"Friends of the environment during the pandemic" - XNUMXrd Edition with Maria Stoian

de | July. 15, 2020 | Articles, News

Friends of the environment during the pandemic: “Romanian villages and rural destinations are sought after for their authenticity. We want in the future a tourism as educated and sustainable as possible, in harmony with nature, so that future generations will enjoy the authenticity and hospitality of rural tourism. "

The third edition of "Friends of the environment during the pandemic" continues with Maria Stoian - founding president of ANTREC Romania (National Association of Rural, Ecological and Cultural Tourism).

Maria Stoian is a well-known man of tourism both nationally and internationally.

In 2004, he founded the magazine "Holidays in the country, holidays with charm”, For a better promotion of the activities.

ECOLOGICAL:What activities did you carry out during this period spent at home?

Maria Stoian: Șand in our case most of the activities took place online. Communication was very important. We reduced travel as much as possible, we respected the rules of distance and the regulations of the authorities.

We tried to focus for lovers of rural tourism, holiday lovers, on the most optimistic information, examples of good practices, to explain that Romanian villages, their authenticity, the corners of nature await them even after this period.

Romanian villages and rural destinations are sought after for their authenticity. We want in the future a tourism as educated and sustainable as possible, in harmony with nature, so that future generations can enjoy the authenticity and hospitality of rural tourism.

We distributed on social media from the archive of materials recommendations for specific destinations for rural and ecological tourism: small and medium-sized guesthouses located in the middle of nature, picturesque landscapes, mountain villages and their traditions, themed hikes on ecotourism routes, camping accommodation or glamping. Also, such articles were promoted in the print edition of our magazine and on the website.

ECOTIC: What do you think were the benefits for the environment during this period?

Maria Stoian: Nature has benefited from a moment of respite. Associations and organizations have very actively informed these things, once again sounding the alarm for what the influence of the human factor on the environment means.

The reduction in car and air transport has had a positive impact on the environment. At the same time, we are currently seeing an increased interest in alternative, non-polluting means of transport.

If we were to choose a positive impact of this situation caused by the pandemic, it would be clearly the most important.

ECOTIC: How did this period impact you? Personally, but also professionally.

Maria Stoian: It was a period in which we realized more than ever how important are the outings in nature, the walks that we sometimes consider trivial. I missed the outings in nature, in the mountains and in authentic destinations, the walks through the Village Museum, the interaction with the folk craftsmen at fairs and exhibitions, the traditional party of the Easter Holidays, with the loved ones.

We have been communicating with our friends all the time and we have even contributed each one with ideas on how the holidays will be transformed from now on, in this new normality that we are facing.

ECOTIC: Have you decided to change something in your daily work, related to environmental protection?

Maria Stoian: Let's highlight even more how important is the protection of the environment, the promotion of a responsible tourism, as minimally invasive as possible, which we should all respect.

We seek to have as few direct meetings as possible, to adapt and organize meetings and online meetings where these alternatives exist, to organize our time and activities more effectively.

ANTREC member pensions should reflect in their activities and in their communication that they respect these rules of environmental protection, waste management, selective collection, promotion of activities and services related to ecotourism, greening programs, etc.

We will further promote small and medium-sized guesthouses that benefit from generous courtyards or are located in a picturesque natural setting.

We thank Mrs. Maria Stoian for sharing the thoughts and good ideas she is already putting into practice.

We invite you to find out new things about Romania by reading the magazine "Holidays in the country, holidays with charm"