At the beginning of the week, on Monday, October 20, the Destination of the Year organizers brought together 100 destination managers, either on-site at the beautiful Palas Iași or online.
It was a day full of energy, valuable ideas, and people passionately shaping the future of tourism.
Neamț County was proudly represented at the event.

Event Overview

From country branding and inter-destination collaboration to innovation, sustainable tourism, and best practices, the event showcased how destinations can grow together, offer more, and be transformed by the people who turn places into experiences, stories, and emotions.

“Tourism is built with locals and for locals. The destination brand is an expression of our shared identity.” – one of the event’s key ideas.

“Collaboration – a Growth Engine for Destinations”

A panel moderated by Dr. Dragoș Michael Anastasiu, Owner of Enterprise Romania, brought to the stage authentic examples of how partnerships can transform Romanian tourism.

Speakers shared diverse perspectives united by a common goal – growth through cooperation:

• Larisa-Bianca Furdui, Travelminit – spoke about tourism digitalization and how modern platforms connect accommodations, tourists, and experiences, simplifying everything through technology and collaboration.
• Raluca Alexe, Arca Land Iași – presented an educational and recreational project that brings back children’s joy of discovery, an inspiring local initiative that deserves integration into Iași’s tourism circuit.
• Adrian Apostu, Dino Parc Râșnov – emphasized the importance of investment and public-private partnerships in developing successful themed destinations.
• Gabriel-Alexandru Iatco, Palas Iași – highlighted over 200 annual events that contribute to urban tourism and the “15-minute city” concept, a model of innovation and sustainable thinking.

Common conclusion: Collaboration starts within – in organizational culture – and extends to the community, where ideas, people, and projects meet to build stronger and more vibrant destinations.

Reinventing Romania’s Resorts

A lively and example-filled panel moderated by Simona Constantinescu, MA, EMBA, MSc, President of the Romanian Hotel Industry Federation, focused on how tradition and innovation can merge to revitalize spa and leisure tourism.

• George Măndilă, OMD Mamaia–Constanța – spoke about the concept “waves of fun, waves of culture,” an invitation to rediscover Romania’s seaside through cultural routes and memorable experiences.
• Andrei Bălău, Vatra Dornei – presented how spa tourism blends with adventure – rafting, ziplining, cycling – attracting families, seniors, and young travelers to a complete destination.
• Tiberiu Voit, Băile Felix – showcased how natural resources, modern infrastructure, and events like the Waves festival contribute to modernizing the resort and attracting diverse audiences, including youth.

Shared conclusion: Romanian resorts are rediscovering their identity through collaboration, creativity, and investment – turning tradition into contemporary experience.

Experts and Past Winners Shared the Secrets of Their Success

How to Become the Destination of the Year – Key Factors and Best Practices

An inspirational panel, moderated by Alin Chipaila, President of the Tourism Alliance, brought to the stage authentic success stories from across the country.

• Annamária Király, Rimetea, spoke about the close collaboration between the local community, the town hall, and the county council:

“We listen to the needs of tourists and put them into practice. Education and authentic experiences transform Rimetea into a living destination.”

• Alexandru Chira, Oradea, emphasized the importance of vision and unity in tourism development:

“Services must be offered thoughtfully – both for Romanian and foreign tourists. A strong brand is built through coherence and trust.”

• Mirela Gligore, Sibiu, shared how the city has grown through European projects and respect for heritage:

“We develop tourism with care for the soul of the city – the historic center remains the heart of Sibiu.”

• Alex Filip, Tulcea, concluded with a powerful message about the Danube Delta:

“Tourism must be created with locals and for locals. The true value lies in the people of the place.”

Conclusion of the day:

“Destinations that listen, collaborate, and innovate become not only visited, but loved.”