Representatives of the Harghita County Council participated in the fourth international meeting of the SEE – Sustainable Entrepreneurship Education project, held in Rome on January 20–21, implemented with the support of the Interreg Europe Programme. The event was organized by the Lazio Region, with the participation of France, Belgium, Germany, Latvia, Poland, Italy, and Romania.

The main objective of the meeting was to share and disseminate good practices in the field of entrepreneurship education, with a special focus on the use of digital tools, game-based learning methods (gamification), and innovative educational approaches that support the development of young people’s transversal skills.

The first day of the event focused on presenting good practices developed in the partner regions. Initiatives were introduced that contribute to talent identification and the development of entrepreneurial competences through video games and digital simulations, as well as those applying experiential learning methods by simulating business environments and integrating innovative approaches, including the use of artificial intelligence and cooperation between educational and economic stakeholders.

The delegation of Harghita County also contributed to the professional exchange of experience with its own presentation, showcasing the “Leader” board game developed by the Spektrum Educational Center. This cooperation-based gamification tool supports the development of key entrepreneurial competences – such as strategic thinking, communication, leadership skills, and problem-solving – in line with sustainable development goals.

The second day’s programme included a study visit to the Lazio Open Innovation Center (LOIC) in Zagarolo, which operates as a regional center of excellence in the fields of innovation, business development, and creative industries. Participants were introduced to successful start-up support and youth entrepreneurship programmes, as well as educational and digital projects of regional importance. In addition, a design thinking workshop was held, examining the future role of gamification in entrepreneurship education for young people.

Participation in the event provided valuable professional guidance for Harghita County in adapting European good practices to the local context, contributing to the modernization of educational approaches and the strengthening of the county’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Miercurea Ciuc, January 29, 2026.

More than 80,000 people showed interest in the events organized by the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center

Over the past year, the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center, a subordinate institution of the Harghita County Council, focused its activities on documenting, preserving, and promoting the authentic values of local cultural heritage. Its goal was to strengthen regional cultural identity and to expand the community’s access to cultural life.

According to Izabella Bartalis, director of the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center, their aim was not only to promote cultural programs but also to improve their diversity and quality, expand institutional collaborations at the county, national, and international levels, engage young audiences, and build a loyal audience committed to traditional culture. At the same time, special emphasis was placed on developing online communication and increasing the institution’s visibility through media partnerships.

Over the past year, the cultural centre organized large-scale festivals and events, ethnographic and traditional art exhibitions, publishing programs and book launches, educational activities, craft workshops, and audiovisual productions on ethnographic topics.

In 2025, more than 60 cultural programs were organized, including around 15 festivals and major events, more than 20 exhibitions and public presentations, approximately 15 educational programs and workshops, and over 10 book launches, screenings, and other publishing events.

Highlighted events included the Siculus Festival, Secler Days, and the Transylvanian Dance House Meeting, which attracted thousands of participants and significantly contributed to promoting the county’s traditional values.

According to data provided by Izabella Bartalis, the estimated total number of participants in the programs organized in 2025 exceeded 80,000, including both audiences present in person at events and those reached via online platforms.

The target audience of the programs was extremely diverse: children and students, young people, families, teachers, cultural professionals, artisans, as well as the general public interested in traditions and local identity. The activities had a significant impact on the community, strengthening the sense of belonging, expanding access to culture, encouraging intercultural dialogue, and contributing to promoting Harghita County as an active and attractive cultural space.

Feedback from the community was overwhelmingly positive, as reflected in the continuous growth in participant numbers, lively interactions online, and numerous requests to repeat and expand successful programs.

In parallel, the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center also participated as a partner in other cultural projects in the Udvarhely region. In total, they supported 30 cultural projects, worth 372,000 lei. These included “In the Footsteps of the Values of the Gagy Stream Valley,” the “Slam Poetry Championship,” and the “dramaMA” contemporary theatre festival.

The list of winning projects in the Udvarhely region can be found at the following link: https://hagyomany.ro/palyazatok/

– The Harghita County Tradition Resource Center is a custodian of cultural memory and local identity. Through our activities, we strive to contribute to the preservation of traditions, the education of young people, and the promotion of Harghita County’s authentic values – stated Izabella Bartalis.

Through its events and programs, the Centre continues to play a key role in the cultural development of Harghita County, providing the community with identity, continuity, and dialogue between the past, present, and future.

As is known, the County Hall Gallery and the ground-floor exhibition space of the County Hall had to find a new location from May this year due to the building’s energy renovation works. The exhibitions found a home in several locations.

During this year, within the framework of the Exhibition Program, the Cultural Center of Harghita County organized a total of 19 visual arts exhibitions across seven fields: painting, sculpture, installation, photography, enamel art, aircraft models, ship models and car models, as well as visual arts. Most exhibitions were related to visual arts (8) and photography (5).

The exhibitions attracted nearly 3,700 visitors, including 30 student groups from ten schools in Miercurea Ciuc who participated in guided visits, which significantly contributes to increasing students’ interest in visual arts.

The exhibitions were open to visitors at several locations: until the end of April at the County Hall Gallery, as well as in the Csíki Cinema building, the building of the Cultural Center of Harghita County, and the House of Arts.

Currently, two exhibitions are still awaiting visitors:

• “Autumn Salon” – at the Csíki Cinema, open until January 27, 2026;
• “Post Ignis” – at the Cultural Center of Harghita County, open until January 15, 2026.

Information about the exhibition program and further details are available at the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/Megyehaza.Galeria

Miercurea Ciuc, December 15, 2025.

The fourth edition of the Regional Tourism Conference was held on October 15–16, 2025, once again hosted by Miercurea Ciuc. As one of the most important professional gatherings in the region, the event brought together nearly 200 tourism entrepreneurs, experts, educators, students, and decision-makers to jointly reflect on the future of tourism, innovation, and opportunities for regional cooperation.

Digitalization, AI, and Cooperation in Focus

The first day of the conference was dedicated to innovation and cooperation. Experts from Booking.com and Travelminit presented concrete examples of how artificial intelligence is transforming the travel experience and guest relations. Norbert Fejér, CEO of HelixSoft, highlighted in his presentation that digitalization is not only a technological issue but also a strategic opportunity to increase competitiveness. The presentation of the România Atractivă project also emphasized the importance of digital development and data-driven decision-making in tourism.

The afternoon continued with two sections: in the TDM section, representatives of several Transylvanian tourist destinations – including Brașov, Mureș, Sibiu, Covasna, and Harghita counties – shared their good practices and future plans, while the parallel communication section focused on practical marketing and visual strategies. Erzsébet Kádár (SmartADDs) spoke about the role of database building, Jenő Nagy (OptiBoost) about online advertising strategies, and Ioana Mihaela Cobiliță (Sinaps) about digital trends – including voice search and AI targeting. In the field of visual communication, photographer and graphic editor László Mihály and László Olasz (Alpix Visual Studio) presented the importance of professional photography, while Zoltán Pál (Magenta7) shared practical experiences on creating tourism program packages. The section concluded with a presentation by Zelinda Páll, marketing communication specialist at Visit Harghita (Harghita Community Development Association), who introduced a new community platform designed for entrepreneurs and organizations interested in tourism.

