Another step in the development of sustainable gastronomic tourism
Harghita County has taken another important step toward the development of sustainable tourism. Following the awarding of the European Region of Gastronomy title, on Friday, 28th February, in the presence of the press, tourism marketing expert Răzvan Pascu was appointed as the county’s first official tourism ambassador.
The invitation was handed over by Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, to one of Romania’s best-known tourism professionals, who has been actively promoting the region for years and can now officially represent it both nationally and internationally. Károly Szabó, Executive Director of the Harghita Community Development Association, was also present at the event.
As previously reported, on 6th February 2025, Barna-Botond Bíró ceremonially received the European Region of Gastronomy 2027 title following the official decision of the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT).
The invitation was handed over by Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, to one of Romania’s best-known tourism professionals, who has been actively promoting the region for years and can now officially represent it both nationally and internationally.
“A period of preparation is beginning in which effective cooperation with professionals, organization, and communication will receive special attention. This is precisely why the time has come for politicians to take a step back and give space to experts who have already proven themselves. Harghita County’s first tourism ambassador will be Răzvan Pascu, with whom we have worked successfully over the past years. He is a recognized professional whose role will be key in promoting the region. The Visit Harghita team will play a central role in implementing the project, and the title we have won, along with the appointment of the county’s first tourism ambassador, will hopefully help us access national and European funding as well. After all, Harghita County represents not only itself but also Romania on the international tourism map.”
— explained Barna-Botond Bíró, President.
Tourism marketing expert Răzvan Pascu has been cooperating with the Visit Harghita team for several years and visits Harghita County multiple times each year. This time as well, he arrived accompanied by his family. As he noted, he is not the only one spreading the good reputation of Harghita County, as his children have also gained many experiences here: they learned to ski in the county, family events were held here, and they always enjoy returning. The expert emphasized the importance of eliminating prejudices about Harghita County, as he believes that language differences do not represent a barrier.
“I am the same person as yesterday, someone who loves this place and feels very good here. The only difference is that today I feel a slightly greater responsibility toward it. I would really like people to discover this region exactly as it is: a warm and welcoming place where you can feel at home, taste delicious food, and find countless exciting programs and family entertainment opportunities. Whether it is summer or winter, there is always something you can do here.”
— highlighted Răzvan Pascu, the first tourism ambassador of Harghita County.
He also praised the work of Visit Harghita, which in his view supports the development of the region’s tourism with true professionals, excellent branding, and effective online communication.
Károly Szabó, Executive Director of the Harghita Community Development Association, stated that in relation to the European Region of Gastronomy 2027 title, the year 2025 will focus on planning, while 2026 will serve as a rehearsal year for implementation. He emphasized that it would be difficult for Visit Harghita to achieve this alone, but through cooperation significant successes can be reached. In addition to Răzvan Pascu, further ambassadors will also contribute to these efforts.
Miercurea Ciuc, 28 February 2025.
