Search

The aim of the paper is to present a model of good practices in sustainable rural tourism in the mountain area of Romania, exemplifying a well known tourist village. from the Sibiu County. At the beginning, there were described the stage of development of rural tourism in the mountain commune named "Marginimea Sibiului", in terms of the structure of the tourist accommodation and public food units, touristic and anthropological objectives, the promotion of the tourist offer. Then, there were calculated and interpreted some indicators of the tourist circulation The second stage of the research analyzes the expectations of 360 tourists from a vacation spent in the tourist village of Gura Râului, the selected case study, as a model of good practices in sustainable rural tourism. The survey was carried out based on a structured questionnaire including 13 questions, which was utilized as a working tool. The respondents' answers were collected, summarized and then the data were statistically processed using Excel, v. 365 Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, USA. The results showed that Gura Râului becomes a more attractive destination for the rural tourism lovers and a real example of sustainable rural tourism to be followed by other mountain villages of Romania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study is the analysis of the dynamics of tourist flow (domestic and inbound) in terms of tourist arrivals and overnight stays in Romania after the Covid-19 pandemic, using the statistical data provided by National Institute of Statistics. The methodology involved the calculation of the fixed and variable basis indices and the comparison of the level of each indicator from a year to another. Dynamics of the tourist arrivals and overnight stays involved to establish the trend using polynomial regression functions and determination coefficient. The results showed that the recovery of the tourist flow from its lowest level registered in 2020, the worst year of tourism during the pandemic, needed three years to attain a higher performance than in 2019, a year which was considered the peak in Romania's tourism. In 2023, the number of domestic and foreign tourist arrivals accounted for 13,647.30 thousands, being 2.13 times higher than in 2020, and by 2.03% higher than in 2019. Also, the number of overnight stays reached 29,171.1 thousands, being 2 times higher than in 2020, by 7.8%higher than in 2022, but by 3.05% smaller than in 2019. The experience learnt in the travel and hospitality industry has generated a new resilience strategy to sustain the development of tourism and its contribution to GDP and better satisfy tourists demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to analyze milk resources availabilities and utilizations in their dynamics in the period 2014- 2021 pointing out the state of production, import, export and availabilities for human consumption in order to assess in what measure food security and efficiency in milk trade are assured. The data provided by National Institute of Statistics were processed using fixed basis index, regression equations, determination coefficient, graphically illustration and comparison method. In 2021 versus 2014, the results reflected that: utilizable internal production declined by 9.3%, accounting for 51,750; availabilities for human consumption remained relatively stable, in 2021 being 48,881 thousand hl (+ 0.53%). The weight of availability of milk for human consumption in utilizable internal milk production increased from 85.21 % to 94.45%. Import reached 12,988 thousand hl, being 2.58 times higher. The share of import in availability for human consumption increased by 16.28 pp, reaching 26.57%. Milk export was by + 57.28% higher attaining 3,152 thousand hl. The share of export in utilizable production went up from 3.51% to 6.09%. Export/import ratio declined from 0.40 in 2014 to 0.24 in 2021, reflecting a negative milk trade balance. Milk consumption per capita reached 255.6 kg in 2021, being by 4.66% higher than in 2014. In 2021, a Romanian could consume in average 721.3 g milk per day compared to 689.1 g in 2014. The self-sufficiency rate decreased from 95% in 2014 to 84.02 % in 2021, due to the decline in utilized internal production. To diminish milk crisis, it is needed to offer more subsidies for sustaining dairy farming and to stop the decline in the number of dairy cows, in milk production and marketed milk and reduce imports. Processors have to offer Euro 0.5 per milk kg to Romanian farmers and not a discriminatory price of Euro 0.2.-03. Imports have to be reduced and export to be encouraged after assuring the market requirements by internal production. In this way, both self-sufficiency rate and the efficiency in milk trade could be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to analyze the dynamics of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Export (E) and Import (I) in Romania and also in its agro-food sector in the last decade 2013-2022 and to quantify the relationships between these macroeconomic indicators using the data provided by National Institute of Statistics. The methodology used in this study included; fixed basis and structural indices, growth rate, statistical econometric modeling using regression equations, coefficient of correlations, coefficient of determination, comparison and illustrative methods. In 2022 versus 2013, Romania's GDP accounted for Euro 285,884.8 Million (doubled), export raised by 85.51% and reached Euro 91,944 Million, imports accounted for Euro 126,034.07 Million (2.27 times higher) and the deficit of trade balance reached Euro -34,101 Million, being 5.92 times higher. The regression equations quantified the impact of the determinants on GDP as follows: an increase in E value by one unit will determine an increase by 3.5086 units of GDP; an increase by one unit of I will determine a growth by 2.1058 units of GDP; an increase by one unit of NE will shrink GDP by 5.10849 units. In agro-food sector, the situation was the following in 2022 versus 2013: GDPA reached Euro 12,864.81 Million (+66%). EA accounted for Euro 11,959.97 Million (2.26 times higher), IA reached Euro 13,248.61 Million (2.7 times higher), NEA attained Euro -1,288.64 Million (9.4 times higher compared to 2015 level). The regression assessed the impact of the determinants on GDP as follows: an increase in EA will raise GDPA by 0.8668 units; an increase by one unit of IA will determine a growth by 0.7034 units of GDPA; an increase by one unit of NEA will shrunk GDPA by - 1.2343 units. To balance the ratio between E and I with a beneficial impact on NE and GDP, Romania has to intensify exports and diminish imports, to increase production and quality of the exported products, to identify the products which should be purchased from abroad to cover the needs on the domestic market, to offer more subsidies to producers, to extend its commercial partners on the external market and better negotiate the trade transactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study is the analysis of the dynamics of milk production, yield and dairy cows in Romania in the period 2013-2022. The empirical data were provided by National Institute of Statistics and were processed using the fixed basis index, and concentration method based on Herfindahl-Hirschman index, graphical representation of the regression equations and R square. The results confirmed the general declining trend in milk production which reached 35,300 thousand hl in 2022, being by 9.1% smaller than in 2013. The bovine livestock also decline and the number of dairy cows decreased, in 2022 accounting for 1,075.6 thousands heads by 9.2% smaller than in 2013. Milk yield in Romania also declined in the analyzed interval by 7.6% from 3,643.8 kg in 2013 to 3,367 kg per cow in 2022. Milk yield in Romania is the smallest in the EU-27, being twice lower than the EU mean accounting for 7,653 kg/cow. The factors which led o such a critical situation in dairy farming have been: the non corresponding farm structure, where 80% are small farms raising 1-2 cows, 13% have 2-5 cows and just 0.32% of farms raise over 50 cows. Also, during the last years, climate change in terms of low precipitations and long and severe drought affected forage production. Farm inputs price increased by 70% which led to high production costs that the low milk price of Lei 1.4-1.8 imposed by milk processors could not covered. The degree of concentration of milk production and of the number of dairy cows in Romania is enough small, ranging between 015-0.20 reflecting a moderate concentration. The subsidies per animal and milk were not enough to save the situation, and in consequence, a part of farms failed and other farms sold their animals to slaughterhouses. To avoid milk imports which have significantly raised during the years 2021-2022, the breeders have to be sustained by consistent subsidies to help their cows to produce more milk as dairy cows farming is in the most critical situation as never before. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aims to identify the main aspects of digitalization in the EU and Romania at present, in general, and emphasizing on agriculture, because in this sector has a deep impact on infrastructure and work resources. The EU average for DESI index quantifying digital economy performance was compared with the index in the member states to show the differences in the performance of the digital economy. The aspects related to the impact of digitalization in agriculture from many points of view, but mainly on human resources have also been highlighted. Index scores differ from one country to another and reflect the performance result of the efforts that each member state has made to implement digital economy. The higher the index value, the higher the digital economy performance in that country. During the period 2017-2022, Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden have maintained their top position in the EU, while Romania and Bulgaria are situated on the last places. Romania should be focused on the improvement of digital infrastructure, promotion of digital competences, innovation and entrepreneurship in order to increase its performance in digital economy. Major efforts should be done to improve connectivity, educational programmes in digital competences and to develop a favourable business environment for contributing to its digital transformation and integration into the EU digital unique market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the evolution animal sector regarding livestock and production in Romania in the period 2007-2020. Two sub-periods: P1- 2007-2013 and P2 2014-2020 were compared for assessing if the achievements in P2 were superior. The data from the National Institute of statistics regarding livestock and production by species were processed using fixed basis index, structural index, regression equations, coefficient of determination, multi annual mean per decade, absolute and relative differences between P2 and P1, in order to emphasize the trends and changes during the studied period. The results emphasized the following: the number of bovines, pigs and poultry decreased, while the number of sheep and goats and bee families increased both in P2 and P1. The total animal live weight at slaughter diminished due to the lower and lower live weight of bovines and pigs. However, the increased live weight at slaughter of sheep, goats and poultry had a positive impact. Milk and egg production