Gastronomy and Local Values

The second day of the conference focused on the diversity of Transylvanian gastronomy and the future of hospitality based on local ingredients.

The day opened with Előd Szőcs (Csíkcsomortán Abattoir – Butcher Manufactory), who spoke about the value of traditional, locally sourced ingredients under the motto “Only from pure sources.” He was followed by Adorján Trucza, founder of Taste of Transylvania, whose presentation titled Pizza or Polenta? explored the search for identity in Transylvanian gastronomy. István Becze, president of the Association of Székely Farmers’ Organizations, highlighted the role of local producers and the opportunities within gastro-tourism, while Károly Szabó, Executive Director of Visit Harghita (Harghita Community Development Association), spoke about the long-term impacts of obtaining the title of European Region of Gastronomy in his presentation What Will Happen in 2027? Is It the Promised Land?

Szilamér Cseh, founder and head sommelier of the Fine Service Academy, shared his experiences on the art of service and creating guest experiences in his presentation The Secrets of Guest Experience, followed by Domokos Bándi (Gastrobun), who presented the future of gastronomy and strategies for sustainable development. Within the framework of the Food Savers project, Claudia Popa, food engineer at Boroinfo, presented concrete solutions for reducing food waste in the HoReCa sector.

The afternoon program highlighted artisanal gastronomy and creative approaches: photographer Zoltán Biró’s presentation The Photographer’s Coffee in Practice brought the role of coffee preparation closer to the world of gastronomy. István Bocskor, founder of Bocskor Bakery, spoke about the secrets of sourdough preparation and the art of good bread in his presentation Our Sourdough. Judit Potyó, founder of the Sasfészek Gastro Point, shared her experiences in creating and operating a gastro point based on local ingredients.

During the panel discussion Transylvanian Gastronomy Books, participants gained insight into gastronomic publications from the region, including the 100 Recipes – 100 Housewives series and the preparation of the Food Saver Book (Food Savers project).

The two-day event was initiated by the tourism organizations of Harghita, Mureș, and Covasna counties, with the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita) acting as the main organizer this year. The event was supported by the Pro Economica Foundation, Liliac Winery, Bocskor Bakery, as well as the County Councils of Harghita, Mureș, and Covasna.

At the closing of the conference, it was announced that the main organizer of the 5th Regional Tourism Conference in 2026 will be Visit Covasna. The organizers emphasized that next year’s event will continue in the spirit of regional cooperation and the shared vision of developing tourism.

Szeklerland is represented this year with its largest stand so far, covering 500 square meters, at Hungary’s largest agricultural and food industry exhibition in Budapest. A total of 47 producers from Harghita, Covasna, and Mureș counties are welcoming visitors with more than one hundred specialties.

The organization of the Szeklerland stand was undertaken by the Association of Szekler Farmers’ Organizations, whose mission is to support farmers and artisans from Szeklerland and to promote their values.

The stand’s offer includes handcrafted jams, syrups, aged cheeses, smoked meat products, honey, chocolates, award-winning fruit brandy (palinka) and wines. Among the participating producers are the Csengő and Nagy–Küküllő Agricultural Cooperative, the Csíkcsomortán Butcher–Charcuterie Manufactory and Kitchen, beekeepers, and Borbély Kürtőskalács.

OMÉK, organized between September 18–21 in Budapest at the HUNGEXPO venue, is not only a fair and exhibition but also a meeting point where cultural and economic connections are formed, strengthening the region’s presence on the Hungarian and international markets.

Visitors can taste hundreds of delicacies, meet the producers, and gain insight into the world of Szekler cuisine and craft traditions. In addition to gastronomic experiences, cultural programs will also enrich the event: the Harghita Szekler Folk Dance Theatre, the Háromszék Ensemble, and the Maros Artistic Ensemble will perform. The team of the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita) will also be present at the event, presenting tourism opportunities in the county.

Further details: https://omek.amc.hu/

Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, emphasized that since Harghita County will be the European Region of Gastronomy in 2027, it is particularly important to present the county’s values and producers at such prestigious events. For this reason, the Harghita County Cultural Center, in partnership with the Harghita County Council, supports participation in the event.

– We respectfully invite everyone who would like to discover the true values of Szeklerland: rich flavors, natural ingredients, and our welcoming communities. The “Szeklerland Island” is not merely a fair stand, but a place at Hungexpo where visitors can meet producers in person, learn their stories, taste traditional Szekler flavors and drinks, and get closer to the rich cultural and gastronomic heritage of Szeklerland. The fact that Szeklerland appears at OMÉK united, through the cooperation of the three counties, is in itself a value and a message.

Special thanks go to the Association of Szekler Farmers’ Organizations and to its president, István Becze, who through his work brings together the agricultural sector of the three Szekler counties. Without their committed activity, this joint presentation could not have been realized, where farmers and producers from Harghita, Covasna, and Mureș counties are all represented – emphasized the president of the County Council.

Through participation in the exhibition, a key objective of the Harghita County Council is to strengthen market access for farmers and artisans from Szeklerland and to present the region’s tourism and gastronomic values.

With the presence of the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita), Harghita County also draws visitors’ attention not only to flavors but to tourism opportunities, the beauty of the landscape, and living traditions.

Miercurea Ciuc, September 16, 2025

Representatives of the Harghita County Council participated in the fourth international meeting of the SEE – Sustainable Entrepreneurship Education project, held in Rome on January 20–21, implemented with the support of the Interreg Europe Programme. The event was organized by the Lazio Region, with the participation of France, Belgium, Germany, Latvia, Poland, Italy, and Romania.

The main objective of the meeting was to share and disseminate good practices in the field of entrepreneurship education, with a special focus on the use of digital tools, game-based learning methods (gamification), and innovative educational approaches that support the development of young people’s transversal skills.

The first day of the event focused on presenting good practices developed in the partner regions. Initiatives were introduced that contribute to talent identification and the development of entrepreneurial competences through video games and digital simulations, as well as those applying experiential learning methods by simulating business environments and integrating innovative approaches, including the use of artificial intelligence and cooperation between educational and economic stakeholders.

The delegation of Harghita County also contributed to the professional exchange of experience with its own presentation, showcasing the “Leader” board game developed by the Spektrum Educational Center. This cooperation-based gamification tool supports the development of key entrepreneurial competences – such as strategic thinking, communication, leadership skills, and problem-solving – in line with sustainable development goals.

The second day’s programme included a study visit to the Lazio Open Innovation Center (LOIC) in Zagarolo, which operates as a regional center of excellence in the fields of innovation, business development, and creative industries. Participants were introduced to successful start-up support and youth entrepreneurship programmes, as well as educational and digital projects of regional importance. In addition, a design thinking workshop was held, examining the future role of gamification in entrepreneurship education for young people.

