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ABSTRACT
The very diverse hydro-chemical characteristics of the waters, with diverse content of
dissolved substances and belonging predominantly to the bicarbonate-chalybeate-
carbonated type in over 60% of the cases has had as results a development of great
variability of resorts. Most of the resorts present the advantage of various curative
possibilities, as well as the accommodation capacity and the curative bases were
connected to the catchment volume of waters, which is essential in external cure
procedure. Taking into consideration the natural factors, the infrastructural component
were built to bring their contribution to health tourism: treatment facilities, different
type of accommodation capacities, leisure activities and sports component, green
spaces. The hydro-mineral sources determined the appearance of two types of resorts:
the balneoclimateric resorts (spas) and the mountain climatic resorts (for winter sports).
First are of national interest being generated by the mineral waters with a various
hydrochemistry, predominantly belonging to carbogaseous, bicarbonated, ferruginous of
the post volcanic gases area. These are at least two centuries old and have the profile
facilities located in connections with hydromineral resources. The touristic areas
containing the component specific to this type resorts are concentrated at the periphery
of some settlements that have become health resorts-town (like Vatra Dornei) or
integrated as centres within the residential areas of resort towns (Covasna) or occupying
the entire residential area of the resort-town (Slanic Moldova, Baile Tusnad).
Keywords: groundwater resources, water quality, spatial distribution, health tourism,
resorts
INTRODUCTION
The essential factor, a prerequisite for health tourism and health resort development, is
connected to the hydro component of the natural environment – the mineral and thermal
water resources. Mineral waters concentrated mostly in the Eastern Carpathians, being
the result of the post-volcanic activity, effect of the Neocene eruptions. The Eastern
Carpathians can be considered one of maximum concentration of hydro-mineral
resources, with hydro-chemical properties where predominant are bicarbonate-
chalybeate-carbonated type in over 60% of the cases. This are localized in over 1000
sources with a debit estimated to few thousands m3 in 24 hours and which determined
the setting up and development of tens of resorts [3].
14th International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference SGEM 2014
Connected with the post-volcanic phenomena are reported the presence of dry gas
emanations, of the carbonic gas containing CO2 with positive effects in the treatment for
peripheral circulatory disease. Their purity can get to 99%, which is the case in the
central part of Eastern Carpathians (Covasna, Baile Harghita). Sometimes the carbonic
gas can be combined (CO2 and N2) which is the case of Baile Tusnad or CO2 and H2S,
like in Balvanyos. There are also gases emanations captured and used in areas like
Slanic Moldova, Borsec, Vatra Dornei and Sangeorz Bai [1].
Therapeutic mud is another active, curative factor, as it is formed from peal coal mixed
with carbonated sulphated ferruginous mineral. Its active components have a
mechanical, physical and chemical nature and they are exploited from the peal coal
mud. The therapeutic mud is used with curative purposes in Vatra Dornei, Borsec, Baile
Tusnad and Balvanyos. A second category of underground hydro resources, but with
minor impact in the development of the health tourism is represented by thermal waters
which are drilled in Toplita and Baile Tusnad (hyper-thermal water well with over
600C).
Besides these mineral groundwater resources the Eastern Carpathians are distinguished
by a concentration of Neogene salt deposits in two areas (Maramures in the northern
part, and Cacica and Slanic Moldova in the eastern part) [2]. As a result of their
exploatation several salt lakes were formed, with a high concentration of salt (over 100
mg/l). They became an important factor in the development of some resorts like Ocna
Sugatag or Costiui (in Maramures region).
consequence of the competition exerted by similar tourism offers from Greece and
especially Bulgaria), the main growth is recorded by great cities and the capital city
which have filled their existing gap.
As for health tourism, there is a certain decline but not accentuated, as a consequence of
neglecting this form of tourism despite the obvious demographic aging of the Romanian
population in the past two decades. In the same time, the income and the standard of
living of the Romanian pensioners are generally very low and thus, few of them
constitute potential customers of such type of tourism.
The mountain resorts have a better appreciation, with an obvious growth after 2010,
especially due to the implantation of new winter sports facilities.
The number of overnights for the two categories that are of interest for us (health
tourism and mountain tourism) has had a sinuous evolution in the period of reference
(1994-2013) as it is reflected in Fig. 3. In both cases, the general trend is negative, with
more accentuated features for health tourism.
