Bogdan ȚIFUI, Mayor of Fărcașa Commune, Neamț, at FERM 2025: “Natural and cultural heritage is the engine of sustainable development”

REGIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM MOLDOVA 2025

19th Edition – Vatra Dornei, July 9–13, 2025

Thematic Panel:

Tourism and the Development of Destinations in the Moldova Region

Speaker:

Bogdan Țifui – Mayor of Farcașa Commune, Neamț County

Topic of the speech:
“Sustainable tourism development in the mountainous area of Neamț through cooperation and responsible heritage utilization”

Bogdan Țifui, mayor of Farcașa Commune in Neamț County and president of the Mountain Forum of Romania – Neamț branch, presented a broad and realistic vision on how tourism can become a catalyst for the development of mountain communities, provided that a strategic, sustainable, and participatory approach is adopted.

A Joint Strategy for the Mountain Area

Țîfui emphasized that, for the first time in history, three communes in the mountainous area of Neamț County – Fărcașa, Borca, and Poiana Teiului – are working together on a comprehensive mountain development strategy. The project aims to valorize tourist trails such as the Vitoria Lipan road in the Stânișoarei Mountains, Lake Izvorul Muntelui, the Ceahlău Massif, and numerous ecumenical tourism sites in the area.

“Natural heritage is not just a legacy we received, but a strategic resource for the future,” he said, emphasizing that forests, mountains, waters, and unique landscapes can become engines of local economic development if they are protected and promoted responsibly.

Community – the Soul of a Destination

For the mayor, the success of a tourist destination does not only rely on the beauty of the places, but on the people who give it identity.

“A tourist destination is not just landscapes or natural attractions, but primarily the people who define it. The locals preserve traditions intact and offer visitors authentic experiences, from handicrafts and gastronomy to customs and festivals.”

The mayor mentioned that, two months ago, Farcașa Commune submitted the documentation to be declared a local tourist resort, a status that would facilitate access to European funds and support initiatives to reduce depopulation. Currently, the commune has over 120 accredited accommodation units and three classified restaurants, meeting the requirements for this recognition.

Infrastructure and Support for Entrepreneurs

Țifui highlighted the essential role of local authorities in tourism development: providing basic infrastructure, protecting heritage, supporting entrepreneurs, and promoting the destination. In the Farcașa area, seven tourist sheepfolds are already operating, with authorities collaborating with the County Council to fully authorize them.

In addition to gastronomic initiatives, work is underway on setting up and homologating seven tourist trails, including routes for bicycles and ATVs, all GPS registered and authorized by the Ministry of Tourism.

Challenges: Legislation, Mindset, and Resources

Bogdan Țifui’s speech also addressed the difficulties facing the mountain area:

• Complex legislation regarding authorizations and the classification of monuments or traditional buildings;

• High costs for preserving authentic architecture (e.g., shingle roofs or traditional metalwork);

• Local mindset – limited involvement of part of the community in maintaining public spaces and respecting rules;

• Lack of young workforce – young people leave for studies and return in very small numbers.

“It is difficult to find craftsmen who can perform traditional works of quality at affordable prices. If we do not support property owners, we risk losing the authentic charm of mountain villages,” warned the mayor.

Tourism – an Opportunity for Sustainable Development

In his view, responsible tourism and solid partnerships between authorities, communities, and investors represent the only real way to develop mountain areas, as timber exploitation becomes increasingly limited and local agriculture remains mostly subsistence-based.

The mayor also spoke about future projects, including the development of a leisure and adventure area related to a possible ski resort on Mount Dacu, expanding tourist infrastructure, and attracting investments for ecumenical and active tourism.

“Everything starts with vision. If we truly desire it, through work and perseverance, we can transform our area’s potential into a model of best practice for sustainable tourism in Moldova.”

Conclusion

Bogdan Țifui emphasized that the future of the mountain area in Neamț depends on a shared vision, active community involvement, and strong partnerships between authorities, investors, and locals.

Protecting and responsibly promoting natural and cultural heritage, along with investments in infrastructure and support for local entrepreneurs, can turn tourism into a real engine of sustainable development, bringing benefits both to residents and visitors.