Participation in the event provided valuable professional guidance for Harghita County in adapting European good practices to the local context, contributing to the modernization of educational approaches and the strengthening of the county’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Miercurea Ciuc, January 29, 2026.

More than 80,000 people showed interest in the events organized by the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center

Over the past year, the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center, a subordinate institution of the Harghita County Council, focused its activities on documenting, preserving, and promoting the authentic values of local cultural heritage. Its goal was to strengthen regional cultural identity and to expand the community’s access to cultural life.

According to Izabella Bartalis, director of the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center, their aim was not only to promote cultural programs but also to improve their diversity and quality, expand institutional collaborations at the county, national, and international levels, engage young audiences, and build a loyal audience committed to traditional culture. At the same time, special emphasis was placed on developing online communication and increasing the institution’s visibility through media partnerships.

Over the past year, the cultural centre organized large-scale festivals and events, ethnographic and traditional art exhibitions, publishing programs and book launches, educational activities, craft workshops, and audiovisual productions on ethnographic topics.

In 2025, more than 60 cultural programs were organized, including around 15 festivals and major events, more than 20 exhibitions and public presentations, approximately 15 educational programs and workshops, and over 10 book launches, screenings, and other publishing events.

Highlighted events included the Siculus Festival, Secler Days, and the Transylvanian Dance House Meeting, which attracted thousands of participants and significantly contributed to promoting the county’s traditional values.

According to data provided by Izabella Bartalis, the estimated total number of participants in the programs organized in 2025 exceeded 80,000, including both audiences present in person at events and those reached via online platforms.

The target audience of the programs was extremely diverse: children and students, young people, families, teachers, cultural professionals, artisans, as well as the general public interested in traditions and local identity. The activities had a significant impact on the community, strengthening the sense of belonging, expanding access to culture, encouraging intercultural dialogue, and contributing to promoting Harghita County as an active and attractive cultural space.

Feedback from the community was overwhelmingly positive, as reflected in the continuous growth in participant numbers, lively interactions online, and numerous requests to repeat and expand successful programs.

In parallel, the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center also participated as a partner in other cultural projects in the Udvarhely region. In total, they supported 30 cultural projects, worth 372,000 lei. These included “In the Footsteps of the Values of the Gagy Stream Valley,” the “Slam Poetry Championship,” and the “dramaMA” contemporary theatre festival.

The list of winning projects in the Udvarhely region can be found at the following link: https://hagyomany.ro/palyazatok/

– The Harghita County Tradition Resource Center is a custodian of cultural memory and local identity. Through our activities, we strive to contribute to the preservation of traditions, the education of young people, and the promotion of Harghita County’s authentic values – stated Izabella Bartalis.

Through its events and programs, the Centre continues to play a key role in the cultural development of Harghita County, providing the community with identity, continuity, and dialogue between the past, present, and future.

As is known, the County Hall Gallery and the ground-floor exhibition space of the County Hall had to find a new location from May this year due to the building’s energy renovation works. The exhibitions found a home in several locations.

During this year, within the framework of the Exhibition Program, the Cultural Center of Harghita County organized a total of 19 visual arts exhibitions across seven fields: painting, sculpture, installation, photography, enamel art, aircraft models, ship models and car models, as well as visual arts. Most exhibitions were related to visual arts (8) and photography (5).

The exhibitions attracted nearly 3,700 visitors, including 30 student groups from ten schools in Miercurea Ciuc who participated in guided visits, which significantly contributes to increasing students’ interest in visual arts.

The exhibitions were open to visitors at several locations: until the end of April at the County Hall Gallery, as well as in the Csíki Cinema building, the building of the Cultural Center of Harghita County, and the House of Arts.

Currently, two exhibitions are still awaiting visitors:

• “Autumn Salon” – at the Csíki Cinema, open until January 27, 2026;
• “Post Ignis” – at the Cultural Center of Harghita County, open until January 15, 2026.

Information about the exhibition program and further details are available at the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/Megyehaza.Galeria

Miercurea Ciuc, December 15, 2025.

The fourth edition of the Regional Tourism Conference was held on October 15–16, 2025, once again hosted by Miercurea Ciuc. As one of the most important professional gatherings in the region, the event brought together nearly 200 tourism entrepreneurs, experts, educators, students, and decision-makers to jointly reflect on the future of tourism, innovation, and opportunities for regional cooperation.

Digitalization, AI, and Cooperation in Focus

The first day of the conference was dedicated to innovation and cooperation. Experts from Booking.com and Travelminit presented concrete examples of how artificial intelligence is transforming the travel experience and guest relations. Norbert Fejér, CEO of HelixSoft, highlighted in his presentation that digitalization is not only a technological issue but also a strategic opportunity to increase competitiveness. The presentation of the România Atractivă project also emphasized the importance of digital development and data-driven decision-making in tourism.

The afternoon continued with two sections: in the TDM section, representatives of several Transylvanian tourist destinations – including Brașov, Mureș, Sibiu, Covasna, and Harghita counties – shared their good practices and future plans, while the parallel communication section focused on practical marketing and visual strategies. Erzsébet Kádár (SmartADDs) spoke about the role of database building, Jenő Nagy (OptiBoost) about online advertising strategies, and Ioana Mihaela Cobiliță (Sinaps) about digital trends – including voice search and AI targeting. In the field of visual communication, photographer and graphic editor László Mihály and László Olasz (Alpix Visual Studio) presented the importance of professional photography, while Zoltán Pál (Magenta7) shared practical experiences on creating tourism program packages. The section concluded with a presentation by Zelinda Páll, marketing communication specialist at Visit Harghita (Harghita Community Development Association), who introduced a new community platform designed for entrepreneurs and organizations interested in tourism.

Gastronomy and Local Values

The second day of the conference focused on the diversity of Transylvanian gastronomy and the future of hospitality based on local ingredients.

The day opened with Előd Szőcs (Csíkcsomortán Abattoir – Butcher Manufactory), who spoke about the value of traditional, locally sourced ingredients under the motto “Only from pure sources.” He was followed by Adorján Trucza, founder of Taste of Transylvania, whose presentation titled Pizza or Polenta? explored the search for identity in Transylvanian gastronomy. István Becze, president of the Association of Székely Farmers’ Organizations, highlighted the role of local producers and the opportunities within gastro-tourism, while Károly Szabó, Executive Director of Visit Harghita (Harghita Community Development Association), spoke about the long-term impacts of obtaining the title of European Region of Gastronomy in his presentation What Will Happen in 2027? Is It the Promised Land?

Szilamér Cseh, founder and head sommelier of the Fine Service Academy, shared his experiences on the art of service and creating guest experiences in his presentation The Secrets of Guest Experience, followed by Domokos Bándi (Gastrobun), who presented the future of gastronomy and strategies for sustainable development. Within the framework of the Food Savers project, Claudia Popa, food engineer at Boroinfo, presented concrete solutions for reducing food waste in the HoReCa sector.

