On October 24, we participated in the Ecotourism Mini-Conference organized as part of the Tusnad EcoBear Fest, which focused on the central theme of coexistence with bears. 

Szabó Károly, the executive director of our association, presented the current tourism statistics of Harghita County, providing a detailed analysis of the number of visitors and overnight stays, the evolution of accommodation facilities, and Harghita County’s national tourism position over the past ten years. Szász István, representative of the "Gyimesi Skanzen" Guesthouse, shared his experiences on coexisting with bears. Additionally, we learned about the new concept of the owners of the Bálványos Resort regarding the Peakture Hotel. In designing the accommodation, the bear was integrated as a decorative element in various items, such as blankets resembling fur and bear-shaped mirrors.

One of the conference's key messages was to promote the bear as a tourist attraction, aiming to enhance visitor awareness and preparation.

 

Harghita Community Development Association (ADI Harghita)
Cover photo: Facebook/TusnadEcoBearFest