declined and continued in P2, while wool and honey production increased. Despite that agricultural production value in animal sector increased by +20,420 trillion Lei in 2020 versus 2007, it was by 68.61% smaller than the agricultural production value achieved in the vegetal sector. In consequence, the contribution of animal sector to agricultural output was just 31.39% in the year 2020. The gaps in domestic production have to be covered by imports to meet consumers' requirements and this will deepen the deficit in agro-food trade balance. The reduction of CO2 emissions in agriculture, where 50% come from animal sector, obliges farmers to set up strategies destined to promote animal products obtained from more environment friendly technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work represents a contribution to the knowledge of the state of research in the field of rural tourism, agritourism and ecotourism in Romania, identifying the main trends and proposing future research lines and themes. Secondary data such as journal articles, proceeding papers reports and statistical data were analysed to obtain an image of the current stage in research with the topic rural tourism, agritourism and ecotourism in Romania. A systematic bibliometric analysis was conducted on the literature retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database using the VOS Viewer software tool. Using the specific keywords "Rural Tourism", and "Agrotourism", and "Agritourism" and "Ecotourism", and "Romania" 440 articles were reviewed and analysed. The results show that studies concerning these keywords and their influence on the development of rural areas in Romania represent an important and dynamic research topic in the last 10 years. Eight major research themes were identified regarding rural tourism, agritourism and ecotourism in Romania. The findings made in this paper will add to the existing body of knowledge of Romanian tourism research in general and, rural tourism research in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper purpose was to assess the impact of climate change on wheat, maize and sunflower yield in the period 2017-2021, using statistical data from National Institute of Statistics (NIS) and National Administration of Meteorology (NAM) and other sources. Comparison method was used to evaluate the deviations between the registered air temperatures and precipitations and the 1981-2010 climatological norm. Graphic method reflected the dynamics of monthly air temperatures and rainfalls in each year. Descriptive statistics for mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation reflected an more comprehensive image upon air temperature, precipitations and yield. Correlations and regression equations were used to establish the intensity of the kinks between climate factors and yield. The highest average air temperature In Romania was 12.130C in 2019. In the period 2017-2020, the average annual temperatures exceeded the climatological norm 1981-2010 accounting for 9.10C. The lowest rainfalls, 614.2 mm, were recorded in 2019, being below of 633.1 mm the norm for the period 1981-2010. The high temperatures associated with drought and low precipitations have deeply affected yield of many agricultural crops, including maize, wheat and sunflower. The highest wheat yield 4,888 kg/ha was achieved in 2017, and the lowest one, 2,966 kg/ha in 2020. Maize registered the highest performance of 7,644 kg/ha in 2018, and the lowest one, 3,977 kg/ha in 2020. Sunflower carried out the high performance 3,041 kg/ha in 2018, and the lowest one, 1,858 kg/ha in 2020. The worst agricultural years for these three crops was 2020, but 2017 favored wheat, while 2018 favored maize and sunflower. The correlation coefficient had in general small values between average temperature and yield, but a higher link with precipitations level. The multiple correlation between yield, air temperatures and precipitations was: r= 0.817 for wheat, r = 0.116 for maize and r = 0.504 for sunflower. In the South Eastern Dobrogea, the driest area in Romania, the rainfalls declined by 65% in the period 2018-2020 having a deep negative impact on sunflower seeds yield, which decreased from 4,282 kg/ha in 2018, to 1,503 kg/ha in 2020. The correlation between precipitations and sunflower yield positive and very strong (r = 0.737). As a conclusion, the climate conditions should be analyzed in each farm and farmers have to take measure to adapt the technologies for sustaining production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the dynamics of cultivated area, production and yield in vegetal sector of Romania's agriculture in the period 2007-2020 and also in the decade 2014-2020 versus 2007-2013 in order to quantify the effects of the implemented agricultural strategy aligned to the EU CAP. The data from National Institute of Statistics were processed using fixed basis indices, structural indices, growth rate, mean, regression models, R square and comparisons between the two decades. In 2020, Romania had 8,263,672 ha cultivated by +6.25% more than in 2007. Crop structure included: cereals 64.6%, oil plants 20.3%, vegetables 2.4%, leguminous plants 1.3% and 1% potatoes. The area cultivated with cereals raised by +4.07% reaching 5,338,067 ha in 2020, of which maize and wheat 87.9%. In the decade 2014-2020 versus 2007-2013, it was registered a larger total cultivated area and also with cereals (wheat and maize), leguminous crops, oil crops (sunflower), but a reduced area with vegetables and potatoes. Cereals production increased by +132.29% accounting for 18,153,714 tons in 2020, of which maize 55.61% and wheat 35.2%. In the period 2007-2020, important production gains were carried out in leguminous grains, oil seeds, fruits and vegetables, but potatoes production declined by -49.63%. In the period 2014-2020 versus 2007-2013, production gains were registered in cereals, wheat, maize, leguminous grains, in oil seeds, sunflower seeds and fruits, but losses by -4.14% in vegetables and -21.26% in potatoes. In 2020 versus 2007, yield level was accounted for 3,400 kg/ha cereals (+123.24%), 2,966 kg/ha wheat (+92.47%), 3,977 kg/ha maize (+160.61%), 1,858 kg/ha sunflower seeds (+184.09%), 15,843 kg/ha potatoes (+15.95%), 21,858 kg/ha tomatoes (+57.07%). In the period 2014-2020 versus 2007-2013, yield gain accounted for: +50.08% cereals grains, +44.7% wheat, +54.18% maize, +61.5% sunflower seeds, +13.13% potatoes and +12.83% tomatoes. In conclusion, the implementation of Romania's strategy of agriculture development in the vegetal sector aligned to CAP has resulted in higher productions and yields of the analyzed groups of crops, except potatoes production which declined by about 50% in 2020 compared to 2007, and also, in the 2nd decade 2024-2020 versus 2007-2013, it was registered a decrease by -4.14% in vegetables and by -21.26% in potatoes, which is justified by the decline in cultivated area. This performance is due to the efforts made by farmers to obtain better results in their business and to the financial support given by the EU and Romanian Government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to analyze the dynamics of tourist flows in terms of tourist arrivals and overnight stays by tourist destination in Romania in the years 2020 and 2021 of the Covid-19 pandemic compared to the year 2019. Graphics and fixed and variable basis and structural indices were used to show the difference of the level of these two indicators and their distribution by each destination. The year 2019 was the best for Romania's tourism when over 13.37 million arrivals and over 30.08 million overnight stays were registered. In 2020, the arrivals were by 52.16% lower than in 2019, and the overnight stays smaller by 48.45%, showing that this year was the worst, as a part of units were closed or worked at a reduced capacity, recording a lower revenue and even failed. Romanians saved tourism, being the dominant category who rediscovered the beauty of their own country both in 2020 and in 2021 when the restrictions were cancelled or limited. In 2021, the number of arrivals accounted for over 9.37 million and the number of overnight stays for over 20.83 million. The hierarchy of the tourist destinations in Romania based on the level of these two indicators is: Bucharest, the capital and the main cities, other localities and tourism itineraries, seaside resorts, mountain resorts, spa resorts and the Danube Delta and Tulcea City. The recovery of was not yet at the level of 2019, despite that in 2021, tourism managers have made special efforts to improve and diversify their offers and better satisfy their guests. This dynamics gives a hope that in coming years tourism will return to the level of 2019 or even to exceed it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper aimed to analyze utilized agricultural area (UAA), number of agricultural holdings (NAH), average holding size (AHS), standard output per holding (SOH) in Romania and other EU countries with large UAA in the period 2005-2020 using the data from Eurostat and National Institute of Statistics in order to identify the trends and actual situation. Fixed basis indices, regression equations, R square, Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI), Gini Struck Coefficient(GSC), structural indices, comparisons with the EU average and among the selected EU countries: Romania, Poland, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, United Kingdom were used as processing methods for reflecting the changes farmland and farm structures. In 2020, Romania had 12,763 thousand ha UAA, representing 7.6% of the EU's UAA and coming on the 6th position, after France, Spain, Germany, Poland and Italy. In 2020, Romania had 2.88 million AH and together with Poland, Italy, Spain, France and Germany, had 6.89 million AH (75.7% of the EU's 9.1 million NAH). The farms smaller than 5 ha represent: 90.3% in Romania, 64.1% in Italy, 52.3% in Poland, 51.6% in Spain, 19.6% in France and 8.2% in Germany, while the farms with 50 ha and over account for 7.5% at the EU level, 1% in Romania, 3.1% in Poland, 4.5% in Italy, 11.6% in Spain, 31.5% in Germany and 45.9% in France. To the EU's SO, all these six countries contribute by 71% to the EU's SO. In the EU, less than Euro 2,000 SO was produced by 35.7% farms, while Euro 50,000 and over was achieved by 12.9% farms. In Romania, 71.5% farms produce less than Euro2,000, while 0.9% achieve Euro 50,000 and over. Regarding the concentration of farms by SO size class, HHI and GSC reflected a high concentration in Romania, relatively moderate at the EU level, moderate in Poland and Italy, and a lack of concentration in Spain, France and Germany. The SO/AH in Romania was Euro 4,029, compared to Euro 38,703 at the EU level, Euro 19,680 in Poland, Euro 57,681 in Italy, Euro 44,124 in Spain, Euro 158,430 in France and Euro 167,631 in Germany. As a final conclusion, the gaps among these countries are caused by the unbalanced farm structure with the highest share belonging to the farms with less than 2 ha. Farms with 50 ha and over could assure a higher SO/farm. To diminish NAH and grow AHS has to continue for increasing the economic power in terms of standard output. Small and medium-sized farms have to be sustained to join their efforts for a higher concentration of land, production and economic efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work highlights the importance of local gastronomic points (LGP) in the sustainable development of villages in