the heart of Transylvania, starting with a visit to the iconic Bran Castle and a scenic jeep tour of the surrounding area, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Lunch was served at Matca Hotel, where the STUP Restaurant presented a modern take on Transylvanian gastronomy, using locally sourced ingredients and reinterpreting traditional recipes to create a unique dining experience with breathtaking views of the Bucegi Mountains.
In the afternoon, the group visited Dino Park, one of the project’s recognised good practices for innovative and family-friendly tourism experiences, followed by a tour of the historic Râșnov Fortress.
The day concluded with a traditional Transylvanian dinner at Stâna Turistică in Poiana Brașov, offering an authentic taste of local game dishes in a unique rustic setting.
Notably, the day was also documented by EuroNews, which joined the group to film a special feature on the Tourism in Balance project.
Day 3: Sustainability and Authentic Experiences in Rural Tourism
The third day focused on one of the project’s best practice examples: Vama Buzăului. Here, participants experienced how rural communities can successfully develop sustainable tourism while preserving local identity and nature.
Lunch took place at a certified GASTRO LOCAL® restaurant, where family-run operations serve authentic, home-cooked meals using at least 70% locally sourced ingredients. This initiative exemplifies how culinary tourism can support local economies while offering visitors safe, authentic, and memorable experiences.
The day ended with an exquisite dinner at One Soul, a fine dining restaurant located in Brașov’s Old Town, where modern cuisine is seamlessly blended with timeless elegance.
Day 4: Steering Committee, Policy Development and Future Plans
The final day brought partners together at Radisson Blu Aurum for the Steering Committee meeting. Each partner presented their Policy Improvement Canvas, sharing updates and progress on policy recommendations and action plans developed through the project. The session also focused on outlining plans for the next phases.
As the meeting concluded, partners looked ahead with optimism and renewed energy. The next opportunity to meet in person will be in February 2026, in Andalucía.