The afternoon program highlighted artisanal gastronomy and creative approaches: photographer Zoltán Biró’s presentation The Photographer’s Coffee in Practice brought the role of coffee preparation closer to the world of gastronomy. István Bocskor, founder of Bocskor Bakery, spoke about the secrets of sourdough preparation and the art of good bread in his presentation Our Sourdough. Judit Potyó, founder of the Sasfészek Gastro Point, shared her experiences in creating and operating a gastro point based on local ingredients.

During the panel discussion Transylvanian Gastronomy Books, participants gained insight into gastronomic publications from the region, including the 100 Recipes – 100 Housewives series and the preparation of the Food Saver Book (Food Savers project).

The two-day event was initiated by the tourism organizations of Harghita, Mureș, and Covasna counties, with the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita) acting as the main organizer this year. The event was supported by the Pro Economica Foundation, Liliac Winery, Bocskor Bakery, as well as the County Councils of Harghita, Mureș, and Covasna.

At the closing of the conference, it was announced that the main organizer of the 5th Regional Tourism Conference in 2026 will be Visit Covasna. The organizers emphasized that next year’s event will continue in the spirit of regional cooperation and the shared vision of developing tourism.

Szeklerland is represented this year with its largest stand so far, covering 500 square meters, at Hungary’s largest agricultural and food industry exhibition in Budapest. A total of 47 producers from Harghita, Covasna, and Mureș counties are welcoming visitors with more than one hundred specialties.

The organization of the Szeklerland stand was undertaken by the Association of Szekler Farmers’ Organizations, whose mission is to support farmers and artisans from Szeklerland and to promote their values.

The stand’s offer includes handcrafted jams, syrups, aged cheeses, smoked meat products, honey, chocolates, award-winning fruit brandy (palinka) and wines. Among the participating producers are the Csengő and Nagy–Küküllő Agricultural Cooperative, the Csíkcsomortán Butcher–Charcuterie Manufactory and Kitchen, beekeepers, and Borbély Kürtőskalács.

OMÉK, organized between September 18–21 in Budapest at the HUNGEXPO venue, is not only a fair and exhibition but also a meeting point where cultural and economic connections are formed, strengthening the region’s presence on the Hungarian and international markets.

Visitors can taste hundreds of delicacies, meet the producers, and gain insight into the world of Szekler cuisine and craft traditions. In addition to gastronomic experiences, cultural programs will also enrich the event: the Harghita Szekler Folk Dance Theatre, the Háromszék Ensemble, and the Maros Artistic Ensemble will perform. The team of the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita) will also be present at the event, presenting tourism opportunities in the county.

Further details: https://omek.amc.hu/

Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, emphasized that since Harghita County will be the European Region of Gastronomy in 2027, it is particularly important to present the county’s values and producers at such prestigious events. For this reason, the Harghita County Cultural Center, in partnership with the Harghita County Council, supports participation in the event.

– We respectfully invite everyone who would like to discover the true values of Szeklerland: rich flavors, natural ingredients, and our welcoming communities. The “Szeklerland Island” is not merely a fair stand, but a place at Hungexpo where visitors can meet producers in person, learn their stories, taste traditional Szekler flavors and drinks, and get closer to the rich cultural and gastronomic heritage of Szeklerland. The fact that Szeklerland appears at OMÉK united, through the cooperation of the three counties, is in itself a value and a message.

Special thanks go to the Association of Szekler Farmers’ Organizations and to its president, István Becze, who through his work brings together the agricultural sector of the three Szekler counties. Without their committed activity, this joint presentation could not have been realized, where farmers and producers from Harghita, Covasna, and Mureș counties are all represented – emphasized the president of the County Council.

Through participation in the exhibition, a key objective of the Harghita County Council is to strengthen market access for farmers and artisans from Szeklerland and to present the region’s tourism and gastronomic values.

With the presence of the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita), Harghita County also draws visitors’ attention not only to flavors but to tourism opportunities, the beauty of the landscape, and living traditions.

Miercurea Ciuc, September 16, 2025

A mobile application, training sessions, and an awareness-raising campaign to reduce food waste

The results of two years of professional work were presented on Friday, 26 June, in Miercurea Ciuc at the closing event of the project “Preventing Food Waste in Harghita County” – Food Savers.

Led by the Harghita County Council and implemented in partnership with the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita) and the Harghita County Rural Development Association, the project aimed to increase awareness among urban residents and hospitality sector workers regarding food waste, thereby reducing the amount of food waste generated in cities. The project was supported by the European Commission’s Single Market Programme.

Erika Zonda, Director of the Programmes and Projects Directorate of the Harghita County Council, welcomed the participants and briefly presented the project. She noted that the 24-month initiative had a total budget of €298,208.91, 50% of which was financed by the European Commission. Project activities included the development of a mobile application, training for the hospitality sector, a professional study visit to South Tyrol, a public awareness campaign, and surveys.

Csaba Borboly, President of the Rural Development Association, was also present at the closing event. In his speech, he emphasized that preventing food waste is not only an environmental and economic issue, but also a social one. He pointed out that significant quantities of still-consumable food are discarded daily, while for many people in need, these could represent real support. He also spoke about the experiences gained within the project, the potential for adapting international best practices locally, and the objective of establishing a properly functioning food bank in Harghita County, which would enable, for example, food nearing its expiration date but still safe for consumption to reach those in need.

The practical results of the project were presented by Réka Balázs, the project manager. She introduced the training sessions organized for hospitality sector professionals and gastronomy students, through which 100 participants acquired practical knowledge on reducing food waste.

She also presented the Food Savers mobile application, which supports households in managing food more consciously by tracking home food supplies and expiration dates, offering recipe suggestions based on available ingredients, assisting with shopping planning, and contributing to the reduction of food waste. She also mentioned that, as part of the project, a professional study visit to South Tyrol was organized, where participants explored European best practices in sustainable hospitality and food waste prevention.

Following this, Hanna Imets, representing the Rural Development Association, presented the results of the surveys conducted within the project. The initial and final research examined food consumption and waste habits among urban residents of Miercurea Ciuc, Odorheiu Secuiesc, and Gheorgheni, involving a total of 1,200 consumers.

Zelinda Páll, a staff member of the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita), presented the results of the awareness-raising campaign built around the slogan “Still good to eat. Save it!”. As part of the project, 30 awareness videos, recipe videos, guides, and social media content were produced to highlight the importance of reducing food waste and promoting conscious consumer behavior.

The project results, download options for the Food Savers mobile application, as well as the videos and additional useful information produced during the campaign are all available on the project’s official Linktree page: https://linktr.ee/food_savers

At the end of the event, Erika Zonda stated that the project had been well received, and therefore the partners intend to continue the initiated activities and are already seeking new funding opportunities. She added that Harghita County’s title as European Region of Gastronomy 2027 will further draw attention to food waste prevention, the value of local products, and the role of sustainable gastronomy.