the mountain area of Romania. The paper employed a quantitative and a qualitative analysis. In this paper there are presented the number of local gastronomic points established in the mountain area of Sibiu County, Romania, the number of local producers registered under the optional "mountain product" quality scheme and the number of tourist structures with accommodation function and their accommodation capacity, from the same localities. A case study of a local gastronomic point was carried out and an investigation was carried out regarding the knowledge of young people about local gastronomic points, respectively their role in the development of villages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research work was to analyze cereals cultivated area, yields, production and price at farm gate in Romania during the last decade, 2012-2021 and also in the year 2022 in order to identify the main trends and causes which affected the performances. The data provided by National Institute of Statistics and Eurostat were processed using indices methods, regression equations and r square, and comparisons between maize and wheat. The results emphasized that, compared to 2012 level, in 2021, Romania achieved 27.79 million tonnes cereals (+116.27%), 14.82 million tonnes maize grains (+149.07%), and 10.43 million tonnes wheat (+96.79%). Maize and wheat represent 92.8% of Romania's cereals production. The high record is explained by the large surfaces cultivated with cereals, accounting for 5.35 million ha in 2021 (-1.6% less than in 2012), of which maize 47.6% and wheat 40.6%, all together 88.2%. Yields are still below the levels achieved by France, Germany, Poland, Italy and Spain, which are its EU main competitors in producing cereals. Compared to 2012, in 2021, cereals yield was 5,188 kg/ha (+120%), maize 5,802 kg grains/ha (+166.16%), wheat 4,797 kg/ha (+78.85%), reflecting the efforts made by farmers to increase production. These results were carried out under the impact of intense climate variations and extreme phenomena like: high air temperatures, heat waves, long droughts, low precipitations. High price volatility for Diesel, seeds, fertilizers, products for plant protection etc had a deep impact on the increase of production costs. Cereals price at the farm gate also increased, under the influence of the unbalance demand/supply ratio in the international market, cereals quotations at the international stock exchange, and hostilities between Russia and Ukraine. Un uncertain future is for the coming agricultural years, when farmers have to strengthen their efforts as their business to survive. They have to set up new technological alternatives for crop structure, cultivated areas, amendments, conservative agriculture, lower farms inputs, environmentally friendly solutions to sustain soil fertility, extend biodiversity, and also to keep production costs under strict control and to assure a lower risk for their business. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to analyze the dynamics and trends in average annual food consumption of the population in Romania based on the empirical data provided by National Institute of Statistics for the period 2014-2020. Fixed basis index, growth rate, regression equation, coefficient of determination, graphical method and comparisons were the main procedures used to process. Cereals consumption declined by 1.26%, accounting for 204.4 kg/capita in 2020 and wheat and rye have the highest share in consumption. In the studied interval, vegetable consumption increased by +6.28%, accounting for 194.4 kg in 2020. Consumption decreased for potatoes (-7.4%) and cabbage, while for onion remained the same. Tomatoes reached 42.1 kg (+10.5%) and keep the top position among vegetables. Fruits consumption increased by +34.1%, reaching 107.6 kg in 2020. The consumption increase for (+15.5%), plums (+68%), grapes (+27.4%), peaches (+12.1%), melons (+5.5%), and nuts, while for cherries remained relatively constant and for apricots declined. Romanians consume 39.5 kg Mediterranean and exotic fruits by + 53.6% more, exceeding the apple consumption. Sugar consumption increased 25.5 kg in 2020 (+20.8%), while egg consumption decreased to 236 pieces (-4.1%. Milk and dairy products consumption increased 252.6 litres in 2020 (+3.4%). Oil consumption increased to 18.3 kg with 85.2% share in vegetal fats. Butter consumption account for 3.5 kg/capita. Meat consumption is by +27% higher in 2020, accounting for 77.4 kg/capita. Pork keeps its top position with 38.3 kg (+28.6%), being followed by poultry meat 28 kg (+39.3%). Pork keeps 48.1% and poultry meat 36.1% in meat consumption and together accounting for 84.2%. Fish consumption reached 6.3 kg (+38.5, while honey attained 0.8 kg. Income and price are the main factors influencing buying decision and consumption in Romania, besides product quality, landmark and fidelity, life style and desire to a healthier diet. Consumption plays an important role in GDP creation, and that is why the authorities have to increase salaries and pensions, income per household in a word and to establish thresholds among which prices could vary to stimulate consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed Romania's agro-food export, import and trade balance with the EU-27 countries in the period 2013-2021 using the empirical evidence from National Institute of Statistics. Fixed basis and structural indices, as well as Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI), Gini-Struck Index (GSI) and the Coefficient of Concentration (CC) were used to characterize the concentration degree of the agri-food trade. In 2021, export value accounted for Euro 5,471.8 Million, import value for Euro 8,459.7 Million and the trade balance registered a deficit of Euro -2,987.9 Million. The figures reflect an increase both in export and import, but import exceeded the export reflecting that Romania is a net importer of agro-food products. The highest market share in Romania's export is kept by Italy, Bulgaria, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Hungary, France, Greece, Belgium and Poland, while the main import partners are Germany, Hungary, Poland, Netherlands, Bulgaria, Italy, Spain, France, Greece and Belgium. The concentration degree both in case of export and import is small as proved by the values of HHI, ranging between 0.0845 and 0.0996 for export and between 0.1065 and 0.1106 for import. GSI values ranged between 0.2220 and 0.2406 for export and between 0.2687 and 0.2764 for import. CC values were below 0.5 also reflecting a competitive market. To diminish the dependence of imports, agro-food export has to be stimulated by the increase of agricultural production which has to provide more products with high value added and of a higher quality to enhance competitiveness, and also imports have to be revised and a better resource allocation is needed to strengthen internal production and cover better domestic consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of the study is to analyze Romania's tourism in the years of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 and 2021, in order to quantify the gaps compared to the highest performance achieved in 2019 and in what measure tourism started to recover. Offer in terms of units with function for tourists' accommodation, their number, structure and evolution, number of places and their dynamics by accommodation type, and demand in terms of arrivals, overnight stays both at national level and in rural tourism, index of net use of accommodation capacity, incoming and outgoing tourism were the main studied indicators using fixed basis and structural indices and comparison method. Compared to 2019, in 2021 the number of accommodation units reached 9,146, being by +8.8% higher and the number of places accounted for 364.5 thousand (+2.2%). In 2020, tourist arrivals represented 47.8% and in 2021 accounted for 69.3% of the 2019 level, and the overnight stays followed a similar situation. The main destinations were the seashore, mountain and spa resorts, Romanian tourists having about 90% share in total arrivals. The pandemic was an incentive for Romanians to "Rediscover Romania" and the holiday vouchers were of much help. In a low measure, mainly in 2021, outgoing tourism to Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Maldive, Egypt exceeded the incoming tourism. The year 2021 was better than 2020, as the relaxed measures started earlier than in 2020 and tourism managers adopted flexible offers, personalized packages, last minute, early booking, free cancelation, lower tariffs, bonuses etc. The increasing trend is a hope that in 2022 tourism will have a much better dynamics and there are chances to recover! [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of pesticides represents a step forward for agriculture, in terms of the fight against the main diseases and pests, in order to ensure some productions destined for the market and implicitly for food safety. The world consumption of pesticides was captured in the main European Union countries highlighted in statistics such as NIS, Faostat, Eurostat and ITC, the position occupied by Romania being highlighted, in terms of quantities used and the surfaces on which they were applied (2010-2019). The comparative analysis of Romania's situation with the other member countries in terms of pesticides is presented in this paperwork in terms of the quantities of pesticides used, the areas with registered pesticides, imports and exports. At Romania's level, the analysis focused on the evolution of the main indicators that characterize pesticides, both at national level and at the level of the development regions, concluding that, at this level, pesticides are applied differently, depending on a series of exogenous and endogenous factors. But, the European agriculture and implicitly the one in Romania, must respond to a new challenge, that of reducing the quantities of pesticides used, according to the requests of the Farm to Fork strategy, component of the Green Deal, which requires that 25% of the agricultural area to be destined for organic agriculture and a 50% reduction in the use of pesticides, an aspect that we will detail in this scientific communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to identify: short supply chains (SFSC) in Sibiu County, Romania, in the context of the need of transformation for the current food chains; young people's attitude towards food and a healthy lifestyle and their behavior in the current context of the Covid pandemic 19. Data were collected from public authorities, local organizations and websites of manufacturers and processors. A questionnaire was developed and was applied online between October 30 and November 20, 2021, among students (bachelor's and master's) from faculties with an agri-food profile. It was completed by a number of 222 people, and the data were synthesized, tabulated and analyzed. In Sibiu County, 17 types of short food supply chains (SFSC) have been identified, which can be examples of good practice in the necessary transformation of the current food system towards sustainability. Young consumers have a positive attitude towards food and a healthy lifestyle, without having significant behavioral changes in the current context of the pandemic. The results of this study may have implications for establishing marketing strategies for young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the dynamics of tourist arrivals and overnight stays in Romania