Padurea Craiului is becoming an ecotourism destination and joining the other six recognized ecotourism destinations in Romania, Irineu Darau, the interim Minister of Economy, Digitalization, Entrepreneurship, and Tourism, announced on Wednesday.

'This is a positive step and an example of how we can make better use of what we have. I have just signed the document granting the Bihor area—comprising the localities of Magesti, Vadu Crisului, Suncuius, Bratca, Bulz, Remeti, Cabesti, and Rosia—recognition as an ecotourism destination for the next three years. It is not merely a title; it is the recognition of a model in which nature, heritage, local communities, and the economy must develop together. Padurea Craiului demonstrates that a tourist destination is not built solely on the beauty of the location; it is also built through management, infrastructure, quality services, and coherent promotion,' the minister posted on his Facebook page.

He therefore maintains that in tourism, it is not enough to simply say we have beautiful places; we must build competitive, recognizable, and responsible destinations around them.

'And tourism must mean more for the communities hosting these destinations: more tourists mean opportunities for local entrepreneurs, jobs, and revenue that stays within the community. We have extraordinary places, and we need to get better and better at transforming them into destinations,' the cited source stated.

According to MEDAT, an ecotourism destination is a tourist destination that also meets the following principles: it projects a responsible marketing image—leading to realistic visitor expectations; businesses with sustainable management predominate within the destination; there is genuine support for local communities; tourists and locals are informed and made aware of the destination's natural character; and concrete nature conservation measures are implemented.

Other ecotourism destinations include the Bison Land - Vânatori Natural Park, Neamt County (status valid until 2028); Eco Maramures - Mara-Cosau-Creasta Cocosului, Maramures County (until 2029); Tara Dornelor, Suceava County (2026); Tara Hategului, Hunedoara County (2027); Vama Buzaului, Brasov County (2026); and Baile Tusnad and Surroundings, Harghita County (2026). AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Andreea Marinescu;EN - writing by: Catalin Cristian Trandafir)

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