The perspectives of sports tourism development in Bucharest, Romania

Abstract

This study aims to present this form of sport tourism and the positive impact that it may have on Bucharest development and internationalpromotion. The main objective of this study is to assess the impacts of organizing such events and tourism generated by these on politics, society and the local economy. Another objective is to raise awareness about the importance of this type of tourism and the possibility of developing it not only in Bucharest but also throughout Romania. We wanted to determine the impact of the major sport events on tourism and to analyze the benefits that the host community obtains has after these events. In this way one can see the touristic potential of the host community and how this potential may be exploited after this kind of events. We shall discuss sport tourism as a niche tourism which values the other types of tourism and the entire touristic activity. © 2018, SRAC - Romanian Society for Quality. All rights reserved.

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THE PERSPECTIVES OF SPORTS TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN BUCHAREST, ROMANIA
Elena BOGAN
lecturer PhD., ”University of Bucharest”, Romania, elena.bogan@yahoo.com
Erika Alexandra MOLDOVEANU
MA student, ”University of Bucharest”, Romania, alexandraerika95@yahoo.com
Mihaela Ioana IAMANDEI
Ph.D. student, ”University of Bucharest” Romania, iamandeimihaela17@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
This study aims to present this form of sport tourism and the positive impact that it may have on Bucharest development and
internationalpromotion. The main objective of this study is to assess the impacts of organizing such events and tourism generated by
these on politics, society and the local economy. Another objective is to raise awareness about the importance of this type of tourism
and the possibility of developing it not only in Bucharest but also throughout Romania.
We wanted to determine the impact of the major sport events on tourism and to analyze the benefits that the host community obtains
has after these events. In this way one can see the touristic potential of the host community and how this potential may be exploited
after this kind of events. We shall discuss sport tourism as a niche tourism which values the other types of tourism and the entire
touristic activity.
KEYWORDS
sport tourism, events, sports facilities, impact, Bucharest
INTRODUCTION
Organizing sport events brings tangible and intangible benefits – money, infrastructure and cultural experience - to the host
communities and the implications are visible at all levels: economic, politic and social. Sport events tourism is considered to be a
modern niche of economic development. It sustains the creation of the identity of a city as a sport destination. This identity can be
international according to the amplitude of the sport events organized on site. Sport tourism doesn’t mean only organizing the sport
events and the creation of an identity as a sport destination but generally involves business development in tourism (Gibson, 2006).
Generally, small sports events are organized in all seasons and are accessible to all social groups. At present, in Romania there are
few communities which do not have the necessary resources to organize sport events.
Certainly, the impact of the organizing of major sport events on tourism is being studied within the sport events tourism niche. This
means "those sport activities or events which can attract a significant number of visitors who will participate as spectators" (Delpy,
2003, in Revuelta, 2006). Clearly, the impact generated by the organization of major sporting events in the tourism sector, led to the
creation of a true subject of study called tourism sports event, which refers to "those activities or sporting events capable of attracting
significant numbers of visitors in order to participate as spectators" (Delpy, 2003, Revuelta, 2006). Even if the concept of sport
tourism is not on the list of classical types of tourism this gets more and more known and analyzed. A big researchers community
approach this type of tourism and there are more and more article and debates on this topic (Weed, 2006).
Currently, the concept of sport tourism is linked to the great events of similar nature at national, regional, global level. It is also
correlated with the positive or negative impact that it might have on the economy, society, and politics. According to Gibson (2007),
the impact such an event can may be felt at more strongly at social level than economic one.
"Major sports events serve in a social context as touristic and iconic attraction that facilitatessome community development and
shapes it the respective identity" (Getz. et al., 2012). "Hosting major sporting events can generate positive changes in tourism
demand on the long term, but the generated profit cannot cover the investment" (European Commission, 2007).
Tourism of major sporting events primarily refers to the Olympics, world and continental championships (European, Asian,
American). Generally such activities attract the enthusiasts of sports (basketball, rugby, skating, volleyball, skiing, etc.), or supporters
of renowned teams this being a widespread phenomenon in the world of football (Simon et al., 2009). New categories of Tourists
have appeared as the result of a more diversified lifestyle (Bogan and Cândea, 2013).