during the COVID-19 pandemic versus 2019 and expectations in 2022. The methodology includes dynamics and structural indices and regression equations. Of the highest performance achieved in 2019, tourist demand declined to 48% in 2020 and 65% arrivals in 2021, and to 64% and 67% overnight stays. Hotels accounted for 64-67% in total arrivals and 45-64% in stays. The Romanians' share during the pandemic was 92.9% in 2020 and 85.2% in 2021. In hotels, their weight 69%. The polynomial equations showed a parabolic trend of arrivals and stays by month. Thus, 2021 was a better year than 2020 and in 2022 it is expected that arrivals to represent 85% of the 2019 level. In 2022, 941 new 5 stars hotels will be built to assure more comfort and accommodation capacity. Hotel managers have to use creative and efficient methods to attract more tourists. Offer diversification, customized packages, bonuses, price flexibility, high quality services, an intensified virtual promotion (web-site, social media) could attract more visitors and improve hotels performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the importance of production and import in food availabilities in Romania in the period 2015-2020, using the data provided by National Institute of Statistics. the following indicators were studied: total consumption, consumption per inhabitant, production, production/consumption rate, import, import/consumption rate, export, trade balance, import/export ratio, food availabilities, production share and import share in food availabilities, self-sufficiency rate. Dynamic analysis, mean, growth rate in 2020 versus 2015, comparisons were the main tools used for data processing. The results showed that consumption increased for fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and declined for potatoes, cereals, sugar and eggs, as consumers are more oriented to a healthier diet. Production increased for fruits (26.7%), meat(3.3%), potatoes (2.8%), but it declined for sugar (-65%), eggs (- 17%), milk (-5%), fish (-5%), and vegetables (-2.7%). In 2020 vs.2015, production covered consumption of cereals, potatoes, fruits, eggs and milk, but not for meat and fish. Imports increased for all the products, the growth rates varying between 136.7% for sugar and 17% for fish and cereals. The coverage rate of consumption by import was 101% for cereals, 97% for sugar, 91% for fish, 64% for fruits, 39% for meat, 38% for fats, 29% for potatoes, 23% for milk, 17% for vegetables and 10% for eggs. Agro-food export increased for all the products, but with a lower rate than import, resulting a negative trade balance, cereals and honey being excepted. Import/export ratio was the smallest for cereals (0.34), but high for the other products (21.5 for potatoes, 13.7 for fish, 12 for fruits, 10.1 for vegetables, 4 for milk, 3.8 for sugar, and 3.6 for meat). Self-sufficiency rate was over 100% for cereals and honey, and below 100% for all the other products, the lowest level being for fish and sugar. The share of import in food availabilities was 91% for fish, 89% for sugar, 39% for meat, 35.9% for fruits, 32.4% for cereals, 30% for fats, 20.7% for vegetables, 18.4% for milk, 17.6% for potatoes, and 8.1 % for eggs. As a conclusion, the high share of imports is a result of the incapacity of agricultural production to cover market needs for all the product categories. Farmers have to increase productivity, product quality, to join in associative forms, and create short supply food chains to sell their products. Imports are justified mainly in cases where production is not sufficient to cover the internal market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed rural areas in Romania from a territorial, demographic, economic, social and environment point of view in the year 2020 compared to 2011 in order to point out in what measure the gaps between rural and urban areas and EU rural areas have been reduced. The data from National Institute of Statistics and Eurostat were used in this comparison where fixed indices, structural indices, regression equations, determination coefficient helped to create an image on the changes. Rural areas keeps 89.6% of Romania's territory and 46.4% of its population, while at the EU level, the rural population accounts for only 29.1%. Rural population is aging, as 46% of people is aged of 50 and over. Depopulation caused by the negative natural movement and migration led to the decline in rural population. Rural poverty and social exclusion is higher, the EU average rate being 26%, while in Bulgaria, Malta and Romania is higher than 50%. Infrastructure regarding rural roads, water supply, sewerage and waste collection continue to be a big problem. Education level is lower, in 2020, only 17% graduates were from the rural areas, while in the EU 22% of the people aged 25-64 and 28.4% of the ones aged 30-34 have tertiary education. Rural digitalization is relatively weak as only 49% rural residents have digital skills compared to 62% in the cities. Of Romania's occupied population, 20% is in the rural areas and women accounts for 50%. About 83% of occupied population in agriculture are self employed. Salaried men in agriculture represent 3.5%, while women 1.1%, reflecting gender discrimination in total salaried population. Labor productivity in agriculture is small, just 20% of the national level. Per 1,000 AWU, labor productivity in Romania is the smallest in the EU. The rural average monthly income represents 64% of the income level in the urban areas and its growth rate is smaller. Agriculturists have the smallest income. Climate change diminished agricultural output and gross value added in Romania, and also the contribution to the EU. GDP/capita in rural Romania accounts for Euro 13,000, representing 65% of the EU average reflecting the gap in economic development and living standard. National Strategic Plan 2021-2027, whose implementation will involve the local authorities, is expected to transform rural areas in a resilient and diversified eco-system supplying agro-food products for ensuring food safety, in a consolidated economic and social sector using new knowledge, innovation and digitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed rural population, rural working age population, civil population occupied in agriculture and agricultural output value using the data from National Institute of Statistics for the period 2008-2020. Trend line, regression equations, coefficient of determination, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient represented the methodological means for processing the data. Romania had still a high labour resource accounting for 6.23 million persons in 2020, by 10% more than in 2008. In the period 2008-2020, the population able to work declined in almost all the regions, except North East and Bucharest Ilfov, but, the rural population having the age to work increased in various proportions in all the regions. However, civil population occupied in agriculture declined by - 30% from 2,407 thousand persons in 2008 to 1,681 thousand persons in 2020. Population aging and migration are the main causes of this decrease. The decline in the territory ranged between -31.3% in North East and -25% in Bucharest-Ilfov. Agricultural production value increased by +21.6% from Ron 66,993 Million in 2008 to Ron 81,400 Million in 2020. In 2020, the highest agricultural output value was achieved in South Muntenia, North East, North West, South West Oltenia, South East. Analyzing the linear dependency between the ranks of civil population occupied in agriculture and agricultural output value, we noticed that in 2008, it was not found such a connection, as Spearman's correlation coefficient was rS = 0.1004, tcrit 6;0.05 was 1,943 and RI = 0.4748 < 0.1943. However, in 2020, between the ranks of the two studied indicators was found a linear dependency reflected by rS = 0.739, RI = 2.26, tcrit 6;0.05 was 1,943, therefore RI > tcrit. As a final conclusion, while the population occupied in agriculture decreases, agricultural production value increases due to the decline in civil population occupied in this economic sector caused by aging and migration, increased performance in agricultural production, grace to technological progress and a better farm management, price volatility for agricultural products, financial support according to the CAP of the EU and Romania's Government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the use of pesticides in Romania in the period 2007-2020, based on the official statistical data by type of pesticide, at the national and territorial level, and using fixed and structural indices, concentration indices and time and spatial comparisons. In the year 2020, pesticides were applied on larger surfaces than in 2007 and they accounted for 3.88 million ha for herbicides, 2.39 million ha for fungicides, and 2.34 million ha for insecticides. But, the total consumption decreased by 26% for insecticides and by 23% for herbicides, but it increased by 8.2% in case of fungicides. The national mean consumption of pesticides per ha declined and in 2020 accounted for 0.27 kg a.s. insecticide, 0.75 kg herbicide and 0.76 kg fungicide. Romania comes on the last position in the EU for the smallest average consumption 0.8 kg a.s. pesticide per ha and also for the risk indicator 1 equal to 48. The largest areas where pesticides are applied in the territory are in South Muntenia, West, South East and South West Oltenia micro-regions. Total consumption differs from a region to another as follows: insecticides are much more consumed in South West Oltenia, South Muntenia, North East, South East and West, fungicides are especially applied in South East, North East, Center and West, and herbicides are predominantly utilized in North East, South East, North West, South West Oltenia, and West. The average consumption per ha, over the national mean, is higher in the following regions: insecticides in North West, South West Oltenia, Center and North West, fungicides in the Center, Bucharest-Ilfov, South East and North East and herbicides in North East, North West and Center regions. The values of the concentration indices Herfindahl-Hirschman, Gini-Struck and Concentration coefficient proved that in 2020, Romania was characterized by a relative moderate concentration of the use of pesticides. As a conclusion, pesticides have to be used taking into consideration the local conditions at the regional level and at farm level. Farmers have to evaluate the problems and make the best decision regarding what type of pesticide to use, on what surface, which is the suitable dose per ha, how many treatments are required etc. The EU regulations regarding pesticides imposes a strict control and use of the approved pesticides for compiling with the European the Green Deal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the evolution of the surfaces where chemical fertilizers were used, total consumption of fertilizers and the average consumption per surface unit in Romania and also by micro-region of development in order to establish the trends in the use of the fertilizers, and its concentration degree in terms of Herfindahl-Hirschman Index, (HHI), Gini-Struck Index (GSI) and Coefficient of Concentration (CC). The empirical data were collected from National Institute of Statistics for the period 2007-2020. Romania's mineral fertilizer consumption accounts for 5% of the EU total consumption, for which the country is ranked the 7th after France, Germany, Poland, Spain, United Kingdom