TRADITIONAL LOCAL GASTRONOMY, A CREATIVE EXPLORATION OF THE MULTICULTURAL HERITAGE IN SIBIU COUNTY.

The main objective of the paper is to unfold a pattern for promoting sustainable development of the environment for local communities through gastronomy and ecotourism in Sibiu County, future European Region of Gastronomy in 2019. The motivation for the choice comes out of the wish to render profitable in a superior manner the huge gastronomical and ecotouristic potential of the areas mentioned. Now, Romanian tourism is being confronted with problems of infrastructure and image, and this is the reason why we consider that the chance for sustainable development of is represented by the promotion of niche tourism, namely gastronomical tourism and ecotourism. In an age of globalization, the authentic gastronomical patrimony is that which makes the difference and represents an opportunity for sustainable development of local communities. The essence of sustainable development is represented by the harmonious integration of economic development, by responsible governing, by ensuring the social cohesion and community man - nature. This paper underlines the ecotouristic and gastronomical potential of Sibiu County in terms of multiculturalism and inter-culturalism. We consider that the project is outlining the fact that by the attested value, gastronomical tourism can become a touristic product, an original and brand-like one that can extend at a regional and European level. We hope the results of this paper will be landmarks for new applications in research and represent the basis of identification at a local level of new economic and financial instruments with good social impact on local communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]