The cities that host such events shall provide adequate tourist services to more segments of tourists who are also interested in
sporting events.
Cities like Montreal, Sydney, Müchen, Athens, Mexico City, Beijing, London were the hosts of Olympic sports, and others such as
Nagana, Albertville, Lillehamer organize winter sports worldwide. These events require extensive additional infrastructure
development as they are often located in peripheral areas of the inner cities.
Large facilities and stadiums are theoretically available for hosting sports events great or small contribute to create recreational
opportunities for local communities and may help to establish the limits of tourism as economic activity.
Examples are Barcelona and Atlanta, which have grown rapidly due to the Olympics. For them, urban regeneration resulted from the
preparations of sport events; this regeneration played an important role in transforming the city's image and ensured a way for
recreational use in the long term.
Sports tourism is one of the market segments with the fastest growth in the tourism industry and who is accorded a greater and
greater attention economically and socially.

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As an economic activity, sports tourism has a significant impact over the destinations that host sports competitions: the Olympic
Games, European Championships and World Circuits Formula 1 and many other sporting events of national or regional character
which gather a great number of tourists.
Sports tourism, as other types of tourism is regarded as a "vehicle for economic development of urban areas" (Gibson, 1998). Since
ancient times, the impact of sport tourism events on local community was beneficial.
According to studies by Walo, Bull, and Breen (1996), the residents not only perceived the benefits of economic gains from these
activities but also realized that these sporting events contributed to increased social gain of the community. Thus, communities have
been determined to involve with more and more volunteers in these sport events.
Further more, watching the sport events organized during the competitions, the tourists may be involved by the organizers in visiting
the tourist attractions and sightseeing places in the neighborhood.
These types of activities support the tourists familiarizing with the local people, customs, traditions, gastronomy in the host country
and outside the sport events. Within a sport event, tourists can participate in other activities such as: meetings with the participating
sportsmen, autograph sessions, visiting training centers and sports facilities. In the Olympics, visiting the Olympic Village is one of
the main attractions offered to tourists.
Recently, the awareness of the great potential of the sport events in relation to tourism led to more and more aggressive promoting
activities in this market niche.
Thus, the sport tourism events appeared and developed in a larger context in which the tourism phenomenonhas experienced a
boom generated by several factors such as the emergence low-cost airlines, serving urban tourism and accurate city-break sites.
The factors that determined sports events boom were: transport facilities, the wish of being present there where sport events take
place, the need of getting into touch with other cultures, meeting other people with the same hobbies, meeting their sport idols.
Basicaly, the tourists’ demand has influenced the world offer ofmajor sport eventsorganized at least once a year (final continental
competition) or every four years (World Championships Football Olympics).
1. METHODOLOGY
The research methodology used in this study was basedon: consulting a reviewed scientific literature in the field, documents and
public information, as well as field research. The relevant data and information were analysed, processed and interpreted.
The purpose of this research is to determine the potential of sports tourism in Bucharest, to achieve its overview.
This study aims to identify the possibilities of thevalorification of this potential, including the sport infrastructure in Bucharest, the
capital of Romania.
For this analysis data on sporting events from several sites in the field were collected, quantified, classified and represented in the
study as classifications, lists, etc. Sports tourism potential assessment is a necessity, a first step towards achieving the development
and promotion strategies that contribute to the full development of this type of tourism in Bucharest.
2. ANALYSIS OF THE MAIN SPORT EVENTS AND THEIR IMPORTANCE IN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
Tourism and sport are two important elements of current urban culture that influence both socially and economically the population of
cities that host a sport event. Sport is an area of international importance which attract media attention, numerous economic
investment and engage political interests.
Sport is recognized as an integral part of the social, cultural and economic development of Romania and a factor of consolidating the
image of the country and the international relations.
The decrease of the Romanian performance at major international sport competitions and of the selection base for performance
sports on the one hand, and on the oher hand the absence of a mass culture regarding sport practice for health and the
development of the competition esprit determined the Romanian authorities to adopt real initiatives to revitalize the sport.
It is necessary a renewal of education in sports and habits as gymnastics, tennis, soccer and others in which Romania made
performance and is internationally recognized.