Miercurea Ciuc, 29 June 2026

A mobile application, training sessions, and an awareness-raising campaign to reduce food waste

The results of two years of professional work were presented on Friday, 26 June, in Miercurea Ciuc at the closing event of the project “Preventing Food Waste in Harghita County” – Food Savers.

Led by the Harghita County Council and implemented in partnership with the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita) and the Harghita County Rural Development Association, the project aimed to increase awareness among urban residents and hospitality sector workers regarding food waste, thereby reducing the amount of food waste generated in cities. The project was supported by the European Commission’s Single Market Programme.

Erika Zonda, Director of the Programmes and Projects Directorate of the Harghita County Council, welcomed the participants and briefly presented the project. She noted that the 24-month initiative had a total budget of €298,208.91, 50% of which was financed by the European Commission. Project activities included the development of a mobile application, training for the hospitality sector, a professional study visit to South Tyrol, a public awareness campaign, and surveys.

Csaba Borboly, President of the Rural Development Association, was also present at the closing event. In his speech, he emphasized that preventing food waste is not only an environmental and economic issue, but also a social one. He pointed out that significant quantities of still-consumable food are discarded daily, while for many people in need, these could represent real support. He also spoke about the experiences gained within the project, the potential for adapting international best practices locally, and the objective of establishing a properly functioning food bank in Harghita County, which would enable, for example, food nearing its expiration date but still safe for consumption to reach those in need.

The practical results of the project were presented by Réka Balázs, the project manager. She introduced the training sessions organized for hospitality sector professionals and gastronomy students, through which 100 participants acquired practical knowledge on reducing food waste.

She also presented the Food Savers mobile application, which supports households in managing food more consciously by tracking home food supplies and expiration dates, offering recipe suggestions based on available ingredients, assisting with shopping planning, and contributing to the reduction of food waste. She also mentioned that, as part of the project, a professional study visit to South Tyrol was organized, where participants explored European best practices in sustainable hospitality and food waste prevention.

Following this, Hanna Imets, representing the Rural Development Association, presented the results of the surveys conducted within the project. The initial and final research examined food consumption and waste habits among urban residents of Miercurea Ciuc, Odorheiu Secuiesc, and Gheorgheni, involving a total of 1,200 consumers.

Zelinda Páll, a staff member of the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita), presented the results of the awareness-raising campaign built around the slogan “Still good to eat. Save it!”. As part of the project, 30 awareness videos, recipe videos, guides, and social media content were produced to highlight the importance of reducing food waste and promoting conscious consumer behavior.

The project results, download options for the Food Savers mobile application, as well as the videos and additional useful information produced during the campaign are all available on the project’s official Linktree page: https://linktr.ee/food_savers

At the end of the event, Erika Zonda stated that the project had been well received, and therefore the partners intend to continue the initiated activities and are already seeking new funding opportunities. She added that Harghita County’s title as European Region of Gastronomy 2027 will further draw attention to food waste prevention, the value of local products, and the role of sustainable gastronomy.

Miercurea Ciuc, 29 June 2026

Representatives of the Harghita County Council participated in the fourth international meeting of the SEE – Sustainable Entrepreneurship Education project, held in Rome on January 20–21, implemented with the support of the Interreg Europe Programme. The event was organized by the Lazio Region, with the participation of France, Belgium, Germany, Latvia, Poland, Italy, and Romania.

The main objective of the meeting was to share and disseminate good practices in the field of entrepreneurship education, with a special focus on the use of digital tools, game-based learning methods (gamification), and innovative educational approaches that support the development of young people’s transversal skills.

The first day of the event focused on presenting good practices developed in the partner regions. Initiatives were introduced that contribute to talent identification and the development of entrepreneurial competences through video games and digital simulations, as well as those applying experiential learning methods by simulating business environments and integrating innovative approaches, including the use of artificial intelligence and cooperation between educational and economic stakeholders.

The delegation of Harghita County also contributed to the professional exchange of experience with its own presentation, showcasing the “Leader” board game developed by the Spektrum Educational Center. This cooperation-based gamification tool supports the development of key entrepreneurial competences – such as strategic thinking, communication, leadership skills, and problem-solving – in line with sustainable development goals.

The second day’s programme included a study visit to the Lazio Open Innovation Center (LOIC) in Zagarolo, which operates as a regional center of excellence in the fields of innovation, business development, and creative industries. Participants were introduced to successful start-up support and youth entrepreneurship programmes, as well as educational and digital projects of regional importance. In addition, a design thinking workshop was held, examining the future role of gamification in entrepreneurship education for young people.

Participation in the event provided valuable professional guidance for Harghita County in adapting European good practices to the local context, contributing to the modernization of educational approaches and the strengthening of the county’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Miercurea Ciuc, January 29, 2026.

More than 80,000 people showed interest in the events organized by the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center

Over the past year, the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center, a subordinate institution of the Harghita County Council, focused its activities on documenting, preserving, and promoting the authentic values of local cultural heritage. Its goal was to strengthen regional cultural identity and to expand the community’s access to cultural life.

According to Izabella Bartalis, director of the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center, their aim was not only to promote cultural programs but also to improve their diversity and quality, expand institutional collaborations at the county, national, and international levels, engage young audiences, and build a loyal audience committed to traditional culture. At the same time, special emphasis was placed on developing online communication and increasing the institution’s visibility through media partnerships.

Over the past year, the cultural centre organized large-scale festivals and events, ethnographic and traditional art exhibitions, publishing programs and book launches, educational activities, craft workshops, and audiovisual productions on ethnographic topics.

In 2025, more than 60 cultural programs were organized, including around 15 festivals and major events, more than 20 exhibitions and public presentations, approximately 15 educational programs and workshops, and over 10 book launches, screenings, and other publishing events.

Highlighted events included the Siculus Festival, Secler Days, and the Transylvanian Dance House Meeting, which attracted thousands of participants and significantly contributed to promoting the county’s traditional values.

According to data provided by Izabella Bartalis, the estimated total number of participants in the programs organized in 2025 exceeded 80,000, including both audiences present in person at events and those reached via online platforms.

The target audience of the programs was extremely diverse: children and students, young people, families, teachers, cultural professionals, artisans, as well as the general public interested in traditions and local identity. The activities had a significant impact on the community, strengthening the sense of belonging, expanding access to culture, encouraging intercultural dialogue, and contributing to promoting Harghita County as an active and attractive cultural space.

Feedback from the community was overwhelmingly positive, as reflected in the continuous growth in participant numbers, lively interactions online, and numerous requests to repeat and expand successful programs.

In parallel, the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center also participated as a partner in other cultural projects in the Udvarhely region. In total, they supported 30 cultural projects, worth 372,000 lei. These included “In the Footsteps of the Values of the Gagy Stream Valley,” the “Slam Poetry Championship,” and the “dramaMA” contemporary theatre festival.

