EUROPEAN TOURIST PRODUCT – THE DESTINATION OF TIMIȘOARA

Student Ariton (Lungu) Ionela Nicoleta; nicoletalungu1581@gmail.com

Student Luca (Negoiță) Gica gicanegoita209@gmail.com

Prof. univ. dr. Anca- Gabriela Turtureanu ; ancaturtureanu@univ-danubius.ro

Conf. univ. dr. Carmen- Mihaela Cretu ; carmencretu@univ-danubius.ro

Abstract:

The article explores the complexity and dynamics of the tourist resources of the city of Timișoara, presenting the types and forms of tourism practised, as well as the evolution of relevant tourism indicators in recent times. Through detailed analysis of cultural, historical, architectural, and natural attractions, the paper highlights how Timișoara has transformed into an attractive tourist destination on the European scene. Various forms of tourism are considered, including cultural, business, gastronomic, and ecotourism, emphasising the city's adaptability to current tourist requirements and trends. The tourism indicators analysed, such as the number of visitors, average length of stay, and utilisation rate of tourist accommodation capacity, provide insight into the effectiveness of marketing and tourism development strategies. The article also proposes recommendations for the continuous optimisation of Timișoara's tourist offerings, with the aim of strengthening its position as a top European tourist product.

In this context, Timișoara proves to be an example of good practice in the integration of cultural and natural resources in a cohesive and attractive tourist product, succeeding in combining the harmonies of tradition with modernity.

Timisoara's role as the European Capital of Culture in 2023 has further strengthened its tourism relevance, giving the city the opportunity to showcase its heritage and cultural diversity on an international platform. The events and projects carried out in the framework emphasized the capacity of this city to host visitors from all corners of the world, thus promoting intercultural dialogue and international cooperation.

However, continued success in tourism requires proactive and innovative approaches to meet emerging challenges, such as the need to balance tourism development with heritage conservation and environmental protection. Therefore, it is essential that Timișoara continues to invest in the sustainable development of tourism, continuously improve the visitor experience and maximize the economic benefits of the sector, without compromising its cultural and natural resources.

Keywords: tourism, Timișoara, tourist attractions, utilization, touristic destination