Names like Nadia Comaneci, Ion Tiriac, Nastase, Gica Hagi, well-known for decades internationally, are involved in educating the
masses. Simona Halep contribute to the development of this type of tourism.
After the ’89 Revolution, In Romania numerous sport school were created but paradoxally, in spite of the big sport potential of
Romanians, the interest for sport has decreased. At the same time the interest for participating to the important sport events as
spectators has increased.
Thus, the international mobility with a sport aim has also increased especially after 2007 since Romania is a member of EU.
Romanias travel especially to European destinations for sport major events but they also host these kind of events.
The State of Romanian sport today is the consequence of several factors such as: insufficient ormisdirectedfunding, outdated or
inadequate infrastructure, low number of children heading for sport, decrease in the number of registered sportsmen, obsolete
models of training, absence of population education regarding the practice of physical activity as a lifestyle.
According to the latest Eurobarometer (European Commission, Eurobarometer - Sport and Physical Activity, March 2014), Romania
is a member of the group of States of the European Union which have a high percentage of the population who do not practice
sports or any other form of physical activity: 60 % of the population does not practice any sport. But Romanians are consumers of
such sport events that move resources and generate huge profits. Especially after 2007, the phenomenon of is felt increasingly more
and more due to sport events that involve social, economic and political activities.

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After 2007, In Romania, the efforts for economic and social development involved bigger and bigger groups of people interested in
promoting a healthy lifestyle. Thus, the changing of consumption habits and the fight against the stress and sedentarism were
connected to the different sports practice and to the sport events participation. The power of sport leaders examples determined
peole and generated actions and this way the sport events have become a tourist branch in Romania. In Bucharest, the capital of
Romania, the main sports events are organized because this town, which is the biggest in the country has the best general and sport
infrastructure.
3. BUCHAREST, HOST OF SOME MAJOR SPORT EVENTS
Europe League Final, 2012. Romania is on the major sport events map since 2010 when UEFA chose it as a host to the second
continental football event – Europe League 2012 (figure 1). This event took place on May 2012 on the National Arena in Bucharest
stadium. This has a capacity of 55000 places and was built at European standards; it can host fooball matches and other major
events. This stadium was built afer the UEFA decision to assign Romania as a host of the 2012 competition.
Source: uefa.com
Figure 1. Europa League Final 2012 Bucharest –logo
So, the final match of the Europa League hosted by the National Arena, represented not only an international sport show at
European standards but also a significant contribution to business sites of tourism players in particular and the economy in general.
Europe League Final in 2012 that took place in Bucharest was exploited at maximum by the tourist operators. The fact that the two
qualified teams came from Spain and the foreign tourists were mostly Spanish was speculated by the economic operators.
Thus, the amount of consumed beer was double in the Final day when compared to a consumption normal day. At the same time the
hotel were occupied 100% at double price when compared to a normal period. With this occasion the tourism turnover was huge -
estimated at 10 million euros by Tourism Employers Federation (fptr.ro).
Hotels in Bucharest had an occupancy rate of 95%, and they accommodated about 10,000 Spanish tourists, and the 10,000 who
came from Romania. Other 15,000 Spanish came to Bucharest by charter and sayed here less than 24 hours.
Only on the game day, 63 aircraft charter full of Spanish fans landed at Henri Coanda Airport. Thus, on this occasion, Bucharest had
the highest ever recorded number of foreign tourists (per day), approximately 25,000.
This record can be explained by adding the usual number of tourists of approximately 25,000 foreign tourists and the 10,000
Romanian tourists who arrived exclusively for this sport.event (figure 2).
78940 80987
105440
96282
122720
116509
104258
0
20000
40000
60000
80000
100000
120000
140000
January
Februar y
March
Aprilie
May
June
July
no. tou rists
Source: insse.ro statistical data
Figure 2. Tourist arrivals in Bucharest accomodations in the period January-July 2012
The fief of entertainment for any important event in Bucharest is the Old Center of the town where tens of pubs and restaurants are
gathered and the tourists can have specific Romanian food, European, American and Asian dishes. As beer is the most consumed
drink at football games in 2012 it was reported that during the two days of the Europe League Final approximately 500000 beers
were consumed. On average, a Spanish tourist spent in that period 150 euros/day for food, drink and shopping.
