Matei DOMNIȚA1, Nicoleta-Andrada DOMNIȚA2
1 Mountain Economy Center “CE-MONT” of the National Institute for Economic Research “Costin C. Kirițescu” – INCE, Romanian Academy, Str. Petreni, no. 49, Vatra Dornei, Romania
2 Babeș-Bolyai University, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
*Corresponding author: mdomnita@gmail.com
Abstract
The Carpathian Mountains, Europe’s second-longest mountain range, extend approximately 1,500 kilometers across Central and Eastern Europe and are a significant region for tourism. Around 80% of the range lies within the borders of Romania, Slovakia, and Poland, making these three countries key stakeholders in the region’s tourism development. While the morphology and scenery of the mountains share many similarities, the approaches taken by each country to promote and develop tourism differ significantly. Romania emphasizes scenic routes and extensive hiking opportunities, Slovakia focuses on ski resorts and year-round outdoor activities, while Poland capitalizes on well-developed mountain tourism hubs like Zakopane. This study examines the tourism infrastructure in the Carpathian regions of Romania, Slovakia, and Poland, focusing on key aspects such as accommodations, facilities for winter and summer activities, and transportation networks. By comparing these three countries, the analysis aims to evaluate their offerings for tourists, including lodging, ski slopes or hiking trails. This comparison provides insights into how each nation leverages its portion of the Carpathians to support and grow its tourism sector.
Keywords:
Carpathian Mountains; tourism infrastructure; Romania; Slovakia; Poland; ski resorts; accommodation; mountain tourism