Slanic Moldova is a typical example of touristic town, its foundation and development
being tightly connected with the sinuous evolution of tourism. Currently an urban
settlement, Slanic Moldova includes two other settlements: Ciresoaia and Cerdac.
Slanic’s vocation as a touristic town can be deduced from the fact that demographically
(as shown by the population census in 2011) it is dominated by Ciresoaia (with 1568
inhabitants compared with 1526 of Slanic Moldova), while Cerdac has only 1104
inhabitants. This fact, apparently less significant, shows the relatively low residential
role of the town, dominated by tourism. The recent dynamics of the number of
inhabitants (Tab. 1) shows a negative trend, the population of Slanic Moldova
diminishing with 798 persons (from 4996 to 4198 inhabitants) in the last census decade.
This significant decrease is mainly due to international migrations of the Romanian
population, especially after 2002 towards Italy and Spain. Obviously, this not very
important numerical reduction (although in relative terms it means a decrease by 16.0%
compared to previous level) implies qualitative aspects. Practically, the active
population, more mobile had the most to suffer - fact that once again proves the
massive drop in the number of tourists following the abdication from the centralized
economic and social planning. Anyway, the period of maximum development for the
resort corresponds to the maximum demographic increase, the central investments in
tourism after World War II causing an important increase in the demand of labour force
and implicitly in the number of inhabitants (+56.8% for the resort only, between 1956
and 1966).
The fact that touristic activities put their mark even on demographic aspects is also
proven by the comparative structure of the population by sexes (Fig. 4). The masculine
sex was predominant in Ciresoaia and Cerdac (52.7% and 50.5%) at the last census, fact
14th International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference SGEM 2014
The active population in Slanic Moldova represents 40.1% of the total population
(according to the 2011 census). What is even more worrying is that, at the time, the
occupied population represented only 75.5% while unemployment affected no less than
24.5% of the active population (the situation improved shortly after, the Town Hall
declaring only 7.6% of unemployed population in 2007).
Of the total number of unemployed persons in 2007 13.5% represented persons strictly
qualified in tourism – hotel maids, receptionists and waiters – fact which once again
demonstrates the regress of tourism on a local scale. 16.7% of the total occupied
population works in tourism or in related sectors (hotels and restaurants), which is a
rather high percentage for a mountain resort in Romania. The percentage of population
occupied in the health sector – 3.8% - is representative as Slanic Moldova is also a
treatment resort.
12. Hydrology and Water resources
Feminin
Masculin
a)
Feminin
Masculin
b)
Data source: The Census of population and housing (2002 and 2011)
Fig.4 – Structure of the population by age groups and sexes in Slanic Moldova –
2002 (a) and 2011 (b)
Ethnically, the local community is almost entirely Romanian (96.02%), the rest being
represented by Hungarians, Russians and Serbians. In contrast, the religious cults (in
2011) are very diverse, the majority of population being Roman-Catholic (59.05%) as a
result of Transylvanian infiltrations. The original destination of the Roman-Catholic
population was Trotus Valley and Tazlau-Casin depression and not Slanic Moldova.
Their transition to the resort was gradual, following the touristic development of the
town. A notable fact is that the local Roman-Catholic Church owns a guesthouse that
can accommodate 120 people – an important example of adaptation to local economic
realities and tourism in particular. The Orthodox population represents the second main
religious community, with 36.33% of the local population while the rest is Greek-
Catholic, Reformed and Neo-Protestant.
14th International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference SGEM 2014
Slanic Moldova is part of a larger group of closely connected towns that also includes
the towns of Targu Ocna, Moinesti, Comanesti, Darmanesti and Onesti. Various
interdependent relations have been established between all these towns. Thus,
touristically speaking, mixed treatment – in the spa sanatorium of Targu Ocna, in the
Salina salt mine, where ill persons accommodated in Slanic Moldova come to
treatment- is a very frequent practice. Superior quality services are provided by the city
of Onesti (law court, hospitals, transportation) or by Targu Ocna town (finance and
banking, health, notary). Until 1990, the financial and banking units as well as
administrative and commercial ones were mostly located in Targu Ocna and Onesti.