According to some economic analysts, the economic impact generated by such an event in such a short time is difficult to analyze
and even report accurately. However, it can be concluded that the greatest impact was in retail and in infusion of foreign currency in
the local economy, resulting from direct expenses of the foreign tourists.

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In terms of notoriety and image, Bucharest, namely Romania, had a lot to gain from hosting sporting event, which was live broadcast
in 130 countries. Speaking about image, the organizers have been congratulated by FIFA and UEFA for organizing the event and the
Romanian Football Federation has received numerous congratulations from numerous officials of world football. This means that
Romania had a high level of organizing major sport events. The sport touristic potential sustained not only by the general
infrastructure but also by the specific one. This potential was highly appreciated by the media present at this event.
"Romania has welcomed the Spanish fans. Everything is well done" - El Correo, the Spanish newspaper; "Bucharest is at 2481 km.
away from Madrid and at 2322 kilometers from Bilbao. But the Spansh people feel like home here. It's like a family party" - AS, the
Spanish newspaper; "Bucharest became part of the Spanish fiesta. Everybody involved in organizing this event is to be
congratulated" - O Jogo Portuguese newspaper.
As about the social impact, given that the event was organized in a short time compared to a World Championship or Olympic
Games, the event has not generated many new jobs, despite the expectations.
There were several cases of employment opportunities, especially offered by the sponsors of the event. For example, automotive
sponsor of the competition offered 85 cars to be used in the preparation of the final, and 75 people were employed drivers. There
were also 112 volunteers recruited for the organization, especially students from Bucharest University.
Europa League final has broughtback capital Bucharest and Romania on the touristical map of Europe. "On this occasion Bucharest
was" invaded "by an army of passionate football lovers: Spanish, Romanian and other nationalities" (Dragos Raducan, the FPTR)
(figure 3).
Source: frf.ro
Figure 3. Spanish tourists present in Bucharest Europa League Final 2012
Bucharest Marathon. Organized by the Athletics Romanian Federation, Bucharest Marathon is one of the most important sport
events from Capital of Romania. The ninth edition in 2016 (8 to 9 October) was held in the Constitution Square, and attracted a total
of 14,000 participants. The Constitution Square is a big open space right in front of the People’s House, emblematic building
constructed by Nicolae Ceausescu’s architects.The tenth edition from 2017, organised in the same place (October 14 to 15)
gathered 16,000 participants from over 60 countries.
Tennis – the white sport that defines Romania more and more.Tennis is one of the sports that, togheter with gymnastics and football,
imposed in the international sport world most the number one world champions.
Due to their experience in participating to the international events the senior champions such as Ion TiriacsiIlieNastase got involved
in opening and supporting tennis school. They also participated in creating a specific infrastructure to organize in Romania
international tennis cups. This fact is also supported by the Romanian Tennis federation who is interested in this sport development
and making it well-known. Romanian Tennis federation has a lot of tasks: increasing the excellence of athletes; coaching players;
Parental coaching; creation of, international or national events, programs and projects. With such a support, tennis matches have
become more and more sport events that attract in Bucharest a large number of participants and tourists from all over the world.
Other sports events organized in Bucharest that attract large numbers of tourists and participants from all over the world are the
courts. This is supported by the active involvement of the Romanian Tennis Federation in the development and visibility of the sport.
Romanian Tennis Federation coordinates The National Tennis Centre wich is considered to be a reference organism at national level
regarding the coaching and support of the most valuable Romanian sportsmen.
In the eastern part of Bucharest, near the National Stadium LiaManoliu complex is positioned National Tennis Center, which is a
federal reference center nationally in terms of training and supporting the most valuable athletes of Romania. Under the guidance of
the Romanian Tennis Federation, the National Tennis Center have organized numerous sporting events such as national
championships and selection; national and international tours.

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The most important tennis tournament in Romania is BRD NastaseTiriac Trophy (figure 4). In this tournament participated famous
athletes in the professional circuit ATP top Romanian players. This event attracts tourists both domestic and external.