and Italy. Compared to the EU mean of 77.2 kg Nitrogen fertilizer consumed per ha UAA in the year 2018, Romania applied less than 60 kg, a level which is far away from over 100 kg used by Belgium, Netherlands, Czechia and Denmark. In 2020, the average consumption of mineral fertilizer in Romania reached 98.16 kg/ha, which is still lower than in the Western EU countries. In the year 2020, the average consumption in Romania was exceeded, in the descending order, only by the West, Bucharest-Ilfov, North West and South West Oltenia regions. If in 2007, it was observed an uniform consumption of fertilizers among the eight micro-regions of Romania, in 2020, a slight moderate concentration was noticed in terms of HHI, GSI and CC. The regions with the highest share in mineral fertilizer consumption in Romania, in the decreasing order, are: West, South Muntenia, South West Oltenia, North East, South East and North West regions. The EU policy regarding the sustainable development of agriculture reducing the use of chemical fertilizers for protecting environment, biodiversity and ensuring food safety is welcome, but it has to be adapted to the actual average consumption and also taking into account the local needs of each country regarding the growth of productivity, farmers' income and profit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed tourist arrivals in tourist and agri-tourist guesthouses of Romania in the year 2020 compared to 2019 in order to evaluate in what measure this tourism indicator was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The data provided by National Institute of Statistics allow to establish the dispersion of tourist arrivals in the territory of the country by the eight microregions of development and also to quantify the levels of the specific concentration indices: Herfindahl-Hirschman Index, Gini-Struck Index and Coefficient of Concentration. After the year 2019, which reached the top arrivals, overnight stays and receipts in Romania's tourism, the year 2020 brought the Covid-19 pandemic which has disturbed tourism performance. However, in Romania the effects on tourism industry were lower than in other countries. In the periods of relaxation measures, tourists chose safe destinations for combining both the visits to objectives of high interest with tourist services of accommodation and meals at a convenient tariff. From this point of view, tourist and agri-tourist guesthouses were among the best alternatives, and they recorded a higher growth rate of tourist arrivals than at the national level in tourism industry. In 2019, tourist arrivals were higher in the tourist pensions located in the Center, North West, North East and West parts of the country, and in agri-tourist pensions situated in Center, North East, and North West. In 2020, the guesthouses situated in Centre, North West and North East regions registered the highest tourist arrivals. A moderate concentration of the arrivals was confirmed by the values of Herfindahl-Hirschman index which varied between 0.15 and 0.25, by the values of Gini-Struck index which were higher than 0.3 in the year 2019, but a little lower than 0.3 in 2020, and the values of Concentration coefficient which were higher than 0.33. Due to the reduced arrivals in 2020, all the concentration indices had lower values than in the year 2019. As final conclusion, in Romania, it is a moderate concentration of tourist arrivals, and even thou in 2020 there were problems caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, tourist and agri-tourist guesthouses were an alternative for accommodation and meals, harmoniously combining the need of safety with the desire to visit the tourist attractions of high interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose in carrying out this paper is to convey the way in which tourism is influenced by natural and anthropogenic factors in relation to climatic elements. Behind this paper is a careful documentation on each element presented, concrete information and close to the truth in order to create a precise picture of the relationship between climate and tourism in Sinaia. Climatic data provided by National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology and also the statistical data provided by National Institute of Statistics were used. Following the processing of statistical data, it was found that the favorable climatic factors, characteristics for each season and the specific tourist infrastructure are elements that ensure tourist flows throughout the year. The qualitative aspects in this research were studied based on current scientific literature, official documents and observation method, and the quantitative research was carried out using statistical analysis of the processed data, graphic and cartographic method, the method of observation and interpretation. The results were presented in tables, graphs and then interpreted and analyzed. Data used in this study are part of the textbook on the desk. Being one of the most spectacular mountain areas in Romania, recognized internationally by the satisfaction of tourists who arrive in these lands, this paper aims to highlight the favorable climate conditions in relation to tourism in Sinaia considered the "pearl" of the mountain resorts in the Prahova Valley. This paper presents the capitalization of tourism potential, which highlights the number of tourists arriving in the two resorts, in the period 2009-2019. Also, the private accommodation infrastructure and the number of main accommodation units, hotels and pensions are presented in detail, the typology of hotels according to the degree of comfort and the presentation of tourism in the hot and cold period of the year. Finally, we find the conclusions that highlight the main ideas that emerged from the research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to analyze the number of animal holdings, their structure by species and size class and also the average farm size based on the data provided by Eurostat and National Institute of Statistics. Fixed and structural indices as well as comparisons were the main statistical tools to assess the results. Romania has a high number of animal farms being on the top position in the EU, but the smallest farm size. The decline of bovine, swine and poultry livestock has relatively contributed to the growth of farm size and production efficiency. About 72.7% of agricultural holdings have land and animals and 23.3% rear only animals. Individual holdings are dominant and keep 86.9% bovine farms, 53% pig farms, 93.3% sheep farms, 95.1% goats farms and 67.4% poultry farms. Commercial holdings represent 44.4% of pig farms and 31.7% of poultry farms de very small percentages in case of the other species. At the national level, the average farm size of animal farms is: 3.4 bovines, 2.4 dairy cows, 3.2 pigs, 43.7 sheep, 10.6 goats and 31.6 poultry. A smaller average farm size is in the individual holdings: 2.9 bovines, 2.2 dairy cows, 1.7 pigs, 41.3 sheep, 10.1 goats and 18.7 poultry. Commercial companies have in average a higher average size: 211 bovines, 97.8 dairy cows, 7,878 pigs, 942.6 sheep, 181.7 goats and 96,009.2 poultry. The gap between individual and commercial holdings is difficult to be reduced, as long as farm concentration is a slow process. The decline in livestock, farmers aging and the new modern farms established with EU financial support are expecting to contribute to the improvement of farm structures in animal sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper studied the dynamics of the economic value of pollination in Romania's orchards taking into account the main trees species producing fruits: plum, apple, cherry, apricot, pear and peach fruit trees in the period 2011- 2020. The data provided by National Institute of Statistics were used to quantify fruit production and value based on the average annual purchase price, and the economic value of fruit production produced by pollinators, taking into consideration de dependence degree by fruit tree species. After a period of decline, fruit tree growing has recovered especially during the last years making investments in new plantations of apple, plum, cherry, peach trees etc. In 2020, Romania had 138,000 ha of orchards, over 74 million fruit trees, a fruit production of 1.6 million tons of which 93.33% came from the six main fruit tree species: plum (48.4%), apple (34.4%), cherry(4.6%), pear (3.09%), apricot (1.74%) and peach trees (1%).The total value of fruit production from the six species accounted for Euro 1,303.69 Million at purchase price, being by 42.2% higher than in 2011. The results proved that the pollination economic value contributed by Euro 1,032 Million, that is by about 80% to fruit production value in 2020, which reflects how important is insect pollination in fruit trees growing. In 2020, the economic value of pollination per fruit tree accounted for: Euro 12.2 for plum tree, Euro 15.7 per apple tree, Euro 13.2 per pear tree, Euro 12.4 per peach tree, Euro 26.6 per cherry tree and Euro 14.5 per apricot tree. Therefore, the entomophilous fauna has to be preserved not only for biodiversity conservation but mainly for helping the sustainable development of fruit tree growing to produce more and of higher quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed labor productivity in Romania's agriculture in the period 2011-2020 and established the forecast for 2021-2025 horizon using the Eurostat data. The processing procedures included fixed basis index, average growth rate, average annual growth, regression models, determination coefficient, descriptive statistics (mean standard deviation and variation coefficient), comparison methods and forecast modeling. The results proved that agriculture productivity is increasing with a lower growth rate, being deeply influenced on output value, gross value added and labour input. Per 1,000 AWU, agricultural output value decreased by 6.77%, gross value added increased by 12.47% and factor income raised by 20.65%. However, for its level of output value and GVA, Romania comes on the last position and for factor income level it comes on the 15th position in the EU. For agriculture development, labour productivity must be increased paying attention to the key determinants: farm structure and size, labour input, technical endowment, and investment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to analyze in what measure the Covid-19 pandemic has influenced tourist flows in Romania's tourism in the year 2020 comparatively with the year 2019 and the 2020 forecast. The main indicators taken into consideration have been tourist arrivals, overnight stays and travels abroad. The data provided by the National Institute of Statistics have been processed using the annual average growth for setting up the 2020 forecast, and the index method allowed to quantify the percentage differences carried out in 2020 versus 2019 and the forecast level. In 2020, in Romania, tourism arrivals declined by 53%, but less compared to Europe 70 % or 74% at the global level. Romanians represents 93% of total arrivals, but their number decreased by 45% compared to 2019. Also, overnight stays declined by 51.65% and the residents' travels abroad by 58.8%. A critical situation was in case of foreign tourists' flow which diminished by 83.2% and the number of overnight stays by 81.1%. The most difficult period for tourism in the year 2020 was March-June, but in July-September, it was noticed a recovery. However, tourism industry was