The list of winning projects in the Udvarhely region can be found at the following link: https://hagyomany.ro/palyazatok/

– The Harghita County Tradition Resource Center is a custodian of cultural memory and local identity. Through our activities, we strive to contribute to the preservation of traditions, the education of young people, and the promotion of Harghita County’s authentic values – stated Izabella Bartalis.

Through its events and programs, the Centre continues to play a key role in the cultural development of Harghita County, providing the community with identity, continuity, and dialogue between the past, present, and future.

As is known, the County Hall Gallery and the ground-floor exhibition space of the County Hall had to find a new location from May this year due to the building’s energy renovation works. The exhibitions found a home in several locations.

During this year, within the framework of the Exhibition Program, the Cultural Center of Harghita County organized a total of 19 visual arts exhibitions across seven fields: painting, sculpture, installation, photography, enamel art, aircraft models, ship models and car models, as well as visual arts. Most exhibitions were related to visual arts (8) and photography (5).

The exhibitions attracted nearly 3,700 visitors, including 30 student groups from ten schools in Miercurea Ciuc who participated in guided visits, which significantly contributes to increasing students’ interest in visual arts.

The exhibitions were open to visitors at several locations: until the end of April at the County Hall Gallery, as well as in the Csíki Cinema building, the building of the Cultural Center of Harghita County, and the House of Arts.

Currently, two exhibitions are still awaiting visitors:

• “Autumn Salon” – at the Csíki Cinema, open until January 27, 2026;
• “Post Ignis” – at the Cultural Center of Harghita County, open until January 15, 2026.

Information about the exhibition program and further details are available at the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/Megyehaza.Galeria

Miercurea Ciuc, December 15, 2025.

The fourth edition of the Regional Tourism Conference was held on October 15–16, 2025, once again hosted by Miercurea Ciuc. As one of the most important professional gatherings in the region, the event brought together nearly 200 tourism entrepreneurs, experts, educators, students, and decision-makers to jointly reflect on the future of tourism, innovation, and opportunities for regional cooperation.

Digitalization, AI, and Cooperation in Focus

The first day of the conference was dedicated to innovation and cooperation. Experts from Booking.com and Travelminit presented concrete examples of how artificial intelligence is transforming the travel experience and guest relations. Norbert Fejér, CEO of HelixSoft, highlighted in his presentation that digitalization is not only a technological issue but also a strategic opportunity to increase competitiveness. The presentation of the România Atractivă project also emphasized the importance of digital development and data-driven decision-making in tourism.

The afternoon continued with two sections: in the TDM section, representatives of several Transylvanian tourist destinations – including Brașov, Mureș, Sibiu, Covasna, and Harghita counties – shared their good practices and future plans, while the parallel communication section focused on practical marketing and visual strategies. Erzsébet Kádár (SmartADDs) spoke about the role of database building, Jenő Nagy (OptiBoost) about online advertising strategies, and Ioana Mihaela Cobiliță (Sinaps) about digital trends – including voice search and AI targeting. In the field of visual communication, photographer and graphic editor László Mihály and László Olasz (Alpix Visual Studio) presented the importance of professional photography, while Zoltán Pál (Magenta7) shared practical experiences on creating tourism program packages. The section concluded with a presentation by Zelinda Páll, marketing communication specialist at Visit Harghita (Harghita Community Development Association), who introduced a new community platform designed for entrepreneurs and organizations interested in tourism.

Gastronomy and Local Values

The second day of the conference focused on the diversity of Transylvanian gastronomy and the future of hospitality based on local ingredients.

The day opened with Előd Szőcs (Csíkcsomortán Abattoir – Butcher Manufactory), who spoke about the value of traditional, locally sourced ingredients under the motto “Only from pure sources.” He was followed by Adorján Trucza, founder of Taste of Transylvania, whose presentation titled Pizza or Polenta? explored the search for identity in Transylvanian gastronomy. István Becze, president of the Association of Székely Farmers’ Organizations, highlighted the role of local producers and the opportunities within gastro-tourism, while Károly Szabó, Executive Director of Visit Harghita (Harghita Community Development Association), spoke about the long-term impacts of obtaining the title of European Region of Gastronomy in his presentation What Will Happen in 2027? Is It the Promised Land?

Szilamér Cseh, founder and head sommelier of the Fine Service Academy, shared his experiences on the art of service and creating guest experiences in his presentation The Secrets of Guest Experience, followed by Domokos Bándi (Gastrobun), who presented the future of gastronomy and strategies for sustainable development. Within the framework of the Food Savers project, Claudia Popa, food engineer at Boroinfo, presented concrete solutions for reducing food waste in the HoReCa sector.

The afternoon program highlighted artisanal gastronomy and creative approaches: photographer Zoltán Biró’s presentation The Photographer’s Coffee in Practice brought the role of coffee preparation closer to the world of gastronomy. István Bocskor, founder of Bocskor Bakery, spoke about the secrets of sourdough preparation and the art of good bread in his presentation Our Sourdough. Judit Potyó, founder of the Sasfészek Gastro Point, shared her experiences in creating and operating a gastro point based on local ingredients.

During the panel discussion Transylvanian Gastronomy Books, participants gained insight into gastronomic publications from the region, including the 100 Recipes – 100 Housewives series and the preparation of the Food Saver Book (Food Savers project).

The two-day event was initiated by the tourism organizations of Harghita, Mureș, and Covasna counties, with the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita) acting as the main organizer this year. The event was supported by the Pro Economica Foundation, Liliac Winery, Bocskor Bakery, as well as the County Councils of Harghita, Mureș, and Covasna.

At the closing of the conference, it was announced that the main organizer of the 5th Regional Tourism Conference in 2026 will be Visit Covasna. The organizers emphasized that next year’s event will continue in the spirit of regional cooperation and the shared vision of developing tourism.

Szeklerland is represented this year with its largest stand so far, covering 500 square meters, at Hungary’s largest agricultural and food industry exhibition in Budapest. A total of 47 producers from Harghita, Covasna, and Mureș counties are welcoming visitors with more than one hundred specialties.

The organization of the Szeklerland stand was undertaken by the Association of Szekler Farmers’ Organizations, whose mission is to support farmers and artisans from Szeklerland and to promote their values.

The stand’s offer includes handcrafted jams, syrups, aged cheeses, smoked meat products, honey, chocolates, award-winning fruit brandy (palinka) and wines. Among the participating producers are the Csengő and Nagy–Küküllő Agricultural Cooperative, the Csíkcsomortán Butcher–Charcuterie Manufactory and Kitchen, beekeepers, and Borbély Kürtőskalács.

OMÉK, organized between September 18–21 in Budapest at the HUNGEXPO venue, is not only a fair and exhibition but also a meeting point where cultural and economic connections are formed, strengthening the region’s presence on the Hungarian and international markets.

Visitors can taste hundreds of delicacies, meet the producers, and gain insight into the world of Szekler cuisine and craft traditions. In addition to gastronomic experiences, cultural programs will also enrich the event: the Harghita Szekler Folk Dance Theatre, the Háromszék Ensemble, and the Maros Artistic Ensemble will perform. The team of the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita) will also be present at the event, presenting tourism opportunities in the county.