BRD NastaseTiriac Trophy was held every year in April in Bucharest, since 1993 to 2016, at BNR Arenas which is situated closed to
Cotroceni Palace and Botanical Garden, 15 minutesaway from the historical center of Bucharest. Awards were given in the ATP
World Tour and distributed based on accumulated points; in 2012, the totalprizevalue was 398 250 €; in 2015: 439 405 €; and in
2016, the year of the last edition of the tournament: 463.520 €.
Tournament BRD NastaseTiriac Trophy, Bucharest, was given by the owner Ion Tiriac for two years, to Marbella, Spain, after the
tennis court to BNR Arenas was closed because of lack of approval of ISU (General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations).
The Romanian Tennis Federation also organizes various sport events with international participation, which has great success. The
most important are: Bucharest Open WTA tournament, Federation Cup (Fed Cup), Davis Cup (figure 5), ITF Futures tournaments.
Bucharest Open is another important manifestation of Romanian tennis world. This is an international tennis tournament which is
part of the WTA and is held each July in Bucharest, the first week after Wimbledon. The first edition took place in 2014 and was
invented as a substitute for the tournament in Budapest.
Source: http://brd-nastase-tiriac-trophy.ro Source: https://www.onlinesport.ro
Figure 4. BRD NastaseTiriac Trophy tournament Figure 5. Davis Cup, 2017
In the Bucharest Open event, held from 9 to 17 July 2016, was organized the largest national women's tennis tournament in
Romania, and brought together at BNR Arenas in Bucharest the most important names in women's tennis world. The first edition of
the tournament such as the 2016 one were won by Simona Halep, current world No1. The tournament was organized in 2017, and
was confirmed for 2018.
Every year, 64 players from different countries participate in qualifications and main draw show 32 players in singles and 16 doubles.
Bucharest Open WTA tournament attracted a total of 20,000 spectators during the week of matches, at the 2016 final, 5,000
spectators participated at the tournament.
According to the number of sold tickets in 2016 (figures 6 and 7), the main tennis events held in Bucharest are: Bucharest Open
WTA tournament, Federation Cup (Fed Cup), Davis Cup.
Source: Romanian Tennis Federation Source: Romanian Tennis Federation
Figure 6. Number of tickets sold (2016) Figure 7. The share of tickets sold (2016)
Federation Cup (Fed Cup) is a national team competition, which was held both in Bucharest and in other cities of the country such as
Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara etc. National team of each country consists of 3-5 representatives. According to statistics of the Romanian
Tennis Federation, since the access to the World Group in the Fed Cup was possible, about 10,000 spectators / meeting participated
at the matches.
Davis Cup is a different competition with international participation, organized by the Romanian Tennis Federation. Davis Cup has
male participation and Federation Cup also addresses the national teams. National team of each team consists of 3-5
0
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
Federatio n Cup
Davis Cup
Buchares t Open WTA
28%
17%
55%
Federation Cup
Davis Cup
Bucharest Open WTA

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representatives. According to statistics of the Romanian Tennis Federation, the matches of the Davis Cup 6000 spectators
attended/meeting.
Other internationally recognized tennis tournaments that attract large numbers of fans are ITF Futures tournaments, with male and
female participation. These tournaments are held several times a year. These are professional tournaments that have prizes
between 10,000 and $ 100,000. Annually, at qualifications 64 players from different countriespartcipate, and the main board is 32
players singles, 16 doubles.
In terms of sports infrastructure, the Romanian Tennis Federation holds National Tennis Center, where there are 10 tennis clay, 3
golf green-set and room covered ground hard type. At the same time, Doherty base has8 tennis clay and one central (with stands).
Bucharest also organizes national and international rugby competitions. World Rugby Nations Cup is a well-known competition, is
organized in partnership with the World Rugby (global forum) in June. In Bucharest, we held ten such editions.
The competition is for teams of two value echelon, with 4/6 teams. Among the participating countries: Italy, Ireland, Namibia,
Argentina, Uruguay, Spain.
Other international sports events in rugby world there are 7 Rugby Competitons showing a different competition format. They are
held for two days, usually in weekends (in September) with games from all day long. Co-organizer is Rugby Europe. These
competitions are intended for both juniors and seniors. In such a competition 12 countries are brought together, and the category for
which the competition is held is held differs year after year.