also affected regarding its receipts, turnover, personnel, and tourism units, many of them being closed and a few of them failed due to the imposed restrictions by authorities to diminish the spread of the pandemic. Romanians saved tourism rediscovering the beauty of the natural, cultural and historical treasures of their own country, spending their vacations at the seaside, in the mountains and in the rural areas, and, in general, preferring accommodation in small hotels and tourist and agri-tourist guesthouses. Rural tourism was a niche which offered safer stays, more activities in nature and benefiting of hospitality suitable for families and small groups of friends. Romania's tourism has to be more flexible in the year 2021 and the coming years in adapting the development strategy paying attention to the increased demand for domestic tourism including offers and experiences in open-air, nature-based and slow travel destinations. At international level Romania has to be promoted as a rural destination which is able to offer a high quality hospitality and the beauty of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to analyze the status of pork market during the period 2017-2019 under the impact of African Swine Fever (ASF) in order to assess the consequences on pig livestock, pork production, trade, and price compared to the period 2014-2016. Using the data provided by Faostat and National Institute of Statistics, and the usual methods specific to such an analysis: fixed index, trend line, regression equations and determination coefficient, the obtained results have pointed out that in the interval 2017-2019 versus 2014-2016, of pig livestock, ASF has amplified the decline of pig livestock, slaughtered pigs and their live weight, and pork production. The higher demand than offer on the domestic market increased imports to assure food security and increased pork price. Farmers are discouraged to grow pigs due to the lack of biological material, high price for piglets and feedstuff, high production cost and the high risk that their business to fail, as long as subsidies and aids are missing in pig farming. In consequence, it is needed a new strategy which has to be adapted to the actual situation at the European level destined to counteract the spread of ASF by using efficient measures of traceability and biosecurity along the pork chain. Veterinary authorities have to join their forces to eradicate this disease and produce a vaccine for saving pig livestock. Subsidies and aids are required to sustain pig growing in Romania, where pork is a strategic food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the dynamics of tourist demand and offer in Romania's mountain resorts in the period 2010-2019 using the statistical data collected from National Institute of Statistics in order to identify the main trends and suggest solutions for enhancing this sector of the national tourism. Fixed basis index, structural index and comparison method have been used for data processing. Romania has more than 100 mountain resorts, with a wonderful scenery and breathtaking splendors and treasure which must be discovered. More than 95 resorts are suitable for skiing. The most attractive mountain resorts are Poiana Brasov, Sinaia, Busteni, Predeal, Azuga, Paltinis, Vatra Dornei, Ranca and Transalpina. Over 2.3 million tourists spent their vacations in Romania's mountain resorts in 2019, being 2.8 times more then 2010 and accounting for 17.2% of total Romania's visitors. Romanians are dominant with a share of 91%. Not only the number of Romanians is growing up, but also the foreign visitors number which reached over 196 thousand in 2019, that is 2.2 times more than in 2010. The overnight stays increased 2.8 times, accounting for 4.42 million in 2019. In the mountain resorts there are 2,370 units for tourists accommodation, of which about 70% were represented by tourist and agro-tourist guesthouses, 8.7% tourist villas, 7.9% hotels and 6.2% chalets etc. Their number represent 27.5% of Romania's tourism accommodation units. In 2019, the offer of places (beds) was 63,943, by 80.4% more than in 2010 and representing 17.8% of the total offer in Romania's tourism. The beauty of the natural mountain landscapes, biodiversity, local economy, humans, cultural and historical heritage have to be better valorized, developed and promoted to enhance mountain tourism to increase its efficiency and competitiveness. Mountain skiing resorts have to continue their efforts to improve the access roads, buildings, equipments, installations, facilities, to enlarge the range of activities and to offer to tourists unforgettable vacations and to entirely cover their expectations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to analyze the demand and offer in Romania's balneary (spa) tourism in the decade 2010-2019 in order to identify the main trends and correlations and the aspects which have to be improved for increasing spa tourism contribution in the economy and to people's health and relaxation. The data provided by National Institute of Statistics were processed using usual methods for dynamic analysis, trend equation, regressions and correlations, and determination coefficient. In 2019, Romania's offer in spa tourism was represented by 37 balneary resorts, 620 units with reception function for tourist accommodation, and 35,643 places, while the demand consisted of 1.33 million tourist arrivals and 4.81 million overnight stays. All this figures represent much more than in 2010, except the number of places which declined by 2.3%. Romanian spa tourism keeps 7.1% of the number of tourist accommodation units, 10% of the number of places, 8.5% of tourist arrivals, and 16% overnight stays. A positive and strong connection was found between the number of tourist arrivals and overnight stays, but also an unbalanced ratio between overnight stays and number of places as well as between tourist arrivals and number of places. Therefore, balneary tourism has to be much more sustained to become a strong branch of Romania's tourism. A new strategy is required to better valorize the richness of natural resources, to continue investing in infrastructure, to diversify spa services, and to promote more intensively Romania's spa tourism abroad. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to analyze the trends in milling and baking industry in the EU-28 and Romania. During the period 2015-2019, the production of milling and bakery products increased as the need of the market is much higher. The offer of bakery products has been continuously adapted to consumer's preferences and assured a large range of bakery assortment for satisfying all the market segments. In the EU, the most representative countries operating in baking industry are Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, United Kingdom, Poland and Romania. The milling and bakery products market is dominated by SMEs, and production technologies are more and more industrialized while the traditional bakery is slowing down. In Romania, milling and baking sector is the top sector in food industry. The number of companies has increased, production technologies have been modernized, product quality is increasing, the production volume is higher and higher, productivity, turnover and profit have also an ascending trend and the competitiveness has become more intense in the business environment. This economic sector assures jobs, and creates value added contributing to GDP growth. Bread consumption reached 78kg/capita/year in average in the EU-28 while in Romania is 82 kg/capita, a little bit higher. The top companies in milling and bakery industry in Romania based on their turnover achieved in 2019 are: Vel Pitar, the leader in the field, followed by Oltina, Boromir, Dobrogea, Sapte Spice and GoodMills. Based on the five criteria used in this study, the hierarchy is almost similar: Vel Pitar, Oltina, Boromir, Sapte Spice, Dobrogea, and GoodMills. The milling and bakery industry has to continue to modernize infrastructure, to look for healthier ingredients in the recipes, to diversify production, to keep under control production costs reducing energy expenses, to increase product quality and assure a good ratio between product quality and price. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the paper was the analysis of the tourism dynamics in Romania's seaside resorts in the period 2010- 2019 in order to identify the main trends and characteristics of tourism in this destination. Based on fixed indices and regression models, the results proved that the seaside resorts are high attraction destinations for spending holidays especially in the summer season and also in extra-season. In 2019, tourist arrivals reached 1,153.7 thousands and the overnight stays accounted for 4,658 thousands, being higher than in 2010 by +64.2%, and, respectively, by +58.75%. The use rate of accommodation units in the seaside resorts increased from 33.8% in 2010 to 51.01% in 2019 being much higher than at the national level. More than 97% tourists on the seashore are Romanians. A number of 816.6 thousands tourists, meaning 10 times more than in 2010, took part to one-day trips organized in the proximity of the seaside by the local travel agencies. Even in the pandemic of covid-19, the Romanian seaside resorts were among the most preferred destinations. The main characteristics of Romania's seaside tourism are: the higher attraction for Romanian tourists than for foreigners, the seasonality and also extraseasonality of offer and demand, the disruption between the decline of the accommodation capacity (units and places) and the increased number of tourists, the large variety of tourism forms for spending time in an active (heliomarine cure, balneary procedures, nautical sports, fishing, entertainment, gastronomic, wine tasting, culturalhistorical etc). The seaside resorts have to continue their efforts to offer a modern and comfortable infrastructure, a large range of opportunities for spending vacations and safe stays in order to increase the number of tourists and incomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research was focused on yields dynamics of the main agricultural crops: wheat, maize, barley, oats, sunflower and rape recorded in Romania and especially in Dobrogea region in =order to identify in what measure they were affected by climate change, mainly by drought in two decades: 2000-2009 and 2010-2019. For this purpose, there were calculated the negative deviations of yield in each year from the average of each decade, and also the differences between the average decade yield in Dobrogea region and at the country level. The results proved substantial negative deviations for almost all the crops compared to the decade averages, and a smaller production performance in Dobrogea region versus yield level in Romania. All these differences were caused by the change in climate factors: the increased air temperature, low of lack of precipitations, low or lack of water resource into the soil, which characterize the severe and strong droughts with which Romania, and mainly Dobrogea region were facing during the last 20 years. In order to reduce the economic, social and environmental impact of droughts, the authorities have to develop sustainable strategies in order to support agriculture with irrigation systems and other measures of protection (financial aid to cover losses, tax exemption, extending the terms of repayment of the debts etc), and farmers have to continue their efforts for adapting the technologies cultivating high production potential varieties and hybrids resistant to drought, diseases and pests, choosing the right moment and depth for sowing, fertilization level and plant protection. Only in this way, farmers could obtain a production performance able to cover costs and assure profitableness of their business. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the dynamics of Sorghum cultivated area, production and yield in the decade 2010-2019 pointing out the position of Romania among the EU-28 producing countries, the relationship between production and yield using ANOVA, and regression analysis in terms of linear fit. The results showed that the cultivated area increase by 52.7 % in reaching 15,712 ha in 2019. The West and South West regions cultivate 81 % of Romania's cropped area with Sorghum. Production increased 3.2 times reaching 60 thousand tons in 2019, 80% being achieved by West region (63.4 %) and South West Oltenia (10.5%). Sorghum yield was doubled in 2018 achieving 3,819 kg/ha, the highest records being in North East and West. Romania is ranked the 4th in the EU-28 after France, Italy and Hungary for Sorghum cultivated surface, production and yield. Between production and yield is a positive and strong relationship, r = 0.842 and R² = 0.710, reflecting that 71 % of the variation of production is caused by yield change. The regression model Y = 0.0112 x + 13.424, shows that if Sorghum yield increases by one unit, production will grow by 13.43 units. Therefore, a higher productivity per surface unit will contribute to production growth. For this reason, farmers have to use modern technologies involving high potential varieties and hybrids, optimized tillage, fertilization, sowing depth, plant density, distance between rows, correct and timing application of the agricultural works, the use of modern equipments for tillage, sowing, crop maintenance and harvesting. The technologies have to be adapted to climate change, meaning the use of earlier cultivars, looking for a new depth of sowing where soil moisture content favours seeds germination and chose the best harvesting moment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the dynamics of the cultivated area and production in oilseeds crops, especially on sunflower, rape and soybean, in Romania in the decade 2010-2019 in order to identify the main trends and changes, using trend line models and to set up the forecast for 2020-2014 horizon, based on the results of 2019 and the average annual growth in the analyzed period. In 2019, Romania cultivated 1.8 million ha with oilseeds crops, of which 71.3% sunflower, 19.6% rape and 8.8% soybean, and produced 4,792 thousand tons seeds, of which 74.4% from sunflower, 16.6% from rape and 8.6% from soybean. The areas and output increased in case of sunflower and soybean, while rape registered a decline. For the year 2024, it is expected as Romania will cultivate 2,015 thousand ha with oilseeds plants, of which sunflower 77.3 %, rape 13.2% and soybean 10.3%, and to produce 6,133 thousand tons seeds of which 79% from sunflower, 11.7% from rape and 7.5 % from soybean. Rape crop was deeply affected by the severe droughts in the last years and this diminished seeds output. In 2019, Romania occupied the following positions in the EU-28 for production performance: the 3rd for oilseeds output, the 1st for sunflower seeds, the 2nd for soybean seeds and the 5th for rape seeds. To increase performance in oilseed sector, Romanian farmers have to adapt to the climate change paying attention to the following technological aspects: to use high earlier and production potential varieties and hybrids and resistant to drought, diseases and pests; to chose the best period for sowing depending on the soil moisture and temperature, to assure an optimum fertilization level, crop maintenance and harvesting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed honey production concentration in Romania in the period 2009-2018 using the specific indicators: number of beekeepers, bee hives, honey production and yield per bee hive, and methods like: trend equation, Herfindhal-Hirschman concentration index (HHI), regression models, correlations and determination coefficients to examine the gains in comparison with the period 2007-2016. The results pointed out that both the number of bee colonies and honey production increased in a high measure, only honey yield remained stable (20 kg/year). In 2018, Romania came on important positions in the EU-28 top honey producing countries as follows: 2nd position for 1,689.5 thousand bee hives, 1st position for 30,000 tons honey production, 3rd position for 80 average number of bee hives per apiary, and 18th position for 20 kg honey yield per bee hive. In 2018, the distribution of the bee hives and honey production in the territory was: 18.5% South West Oltenia, 16.2% South East, 14.6% North West, 13.6% South Muntenia, 13.3 % North East, 12% Center, 10.6% West and 1.2% Bucharest-Ilfov. Compared to 2009, honey production increased in 2018 in almost all the micro-regions, except North East, where it remained stable. HHI indices had values below 0.15 reflecting a low concentration. Compared to the period 2007-2016, in the interval 2009-2018, the mean for the number of bee hives and honey production increased, the correlation and determination coefficients recorded higher values for the pair of indicators: honey production and the number of bee hives and for the honey production and yield, while for the average yield and the number of bee hives the values were smaller. Regression equations attested that honey production is about 50% determined by the number of bee hives and in smaller proportion by honey yield. Beekeeping has to continue to develop for assuring the pollination of the agricultural crops, the preservation of biodiversity and environment and for providing healthy products for consumers, jobs and incomes for the rural population. The EU and National Programmes for Apiculture will strengthen this sector keeping pace with the increased competitiveness on the EU honey market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the ewes and goats contribution to the amount of raw milk marketed to milk processing industry in the period 2009-2018 and set up the forecast for the 2019-2023 horizon, using the empirical data provided by the National Institute of Statistics and using the fixed basis index, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients and T test of significance, linear regressions, determination coefficient and average annual gain. An increased number of ewes and goats by 9.9% and, respectively by 60.7% was achieved in 2018 versus 2009. This led to a higher contribution of these categories of animals, 2.17% in case of ewes and 1.39% in case of goats in raw milk amount sold to dairies in 2018. A string and positive relationship was found between the number of ewes and goats and the amount of raw marketed milk, r = 0.856 and, respectively, r = 0.771. This was also attested by the regression models which reflected that the increase by one unit of the ewes' number will led to a surplus of 14.344 raw milk, and by an increase with one unit of the goats' number will result 38.698 gain collected milk. In 2023, it is estimated that raw milk delivered from ewes will reach 31,016.5 tons, and raw goat milk sold will accounts for 20,200 tons. To increase their incomes from delivered milk, sheep and goat farmers have to grow the female livestock by improving breed structure, reproduction performance, feeding and milk quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the concentration of rape cultivated area and seed production in Romania in the period 2009- 2018. using Herfindahl-Hirchman Index (HHI) and Gini -Struck Index (GSI), as well the regression and correlation between these indicators. In 2018, Romania had 633 thousand ha cultivated with rape and produced 1,673,327 tons seeds, 2.8 times more than in 2009. All the eight micro-regions are involved in rape cropping. but the largest surfaces are situated in the South Muntenia (39.07%), South-East (24.69), South-West Oltenia (10.03), West (9.07%). The highest contribution to rape seed output is given by South Muntenia (42.36%), South-East (22.89%), West (11.33) and North-East (6.43%). The HHI values > 0.25 reflected a relative high concentration of the cultivated area and seed production, mainly in four micro-regions: South Muntenia, South-East, South-West Oltenia and West. The Gini- Struck Index indicated a moderate concentration of the cultivated area and also of the seeds production, GS = 0.371- 0.468 for surface, and GS = 0.379- 0.477 for production. The correlation coefficient r = 0.888 proved a positive and strong relationship between the two indicators, and the regression model, Y = 2.694 X - 163.83 reflected that one thousand more ha cultivated with rape will produce 2.534 thousand tons seeds in addition. Rape production is expected to continue to grow and to be more concentrated in the micro-regions mentioned above. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed price elasticity of production for short run for wheat, maize, sunflower, milk, pork, beef and honey in Romania and in its eight micro-regions in the period 2016-2018. Elasticity coefficients were determined using Cook's formula. At Romania's level, the price growth by 1% will determine the increase of output for wheat, maize, milk, and pork, but lower than price growth rate. Considering that other factors of influence are constant, the growth of the acquisition price will favor the increase of production in the territory of Romania as follows: for wheat in NW, SE, Bucharest Ilfov and S W Oltenia micro-regions; for maize in almost all the micro-regions except Bucharest-Ilfov and West; for sunflower in BIF and SW Oltenia; for pork, in the Center, SE, S Muntenia, SW Oltenia and West regions; for beef only in NW and NE regions; for milk in NW and S Muntenia; for honey in the Center, NE, S Muntenia, and SW Oltenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed net profit and profitability of a panel of six commercial companies (C1-C6) raising dairy cows and supplying milk on the capital market in the period 2009-2018, based on the data from Balance Sheets which were processed using fixed index, descriptive statistics, points method, regression modeling, correlations and determination coefficients. All the companies registered an increased net profit in the analyzed period except C3 which registered losses in 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2018 and C5 with losses in 2016. The highest annual profit average was achieved by C4 (Lei 1.19 Million) and the lowest one by C5 (Lei 0.3 Million). Net profit margin varied between 23%, the highest level in C5, and 1.1%, the lowest level in C3. The highest average net profit obtained per one million used assets was Lei 370 thousand in C5 and the lowest level was Lei 6 thousand in C3.For one million equity, the return of net profit accounted for Lei 0.42 million in C5 and Lei 30 thousand in C3. The total costs of the firms increased influencing the net profit. For Lei one million expenses, the average net profit varied between Lei 310 thousand in C5 and 20 thousand in C3. The total number of points received for each analyzed indicator led to the following classification of the companies, in the decreasing order of profitability: C5, C4,C2, C6,C1 and C3. The F test confirmed that the linear regression models attested that costs have an