Even at present, a major part of the banking and financial activities of Slanic Moldova
are done in Targu Ocna. In Slanic Moldova there is only one bank, "BANC POST", that
has an exchange office, and a newer BRD – Societe Generale.
The administration service works on the basis of good cooperation as they currently use
the landfill platform situated in Darmanesti until the transfer station in Comanesti is
ready for use. Tight relations also exist between the town and nearby areas, for example
the large wood exploitations on both banks of the Trotus River Valley, the oil fields on
Slanic Valley that belong to “Moinesti extraction scaffolding”. A critical aspect that has
to be highlighted is the lack of direct connection with DN11. Modernisation of DJ 116A
between the camping and Poiana Sarata is compulsory for having good traffic, fast
connections with Transylvania and getting the resort out of the terminus location it
currently occupies. This could also reduce the risk of paralysing the town when future
flooding may reappear (the recent events of 2005 and 2010 and the lack of dams on
Slanic river keep the risk at a high level.)
The touristic development of Slanic Moldova resort dates back to 1887, when the old
settlement was relocated and new constructions were built: Racovita Hotel, Zimbru,
Cerbu, Nemira and Dobru villas. The Casino was built in 1894 with Italian workers.
Initially belonging to Sf. Spiridon Epitrophy of Iasi, in 1948 the Casino became
headquarters for the House of Culture that accommodated a 420-seat cinema and a
library. The building is added two covered terraces in 1960 that would house a buffet,
beer house and a guesthouse. Between 1986 and 1989 it was restored to its original
shape and given exclusive cultural and educational role. The Inhalator is also erected at
the end of the 19th century (in 1890) and provided with modern installations and
sprayers built with the help of specialists from Munich. Therefore, at the end of the last
century Slanic Moldova was categorized as a modern resort for those times, comparable
with foreign resorts. Other buildings with touristic destination were set up in the
interwar period (between 1920 and 1930): Palace Hotel, Liliana, Rica, Paltinis, Pufu,
Randunica and Primavara villas, which are now iconic monuments of the local cultural
12. Hydrology and Water resources
heritage. The villas mainly belonged to merchants from Braila and Galati, cities that
even today contribute an important number of tourists.
As for the structure of accommodation types there can be observed a high percentage of
hotels with 1.330 places (58%) of which only 1003 are currently functioning. Villas and
agro-touristic guesthouses have 967 places (42%) of which only 626 places being in
use. The small cottages and touristic stop-overs sum up to 98 places (the small cottages
complex has been put out of use this year and a hotel will be built on the site).
Overall, there can be noticed very little variety among accommodation types. Most
types offer 2 star-facilities: 945 places (57.2%), 409 places (26.1%) are 3 stars and 275
places 1 star; another 668 places are not in use. Of the total capacity of accommodation
units – 2297 in 2008, only 1629 are in use, of which 327 are part of a closed circuit (that
is, they accommodate only employees of banks or state management units – Banc Post
and Romtelecom – that come here for 2 week training courses).At the present time,
Slanic Moldova has 13 restaurants that can cater to a total of 960 persons, the largest
being the one at Venus Hotel (350 persons).
A treatment area can be found on the right bank of the Slanic River, centred on the
former spa facilities. The latter has been put out of use due to the fact that many
touristic units have their own treatment base. Only Slanic Moldova Spa Sanatorium is
still located in this area, providing treatment facilities and a drugstore.
The resort also has several hotels used for diets and intensive treatments: Hotel Perla
(which is being modernized), Dobru, Flora and Hotel Venus. These hotels offer all-
inclusive deals with accommodation, meals and treatment, so as to avoid going out on
bad weather conditions.
Slanic Moldova boasts a “mofeta” with a total capacity of 400-500 persons/8 hours.
While functioning in a modern location it turns to good account important reserves of
therapeutic gas (CO2).
14th International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference SGEM 2014
As far as touristic traffic before 1989 is concerned, there has been a high and relatively
constant level of tourists, with a maximum in 1985, when 73.701 tourists visited the
resort. In the period 1985-1990 the annual average was of 69.500 tourists. In a first
phase after 1989, there has been a drop in the number of tourists, except in large hotels
that had signed long-term collaboration agreements with different unions or with the
Ministry of Labour and Social Protection (for retired persons).