The number of supporters at international matches is minimum 2000 people and maximum 4500 persons, number designating and
overall capacity of the stadium.
Even if it lost some of its historical importance, the Romanian Gymnastics still has coaches and organizers which are motivated to
promote the Romanian sportsmen at the international championships. Just as Deva, Hunedoara County, the fief of the Romanian
Gymnastics, Bucharest has some strong preparation international centers.
Romanian Federation of Rhythmic Gymnastics held in Bucharest in March 2017, Irina Deleanu Cup International Tournament, and
140 athletes (junior and senior) participated from 16 countries on 3 continents.
Sports event organization generates new premises for business development in tourism and have a positive impact socially,
economically and politically in the host destination.
At the economic level, one of the major effects of sport events is to contribute to revenue growth, and of the local and national GDP,
and general improvement of the specific infrastructure and employment increase.
At the social level, among the positive generated effects are: healthy lifestyle and Community Cohesion, crossing cultures because
this is one of the most important goals of globalization.
Politically, host cities have a huge profit from sport events, especially from image and reputation point of view. Due to media
attention, host cities are increasing their visibility on the world stage.
4. TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PREMISES GENERATED BY SPORT EVENTS
International sport events put pressure on the authorities designated to evaluate the existing infrastructure and improve the existing
one or create a new one. Thus, an economic mechanism is triggered which involves investors, specialists, and projects and much
money are handeled. Theoretically, this events generate new jobs, on short or long terms, both before and after the events. The
main aim is also to create a better life for the community, as the invested money make the local budget grow.
UEFA Euro 2020 will be the 16th edition of the European Football Championship. This event will celebrate the 60th anniversary of
tournament and it will be held in 13 European cities, including Bucharest (figure 8). Bucharest will host 4 matches for this event.
The organization of this event will help cities to organize such an event which will have an impact on local economy. Of the 13 cities,
8 had not hosted any major sport event in the past and Bucharest is one of them (figure 9) together with Baku, St. Petersburg,
Copenhagen, Dublin, Bilbao, Budapest and Glasgow.
Source: uefa.com
Figure 8. Host cities of the World Cup and the distance Figure 9. Logo European Football Championship
in miles from the place of the Final 2020 the Bucharest
Romania was granted the right to organize games of European Championship in 2020, the first edition organized by UEFA no longer
set on the classic format, with one or two organizing countries. As a result, Bucharest will be, along with 12 other European cities, a
center of interest football. National Arena will host four group stage matches round of the competition.

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In view this event, local authorities must solve the problem of the subway linking Bucharest to Henri Coanda Airport. This will ensure
the conection between the Center of the town and National Arena situated on the Eastern part of the town (figure 10).
According to subway network administrator Line 6 could be ready in 2020 and the estimated value of the contract will be 1.05 billion
euros, excluding VAT. According to the reality of the site things are far from being finished in time.
The problem with the subway fromthe international airports to the town cannot be solved because of the political barriers. In the
political board of the Bucharest Town Hall there are representatives who consider that the traffic to and from the henriCoanda Airport
is not enough to cover the investment. Political disputes ignore both long term perspective needs of the Romanian Capital and the
international promises that Romania made.
For this purpose, on the occasion of UEFA Euro 2020, the authorities have decided to modernize the railway and its expantion up to
the Henri Coanda Airport. At the same time, the authorities decided to finalize the highway Bucuresti-VamaBors which practicaly
crosses Romania through its center from Bucarest towards West. So Romania could have a direct connection to Budapest, another
organizer of the European football Championship UEFA Euro 2020.
At the same time the National Arena, the main host of UEFA Euro in Bucharest 2020 must undergo many improvements: more
parking lots building, more special places for VIPs and sponsors. Other 4 Bucharest stadiums, necessaries to training and special
meetings shall be fully renovated, all the investments being the responsibility of the Bucharest authorities.
Sursa: processing after uefa.com
Figure 10. The main objectives to be achieved in Bucharest for the European Championship hosted in 2020
However, there may be a number of benefits in terms of economic Romania will have from organizing matches at Euro 2020, such
as: will build highways, subway lines, useful things in the long term (figure 11 ).
