Transylvanian towns look to the past to secure a future as a tourism hot spot. The Medieval fairs circuit in Northern Transylvania - Karolyi Castle in Carei and Karolyi Citadel in Ardud Project sets out to develop the region and its historical buildings as a tourist destination.
If we build it, they will come: Romanian towns try to boost tourism
- 05 October 2015
An important project indicator was to increase the tourist number by 5 %. In the application we had estimated, with certain hesitance, that there would be about 30 000 tourists per year. After the first year since opening, the Karolyi Castle in Carei alone welcomed 40 000 tourists, and 18 months after the opening, there were 75 000 tourists.
The Romanian towns of Carei and Ardud, located in the north-western Transylvania, have a fascinating history and a picturesque natural setting. At the centre of Carei is the historic Karolyi Castle, a brilliant example of Transylvanian architecture. Originally constructed as a fortress in the 14th century, it was subsequently converted into a castle in the late 1700s. In Ardud, the history goes back even further; its Karolyi Citadel can trace its roots back to the Bronze Age, thus representing an important archaeological site for the region.
Building a better castle
Starting with a complete renovation and rehabilitation of the castle and citadel, the buildings are now not only returned to their former glory, but are multifunctional. In order to attract a wider array of visitors, including school and business events, the buildings each offer various conference and multi-function spaces.
With the buildings restored, the project also focused on better marketing the region to both a local and international audience. Both sites now host a diverse schedule of exhibitions, workshops, concerts and conferences.
Benefiting the region
At the outset of the project, the objective was to raise the attractiveness of the region. This was to be measured by increasing the number tourists by 5 %, for a total of 30 000 people per year. But this goal proved to be grossly off: less than two years into the project, the region is welcoming 75 000 tourist per year.
On top of this success, the project has created 14 permanent new jobs. Furthermore, both towns are benefiting from the trickledown effect of the increase in tourism, as visitors spend their money in the cities’ hotels, restaurants and shops.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Medieval fairs circuit in Northern Transylvania – the Karolyi Castle in Carei and the Karolyi Citadel in Ardud” is EUR 4 219 525, of which the EU’s European Regional Development Fund is contributing EUR 3 586 597 from the Operational Programme “Regional Operational Programme” for the 2007 to 2013 programming period.