- Hotel Venus – owned by SIND ROMANIA, that was 80% to 82% full on average in
the last years and completely full during season.
- Hotel Perla – between 1999 and 2010, the number of tourists declined as the unit was
closed down for renovations. Thus, from 15.479 tourists in 1995 (of which 1956 were
foreign) the figures dropped down to 2.430 in 201 0 (of which 114 foreign).
- Hotel Venus - also owned by SIND ROMÂNIA has managed to maintain a constant
number of tourists (10-12.000/year) even after 1989.
When considering the motivation of tourist visits, the most choose the resort for spa
treatments (70 - 75%), then for rest (15 - 20%) and weekend tourism (15 - 5%). Most
registered tourists are Romanian, coming from all over the country but mainly from
Bacau, Galati and Braila counties. Foreign tourists come from various countries, mostly
Republic of Moldova until 2007 and Israel in the last years.
As for the evolution of the accommodation capacity in Slanic Moldova, this indicator
has had an accentuated descendent trend after 1990, with a drop of almost 50% between
the two data endpoints. (Fig. 5). The explanation is to be found in the decline of the
Romanian stat-owned companies after the fall of the communist regime. During this
period, a great number of accommodation structures have been completely abandoned,
accelerating their decay; the tourist flows, previously directed in a centralized system,
have become weaker and irregular bringing with them a drop in financial profits. There
has also been an authority vacuum as some of the State-owned companies and
properties have been subject to abuses, decapitalization and robbing by their managers.
12. Hydrology and Water resources
As for the amount of overnights in Slanic Moldova, the descending trend line is
obvious, with some particularities (Fig. 8). The positive inflexions are due to central
decision regarding the allowance of low-cost tickets to balneary/health facilities to
certain social categories. It has happened in 2008, when the Romanian government has
allowed benefits to pensioners, active and reserve military. Thus, the year 2009 shows a
growth in sales over the local tourist accommodation structures whilst over 90% of the
Romanian tourist resort-town register an important drop. The important flooding of
2010 that has paralyzed Slanic Moldova during the peak season has left an important
footprint on the flows that are slowly recovering starting 2013.
12. Hydrology and Water resources
Despite all State-directed policies, we note a trend of translation from classical balneary
(spa) tourism, with long stays to a week-end travel mode, lest costly and thus more
accessible – following the new mentality that the Romanian tourist has acquired
nowadays.
The seasonality of overnights in the past 4 years (the only years the National statistics
offers data by month) shows the flows that generate the warm season activity of the
accommodation structures with a curious second place - July and September being at
the same level. The “shoulders” are uneven, as May-June brings also great revenues, as
opposed to October-November that sees an abrupt gap. The early Easter Holidays in
2010 (on April 3rd) has designed an earlier growth in overnight sales but unfortunately
have been followed by strong flooding in July 2010 which has swept the tourists and
brought a drop in almost 20.000 to 30.000 less (official) overnights for the high season.
As the average daily expenditure of Romanian tourists in health resorts are close to 30
euros/day and there are a lot of unofficial / unregistered overnights, we may evaluate the
loss produced by natural hazard to tourism facilities at least 1.000.000 euros for this
destination.
14th International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference SGEM 2014
CONCLUSIONS
Health tourism finds great natural conditions and opportunities for development in Romania,
especially in the Oriental Carpathians, where the mountain attractive conditions add up as a
great plus. The quality of mineral waters (often internationally certified) represents the main
argument. Although still important in Western Europe, this type of tourism meets a certain
decline. The lack of good management of accommodation and treatment structures, the lack of
local potential customers that are able to afford to use such services outside the peak tourist
periods but also the scarce foreign tourists explains this reality. With all improvements
(especially after 2002), the existent tourism potential is not developed and capitalized in a
proper manner.
Slanic Moldova follows somehow the national trends – despite its history and its good image at
a national level. The quantitative and qualitative changes prove the lack of a coherent, viable
strategy (at a national and local scale). For the moment, the measures of encouraging the
tourism investments and the tourist flow are weak and have minimum effects. A better use of
European funds for tourism development is to be sought but accompanied by strategies that
reduce seasonality and possible strike of natural hazards over the future.
12. Hydrology and Water resources
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sustenable tourism, University Press, Bucureşti
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