Further details: https://omek.amc.hu/

Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, emphasized that since Harghita County will be the European Region of Gastronomy in 2027, it is particularly important to present the county’s values and producers at such prestigious events. For this reason, the Harghita County Cultural Center, in partnership with the Harghita County Council, supports participation in the event.

– We respectfully invite everyone who would like to discover the true values of Szeklerland: rich flavors, natural ingredients, and our welcoming communities. The “Szeklerland Island” is not merely a fair stand, but a place at Hungexpo where visitors can meet producers in person, learn their stories, taste traditional Szekler flavors and drinks, and get closer to the rich cultural and gastronomic heritage of Szeklerland. The fact that Szeklerland appears at OMÉK united, through the cooperation of the three counties, is in itself a value and a message.

Special thanks go to the Association of Szekler Farmers’ Organizations and to its president, István Becze, who through his work brings together the agricultural sector of the three Szekler counties. Without their committed activity, this joint presentation could not have been realized, where farmers and producers from Harghita, Covasna, and Mureș counties are all represented – emphasized the president of the County Council.

Through participation in the exhibition, a key objective of the Harghita County Council is to strengthen market access for farmers and artisans from Szeklerland and to present the region’s tourism and gastronomic values.

With the presence of the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita), Harghita County also draws visitors’ attention not only to flavors but to tourism opportunities, the beauty of the landscape, and living traditions.

Miercurea Ciuc, September 16, 2025

Representatives of the Harghita County Council participated in the fourth international meeting of the SEE – Sustainable Entrepreneurship Education project, held in Rome on January 20–21, implemented with the support of the Interreg Europe Programme. The event was organized by the Lazio Region, with the participation of France, Belgium, Germany, Latvia, Poland, Italy, and Romania.

The main objective of the meeting was to share and disseminate good practices in the field of entrepreneurship education, with a special focus on the use of digital tools, game-based learning methods (gamification), and innovative educational approaches that support the development of young people’s transversal skills.

The first day of the event focused on presenting good practices developed in the partner regions. Initiatives were introduced that contribute to talent identification and the development of entrepreneurial competences through video games and digital simulations, as well as those applying experiential learning methods by simulating business environments and integrating innovative approaches, including the use of artificial intelligence and cooperation between educational and economic stakeholders.

The delegation of Harghita County also contributed to the professional exchange of experience with its own presentation, showcasing the “Leader” board game developed by the Spektrum Educational Center. This cooperation-based gamification tool supports the development of key entrepreneurial competences – such as strategic thinking, communication, leadership skills, and problem-solving – in line with sustainable development goals.

The second day’s programme included a study visit to the Lazio Open Innovation Center (LOIC) in Zagarolo, which operates as a regional center of excellence in the fields of innovation, business development, and creative industries. Participants were introduced to successful start-up support and youth entrepreneurship programmes, as well as educational and digital projects of regional importance. In addition, a design thinking workshop was held, examining the future role of gamification in entrepreneurship education for young people.

Participation in the event provided valuable professional guidance for Harghita County in adapting European good practices to the local context, contributing to the modernization of educational approaches and the strengthening of the county’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Miercurea Ciuc, January 29, 2026.

More than 80,000 people showed interest in the events organized by the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center

Over the past year, the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center, a subordinate institution of the Harghita County Council, focused its activities on documenting, preserving, and promoting the authentic values of local cultural heritage. Its goal was to strengthen regional cultural identity and to expand the community’s access to cultural life.

According to Izabella Bartalis, director of the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center, their aim was not only to promote cultural programs but also to improve their diversity and quality, expand institutional collaborations at the county, national, and international levels, engage young audiences, and build a loyal audience committed to traditional culture. At the same time, special emphasis was placed on developing online communication and increasing the institution’s visibility through media partnerships.

Over the past year, the cultural centre organized large-scale festivals and events, ethnographic and traditional art exhibitions, publishing programs and book launches, educational activities, craft workshops, and audiovisual productions on ethnographic topics.

In 2025, more than 60 cultural programs were organized, including around 15 festivals and major events, more than 20 exhibitions and public presentations, approximately 15 educational programs and workshops, and over 10 book launches, screenings, and other publishing events.

Highlighted events included the Siculus Festival, Secler Days, and the Transylvanian Dance House Meeting, which attracted thousands of participants and significantly contributed to promoting the county’s traditional values.

According to data provided by Izabella Bartalis, the estimated total number of participants in the programs organized in 2025 exceeded 80,000, including both audiences present in person at events and those reached via online platforms.

The target audience of the programs was extremely diverse: children and students, young people, families, teachers, cultural professionals, artisans, as well as the general public interested in traditions and local identity. The activities had a significant impact on the community, strengthening the sense of belonging, expanding access to culture, encouraging intercultural dialogue, and contributing to promoting Harghita County as an active and attractive cultural space.

Feedback from the community was overwhelmingly positive, as reflected in the continuous growth in participant numbers, lively interactions online, and numerous requests to repeat and expand successful programs.

In parallel, the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center also participated as a partner in other cultural projects in the Udvarhely region. In total, they supported 30 cultural projects, worth 372,000 lei. These included “In the Footsteps of the Values of the Gagy Stream Valley,” the “Slam Poetry Championship,” and the “dramaMA” contemporary theatre festival.

The list of winning projects in the Udvarhely region can be found at the following link: https://hagyomany.ro/palyazatok/

– The Harghita County Tradition Resource Center is a custodian of cultural memory and local identity. Through our activities, we strive to contribute to the preservation of traditions, the education of young people, and the promotion of Harghita County’s authentic values – stated Izabella Bartalis.

Through its events and programs, the Centre continues to play a key role in the cultural development of Harghita County, providing the community with identity, continuity, and dialogue between the past, present, and future.

As is known, the County Hall Gallery and the ground-floor exhibition space of the County Hall had to find a new location from May this year due to the building’s energy renovation works. The exhibitions found a home in several locations.

During this year, within the framework of the Exhibition Program, the Cultural Center of Harghita County organized a total of 19 visual arts exhibitions across seven fields: painting, sculpture, installation, photography, enamel art, aircraft models, ship models and car models, as well as visual arts. Most exhibitions were related to visual arts (8) and photography (5).

The exhibitions attracted nearly 3,700 visitors, including 30 student groups from ten schools in Miercurea Ciuc who participated in guided visits, which significantly contributes to increasing students’ interest in visual arts.

The exhibitions were open to visitors at several locations: until the end of April at the County Hall Gallery, as well as in the Csíki Cinema building, the building of the Cultural Center of Harghita County, and the House of Arts.

Currently, two exhibitions are still awaiting visitors:

• “Autumn Salon” – at the Csíki Cinema, open until January 27, 2026;
• “Post Ignis” – at the Cultural Center of Harghita County, open until January 15, 2026.

Information about the exhibition program and further details are available at the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/Megyehaza.Galeria

Miercurea Ciuc, December 15, 2025.