8%
7%
6% 1%
78%
internal capital investment
tourism
direct earnings from matches
the UEFA operational budget
infrastructure
Source: processing after uefa.com
Figure 11. The forecasts regarding thesectors that will help GDP growth in 2020 after hosting matches at UEFA EURO 2020

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Experts in economics argue that a good management of the matchesorganising for the European Championship in 2020 will bring
long-term benefits to our country. "It's almost impossible to assess the full impact of the tournament organizing in numbers, as long
as there is a clear project that we can see what will be built. But everything that will be built - highways, subway lines - will help
Bucharest, and will be useful on the long term "(Ionut Dumitru, economist and chairman of the Fiscal Council).
General Secretary of the Businessmen Association, CristianPârvan believes that the infrastructure must be ready a year before the
start of Euro 2020, i.e. in June 2019. "It should be knownthat this is a business project that can come out well or bad. Not to come
out in a bad way, you need a well devised plan, completed in June 2019, conceived in such a way that the stage for each job should
be clearly known for every year" (Cristian Parvan, Secretary General of the Association of Businessmen).
The report of the UEFA Comissionthat visited the National Arena before the announcement of the Euro 2020 hostsshows that the
authorities in Bucharest promised that the subway line linking the center of Henri Coanda airport will be working before the start of
the competition.
"At the same time, and the infrastructure will be improved, which means that the construction industry will benefit, including the
production of raw materials. This fact will involve more industries which in this way will be stimulated. But here we are talking only
about plans, because there are certain conditions under which UEFA granted the right to organize the international events" (Ionut
Dumitru).
Tourism, in its development, consumes or utilizes fractionally, the resources and natural components, social and cultural, of the
environment. On the other hand, through its activity of management and organization, by realization of touristic products and
ensuring of certain touristic services, tourism can pollute, degrade or destroys the environment with its natural resources, and those
created of man (Cândea and Bogan, 2009).
It is clear that each host town for the UEFA football event must renovate and improve their infrastructure with the help of these major
sport event. In addition to optimizing transport infrastructure, improving the quality of life and of the environment, everybody is
obliged to support the construction industry, transport, tourism, and the most important –image capital and global visibility which host
town gains on the occasion of that event.
A well done promotion of tourism may attract many tourists, which in turn can bring large sums to the local and national budget, but
equally, they increase the value of the tourist product (Bogan et al., 2017).
Present tourism in Romania is in constant development, due to a series of investments in general and touristic infrastructure but also
due to many strategies regarding the promoting of the national tourism potential.
There are various sports that are practiced for many years in Romania and the Romanian legendary sportsmen have made the
country well-known worldwide. Even so, in Romania, sport has become an element of tourist attraction only recently.
Renaissance concept of body maintaining culture and the spirit of competition in an international environment took place after
Romania has joined the European Union. So sport became a tourism product, generating tourist flows and tourist consumption.
Even if sports tourism is a new concept in Romania, to increase its economic impact, development strategies are based on thethe
general and specific infrastructure rehabilitation, just as on the event organizing in itself.
Hosting such events in Bucharest and other cities in Romania helps tourism development and ensures the touristic flows.
CONCLUSIONS
Romania had a slow appearance on the map of major sport events and this happened because of the lack ofboth sports and general
infrastructure. Also, in Romania sport has recently become a touristic attraction element, especially in Bucharest. By hosting the
UEFA sport events, the capital of Romania has an important opportunity to develop the niche of the sport tourism.
However, to increase the economic impact of the sport events in Romania, strategies to rebuild the general infrastructure are
needed. So this new type of tourism must be valued most efficiently increasing the number of international sport events.The
European Football Championship 2020 represent a huge opportunity to impose Romania as a good organizer of many international
sport events.
As a member of EU, Romania can value its sport potential and develop sport tourism together with the European responsible for
organizing sport events and with European funds. This kind of tourism involves other economic branches as well as local touristic
resources – such as gastronomical and cultural one.
On the long run, the sport tourism sustainability depends on the degree of development of the specific, transport, accommodation,
and food infrastructure, just as the infrastructure of leisure and free time activites. But all these need internal and international
investment attraction.
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