influence on net profit. However, only in case of C5 and C2, the variation of net profit was caused by total costs in a higher proportion than 50%, and in case of C4 and C1 with about 31%. The correlation coefficients reflected a high positive connection between net profit and costs in C2 (r = 0.994) and C6 (r = 0.711). The profitability analysis in these companies emphasized that even though they are in top agribusiness in dairy farming, they could get losses in a few years as net profit is influenced by costs. As a final conclusion, to increase net profit and profitability, the decision makers have to set up a development strategy of the business based on a deep financial analysis and prospecting the opportunities which could assure economic growth in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed turnover indicators in terms of working capital (WCT), total assets (TAT) and fixed assets (FAT) on the profitableness in term of return on assets (ROA) and equity (ROE) of six companies, codified F1-F6, dealing with dairy farming in the surroundings of Bucharest, the capital of Romania in the period 2009-2018. Descriptive statistics, correlation and determination coefficients, as well as polynomial regression models were used to process the data in order to prove in what measure the increase of turnover could have a beneficial effect on effectiveness of the business. Despite that the firms are in the top for their financial results, it was noticed a large variation regarding the dynamics of sales and profit, but the general trend was an increasing one. Based on the indicators taken into account, the resulting hierarchy of the companies was F5, F2, F1, F3, F4 and F6. A weak relationship was found between WCT, TAT and FAT and ROA and ROE, with a few exceptions as follows: in F4, r =0.540 between WCT and ROA, r=0.703 between TAT and ROA, r = 0.806 between FAT and ROA and r=0.565 between WCT and ROE, in F5, r=0.565between WCT and ROE, and in F6 r = 0.601 between TAT and ROA and r = 0.525 between FAT and ROA. Another conclusion was that in F4, the variation of WCT and TAT could influence the variation of ROA, and the variation of FAT could influence the variation of ROE in a higher measure. The polynomial regression models showed that in F4, one more unit of TAT could determine an increased ROA by 0.2609, and one more unit of FAT could led to a higher ROA by 0.333 and of ROE by 0.970. In F5, one more unit of WCT could grow ROE by 3.895, and one more unit TAT will determine a higher ROE by 0.282. As a final conclusion, in financial management of the dairy companies turnover must be carefully managed in order to get a higher effectiveness and profitability of the business. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to estimate customer's satisfaction degree determined by the quality of the hotel services. In this purpose, a face to face survey based on questionnaires was run in September 2019 using a sample of 34 Romanian and foreign tourists who had one night accommodation, dinner and breakfast in Krystal Hotel, a three stars unit in Hunedoara County. The results of their answers were processed using a 5-level Likert Scale which was helpful to calculate the scores for every item taken into consideration for characterizing the service quality in this hotel. The partial scores for various quality aspects were very high and as a result the global score accounted for 4.98, that is almost 5, which is the maximum figure a hotel could get. This study showed that the hotel managers who pay attention to service quality could be successful in their business for a long run. Customer's satisfaction degree must be carefully studied and be consider a fundamental item in setting up the future development strategy. A high service quality well correlated with price will be a guarantee for a high degree of satisfaction among customers, and in its turn, a high degree of satisfaction of the customers will assure a high tourist inflow, a higher occupancy rate, income flow and profit in hotel industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the dynamics of average monthly income (AMI) and average monthly expenditure (AME) per household and the relationships between these indicators of living standard in Romania in the period 2007-2017. The dynamic analysis, descriptive statistics, correlations, and regression functions were used to process data. The results pointed out that both AMI and AME per household increased in Romania, but income growth rate was higher than expenditure increase rate. In the rural area, AMI per household is 64.3 % of the urban average and 76.1 % of the national one. AME is the highest in the urban area. In the rural households it represents 77.1 % of the urban one and 85.6 % of the national average. A person living in the rural area spends three times less money than an urban citizen. The share of AME in the AMI decreased from 80.7 % in 2007 to 66.5% in 2017, because the income growth rate was higher than the spending rate. In the rural communities, this percentage was 74.9 in 2017, higher than in the urban area. The expenditures on food and non alcoholic beverages also increased, being higher in the urban area. The share of food and non alcoholic beverages in AME is 29 % in the rural area, the highest in the country. AME per household accounts for 61.1 % of GDP, placing Romania on the 8th position in the EU-28. Also, Romania comes on the top position for 17 % share of expenditure on food and non-alcoholic beverages in GDP. The correlations proved a high and positive connection between income and expenditure. According to the regression equations, an AMI increase by Lei 100 will increase AME by Lei 52.9 at the national level, by Lei 49.30 in the urban household, by Lei 58.96 in the rural household, will raise consumption expenditure on food and non alcoholic beverages by Lei 12.02 nationally, by Lei 10.39 in the urban household and by Lei 14.58 in the rural one. Household income is still lower in Romania compared to other EU countries. A new strategy is required to increase population's income in order to improve life quality and reduce the discrepancies with the other EU countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the evolution of wine production and consumption in Romania and at the world level in order to identify the main changes and trends in the period 2007-2018 using official data which have been processed using fixed and variable indices, correlation coefficients, regression functions, consumption/production rate, export/consumption rate, self sufficiency rate and import dependency rate. In 2018, Romania achieved 5.2 M. hl wine ranking the 8th in the EU-28 and the 13th in the world. The world output recovered reaching 202 M. hl. The top wine producers are: Italy, France, Spain, USA, Australia, Argentina, China, South Africa, Chile, Germany, Portugal, Russia and Romania. The area under vine raised, being 191 thou ha in 2018, for which Romania is on the 5th position in the EU-28 and on the 10th position worldwide. The world vine area declined to 7.4 M. ha. After a long depression, wine consumption recovered in 2018 and reached 5 M. hl, ranking Romania the 7th in the EU and the 12th in the world. The top wine consumers are USA, France, Italy, Germany, China, United Kingdom, Russia, Spain, Argentina, Australia, Portugal and Romania. World consumption remained relatively stable, 246 M. hl, being high in the main producing countries. Romania is ranked the 8th in the world for 29.9 l consumed per capita, but Romanians drink 1.5 times less wine than Portuguese, French, Italians, Swiss, Belgians and Australians. Romania's wine production, areas under vine and wine consumption have a positive impact on the world performance as proved by the correlation and determination coefficients, and regression functions In 2017, in Romania, the trade internationalization rate was 3.58%, the self sufficiency rate 92.32 % and the import dependency rate 10.86 %, which justified the wine import in small amounts. At the world level, 44 of 100 l wine are consumed from import. Wine production and consumption is expected to grow to satisfy better consumers' needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyzed the retail trade in Romania during the last decade, 2008-2017, pointing out the performance achieved by the top 10 retailers Kaufland, Carrefour, Lidl, Auchan, Mega Image, Profi, Metro, Selgros, Rewe and Cora Hypermarket, based on the number of stores, turnover, net profit, market share and average number of employees. Romanian market proved to be a good business environment for retailers as long as consumption is increasing determined by the growth of wages and reduction of VAT. Both hypermarkets, supermarkets, discount stores and minimarkets have appeared on Romania's map and their number continue to grow as expected in the near future. The number of square meters commercial space per inhabitant is enough high as long as Romanians like shopping. For this reason, the retailers have to develop new strategies to strengthen their business and cover much better consumers' needs. Important efforts should be made to develop the minimarket network in the smaller cities and even in the rural localities, the commercial space should be modernized and offer a pleasant and attractive environment for shopping, e-commerce should be extended as a modern purchasing alternative, the offer should be diversified including more Romanian products as preferred by consumers, organic products should be more visible on the shelves which have to offer healthy products to the clients, a more intensive advertising should be useful for a better information of the consumers and for increasing sales and profit of the retailers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to analyze the demand/offer ratio in the seaside tourism of Romania in the period 2007-2017 based on the official data provided by the National Institute of Statistics. The main indicators taken into account have been: number of units with function for tourist accommodation, number of places (beds), number of beds-days, number of tourist arrivals and overnight stays. The index method, structure index, correlation coefficient and regression analysis allowed to analyze the dynamics of these indicators and the relationships existing among them. The results pointed out an increase by 31.8% of the arrivals, by 6.4% of the overnight stays, but also a decrease by 16.7% of the accommodation units and by 31.7% of the number of beds. This unbalanced demand/offer ratio was confirmed by the weak correlation and regression analysis as well. The seaside tourism represents 9.8% in the total accommodation tourism structures, 23.4% in the total number of places and 10.5% in the total beds-days in Romania's tourism. About 77.7% of tourism accommodation units and number of beds is represented by hotels, bungalows and tourist villas in Romania's tourism. For balancing the demand/offer ratio in the seaside area, the tourism strategy should be focused on investments in new accommodation units, creating jobs, increasing labour productivity, service quality, the comfort degree, diversifying the leisure and entertainment activities, managing the beaches, means of conveyance, parking places and access roads, and green spaces. In this way, the development of the tourism infrastructure and service quality could become important factors for increasing tourist arrivals and receipts on the Romanian seaside. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]