The fourth edition of the Regional Tourism Conference was held on October 15–16, 2025, once again hosted by Miercurea Ciuc. As one of the most important professional gatherings in the region, the event brought together nearly 200 tourism entrepreneurs, experts, educators, students, and decision-makers to jointly reflect on the future of tourism, innovation, and opportunities for regional cooperation.

Digitalization, AI, and Cooperation in Focus

The first day of the conference was dedicated to innovation and cooperation. Experts from Booking.com and Travelminit presented concrete examples of how artificial intelligence is transforming the travel experience and guest relations. Norbert Fejér, CEO of HelixSoft, highlighted in his presentation that digitalization is not only a technological issue but also a strategic opportunity to increase competitiveness. The presentation of the România Atractivă project also emphasized the importance of digital development and data-driven decision-making in tourism.

The afternoon continued with two sections: in the TDM section, representatives of several Transylvanian tourist destinations – including Brașov, Mureș, Sibiu, Covasna, and Harghita counties – shared their good practices and future plans, while the parallel communication section focused on practical marketing and visual strategies. Erzsébet Kádár (SmartADDs) spoke about the role of database building, Jenő Nagy (OptiBoost) about online advertising strategies, and Ioana Mihaela Cobiliță (Sinaps) about digital trends – including voice search and AI targeting. In the field of visual communication, photographer and graphic editor László Mihály and László Olasz (Alpix Visual Studio) presented the importance of professional photography, while Zoltán Pál (Magenta7) shared practical experiences on creating tourism program packages. The section concluded with a presentation by Zelinda Páll, marketing communication specialist at Visit Harghita (Harghita Community Development Association), who introduced a new community platform designed for entrepreneurs and organizations interested in tourism.

Gastronomy and Local Values

The second day of the conference focused on the diversity of Transylvanian gastronomy and the future of hospitality based on local ingredients.

The day opened with Előd Szőcs (Csíkcsomortán Abattoir – Butcher Manufactory), who spoke about the value of traditional, locally sourced ingredients under the motto “Only from pure sources.” He was followed by Adorján Trucza, founder of Taste of Transylvania, whose presentation titled Pizza or Polenta? explored the search for identity in Transylvanian gastronomy. István Becze, president of the Association of Székely Farmers’ Organizations, highlighted the role of local producers and the opportunities within gastro-tourism, while Károly Szabó, Executive Director of Visit Harghita (Harghita Community Development Association), spoke about the long-term impacts of obtaining the title of European Region of Gastronomy in his presentation What Will Happen in 2027? Is It the Promised Land?

Szilamér Cseh, founder and head sommelier of the Fine Service Academy, shared his experiences on the art of service and creating guest experiences in his presentation The Secrets of Guest Experience, followed by Domokos Bándi (Gastrobun), who presented the future of gastronomy and strategies for sustainable development. Within the framework of the Food Savers project, Claudia Popa, food engineer at Boroinfo, presented concrete solutions for reducing food waste in the HoReCa sector.

The afternoon program highlighted artisanal gastronomy and creative approaches: photographer Zoltán Biró’s presentation The Photographer’s Coffee in Practice brought the role of coffee preparation closer to the world of gastronomy. István Bocskor, founder of Bocskor Bakery, spoke about the secrets of sourdough preparation and the art of good bread in his presentation Our Sourdough. Judit Potyó, founder of the Sasfészek Gastro Point, shared her experiences in creating and operating a gastro point based on local ingredients.

During the panel discussion Transylvanian Gastronomy Books, participants gained insight into gastronomic publications from the region, including the 100 Recipes – 100 Housewives series and the preparation of the Food Saver Book (Food Savers project).

The two-day event was initiated by the tourism organizations of Harghita, Mureș, and Covasna counties, with the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita) acting as the main organizer this year. The event was supported by the Pro Economica Foundation, Liliac Winery, Bocskor Bakery, as well as the County Councils of Harghita, Mureș, and Covasna.

At the closing of the conference, it was announced that the main organizer of the 5th Regional Tourism Conference in 2026 will be Visit Covasna. The organizers emphasized that next year’s event will continue in the spirit of regional cooperation and the shared vision of developing tourism.

Szeklerland is represented this year with its largest stand so far, covering 500 square meters, at Hungary’s largest agricultural and food industry exhibition in Budapest. A total of 47 producers from Harghita, Covasna, and Mureș counties are welcoming visitors with more than one hundred specialties.

The organization of the Szeklerland stand was undertaken by the Association of Szekler Farmers’ Organizations, whose mission is to support farmers and artisans from Szeklerland and to promote their values.

The stand’s offer includes handcrafted jams, syrups, aged cheeses, smoked meat products, honey, chocolates, award-winning fruit brandy (palinka) and wines. Among the participating producers are the Csengő and Nagy–Küküllő Agricultural Cooperative, the Csíkcsomortán Butcher–Charcuterie Manufactory and Kitchen, beekeepers, and Borbély Kürtőskalács.

OMÉK, organized between September 18–21 in Budapest at the HUNGEXPO venue, is not only a fair and exhibition but also a meeting point where cultural and economic connections are formed, strengthening the region’s presence on the Hungarian and international markets.

Visitors can taste hundreds of delicacies, meet the producers, and gain insight into the world of Szekler cuisine and craft traditions. In addition to gastronomic experiences, cultural programs will also enrich the event: the Harghita Szekler Folk Dance Theatre, the Háromszék Ensemble, and the Maros Artistic Ensemble will perform. The team of the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita) will also be present at the event, presenting tourism opportunities in the county.

Further details: https://omek.amc.hu/

Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, emphasized that since Harghita County will be the European Region of Gastronomy in 2027, it is particularly important to present the county’s values and producers at such prestigious events. For this reason, the Harghita County Cultural Center, in partnership with the Harghita County Council, supports participation in the event.

– We respectfully invite everyone who would like to discover the true values of Szeklerland: rich flavors, natural ingredients, and our welcoming communities. The “Szeklerland Island” is not merely a fair stand, but a place at Hungexpo where visitors can meet producers in person, learn their stories, taste traditional Szekler flavors and drinks, and get closer to the rich cultural and gastronomic heritage of Szeklerland. The fact that Szeklerland appears at OMÉK united, through the cooperation of the three counties, is in itself a value and a message.

Special thanks go to the Association of Szekler Farmers’ Organizations and to its president, István Becze, who through his work brings together the agricultural sector of the three Szekler counties. Without their committed activity, this joint presentation could not have been realized, where farmers and producers from Harghita, Covasna, and Mureș counties are all represented – emphasized the president of the County Council.

Through participation in the exhibition, a key objective of the Harghita County Council is to strengthen market access for farmers and artisans from Szeklerland and to present the region’s tourism and gastronomic values.

With the presence of the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita), Harghita County also draws visitors’ attention not only to flavors but to tourism opportunities, the beauty of the landscape, and living traditions.

Miercurea Ciuc, September 16, 2025