Developing an Indicator-Based Framework to Measure Sustainable Tourism in Romania. A Territorial Approach

Sustainable tourism is gaining importance in national agendas to encourage economic growth, social inclusion, and the protection of cultural natural assets. More than 13 million tourists (10.6 mil. Romanians 2.6 foreigners) visited Romania 2019, fifth consecutive year growth for sector. The authors have selected 10 statistical indicators highlight main components sustainability by using principal component analysis (PCA). current patterns sustainable development territorial inequalities at a micro-scale were assessed based on index (STI). In addition, observe way interact determine each other analyze disparities, hierarchical ascending classification was used. study performed data available NUTS5/LAU level provided National Institute Statistics. various information extracted from documents published UNWTO, Research Development Tourism, World Bank, EUROSTAT, etc., also By applying an STI, able assess scale Romania, delineating most advantaged/disadvantaged areas. shows that performance more consolidated big cities, Black Sea coast, Danube Delta Carpathian Mountains. Studies such as present one are meant provide methodological framework will be useful perform quantitative assessment terms economic, environmental performance.