FERM 2025 | Carmen BOICIUC (Manager of the Piatra Neamț Destination Management Organization): “Piatra Neamț is the place where history, nature, and modern energy come together to create a memorable tourism experience.”
100 economic opportunities for the development of the Moldova Region on the A7 Highway route
REGIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM MOLDOVA 2025
19th Edition – Vatra Dornei, 9–13 July 2025
Thematic Panel:
Tourism and Destination Development in the Moldova Region
Speaker:
Carmen Boiciuc – Manager, Piatra Neamț DMO
Topic of intervention:
“Structuring Tourism Offers Around Local Accommodation and Events”
During Panel 7 – Tourism and Destination Development in the Moldova Region, Carmen Boiciuc, Manager of the Piatra Neamț Destination Management Organization (DMO), presented an integrated tourism promotion strategy emphasizing the alignment of accommodations with local events. Her presentation was accompanied by a video that captured the audience’s attention and invited them to discover the “heart of Ținutul Neamț”.
Piatra Neamț – Between Cultural Heritage and Modern Energy
Carmen Boiciuc’s intervention began with the screening of a promotional video designed to immerse the audience in the unmistakable atmosphere of Piatra Neamț – a place “where tranquility speaks to you”, surrounded by nature, rich in history, and full of authentic stories.
“From my point of view, the most beautiful city in the world is Piatra Neamț. And I am not the only one who believes this,” emphasized Carmen Boiciuc.
The video highlighted the defining elements of the destination: Cucuteni culture – considered the oldest culture in Europe, Stephen the Great’s princely court, the oldest wooden synagogue in Romania, as well as landscapes harmoniously combining the mountains, Bistrița River, and protected natural areas.
Piatra Neamț DMO – Public-Private Partnership for Tourism Development
Established in 2023, the Piatra Neamț Destination Management Organization (DMO) aims to increase tourist arrivals and overnight stays, develop the destination coherently, and actively involve local tourism stakeholders. Its structure includes 29 members: Piatra Neamț City Hall and 28 private members from the HoReCa and leisure sectors.
“We have succeeded in boosting the city’s online visibility, with our Facebook page reaching approximately 15,000 followers. This digital exposure brought prestigious collaborations, such as the filming by Charlie Ottley for the new season of Flavors of Romania, which will air on Netflix in the fall,” said Carmen Boiciuc.
Distinctive Events and Tourism Products
Piatra Neamț DMO consistently carries out initiatives impacting destination promotion, such as International Guide Day, an event that gathered 115 guides and media representatives, invited to explore and discover the city’s tourism potential. Additionally, the organization modernized the city’s official app, available in English as well, providing tourists with updated information about attractions, routes, and activities.
Among innovative projects is “Piatra Tour”, a concept that includes four free thematic routes:
- pedestrian tour in the city center;
- route to Cozla Massif, combining hiking with the presentation of historical and natural elements;
- visits to historical houses, complemented by stories about personalities who shaped the city’s evolution;
- tour along Bistrița Valley, blending natural beauty with local legends.
“These tours are our way of showing visitors how beautiful the city is and how proud we are of it. We are ambassadors of a lively mountain city,” emphasized Carmen Boiciuc.
Tourism with Personality: “Carmen in Heels”
During a more relaxed moment of the presentation, Carmen Boiciuc shared a personal project turned distinctive brand – “Carmen in Heels”. The concept involves guided tours… in heels, conducted both through the city streets and along routes ascending Cozla Massif.
“I am the only guide in the world conducting tours in heels. I assure you a memorable experience full of captivating stories and legends, with my presence adding originality to your walk through Piatra Neamț,” stated Carmen Boiciuc.
International Outreach and Funding Sources
Piatra Neamț enjoys a diverse tourist flow, with visitors coming from numerous countries. The largest share comes from France, Spain, and Israel, mainly attracted by the historical and cultural value of the local synagogue – the oldest wooden synagogue in Romania and a significant landmark for the Jewish community.
Funding for the Piatra Neamț DMO comes from three main sources:
- Tourist tax – 5 RON/night, collected by accommodation units and transferred to the organization via City Hall, according to the law;
- Membership fees – set annually;
- City Hall contributions – allocated for tourism promotion activities.
Additionally, Piatra Neamț DMO submitted projects for European funding, currently under evaluation, aimed at supporting the development and diversification of the local tourism offer.
Conclusion: Piatra Neamț – An Open Invitation to Discover
The presentation by Carmen Boiciuc portrayed a city that successfully combines cultural and historical heritage with the vitality of a modern destination. Piatra Neamț stands out as a regional tourism hub, offering visitors authentic experiences, dynamic events, and innovative tourism products.
Through DMO initiatives, community involvement, and the diversity of offerings, the city strengthens its position on the Romanian and international tourism map. Whether through spectacular natural attractions, cultural events, or unique tourism projects, Piatra Neamț presents itself as a destination capable of inspiring, delighting, and creating lasting memories.
