Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 16 ISSUE 2
Written by Reta CONDEI, Ioan Niculae ALECU, Agatha POPESCU, Horia Nicolae CIOCAN

Rural tourism is one of the most important types of tourism in Romania and have the highest growing potential. For those who live in the rural areas, developing the tourism means improving their social, cultural and economical situation. This research aimed to analyse the evolution of human resources that are involved in the rural tourism activities. The main purpose was to identify and review the main trends and challenges related to human resources involved in rural tourism and agro-tourism. The main source of statistical information used is the INSSE databases related to occupied population in general and rural areas, total employees in hospitality services in rural areas, total tourists accommodation establishments in rural areas and their capacity. The research methods used in this research are documented study, empirical analysis and logical synthesis of information. The last couple of years were the proof that the exploitation of cultural and natural habitats is the best solution to boost the economy, to create new jobs and to help promote Romania abroad, all at the same time. Rural tourism is an alternative to the well known traditional tourism. By spending time in the rural area, people can engage in different sorts of activities such as: hunting, fishing, walking, bird watching and many other enjoyable activities. The main findings revealed an increase of all the statistics indicators that are related to agro-tourism pensions and the human resources involved in the rural tourism. The total number of agro-tourism guesthouses increased by 39% and the number of accommodation places almost doubled. Also, the quality standards of agro-tourism pensions increased significantly. This growth has generated a 65.8% increase of the number of employees involved in hospitality field in rural areas.

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