Harnessing tourist reviews of natural attractions to foster sustainable development in Brașov, Romania

Abstract

Introduction

Tourism is one of the most dynamic economic sectors worldwide, and mountain- and nature-based destinations play an increasingly important role in attracting visitors (World Tourism Organization, 2022). Brașov County, ranked third in Romania in terms of green-space area, encompasses over 1,365 hectares of green spaces, including forests, natural parks, and protected areas, that form the main pillars of its tourist appeal.

Natural attractions are threatened by overuse and poor planning, requiring a balance between economic growth and conservation to protect ecosystemsand communities (Brundtland Commission, 1987). Managing tourist activities and promoting low-impact alternatives is essential, as nature-based tourism can lead to habitat degradation, roadkill, and wildlife disturbance (Wolf et al., 2019). Highly attractive sites are especially vulnerable, with pressure reducing visitor satisfaction over time and potentially causing environmental decline (Barros et al., 2015; Wolf et al., 2019).

Harmonizing economic goals, such as increasing accommodation capacity and tourist arrivals, with resource preservation requires careful planning and participatory governance. Key elements include assessing attractions, defining protected areas, and fostering collaboration among authorities, operators, and communities (UNWTO & UNEP, 2005). At the European level, frameworks like Agenda 21 and Natura 2000 guide sustainability integration in regional development.

Nevertheless, it remains difficult to quantify how visitors’ perceptions of natural attractions—as reflected in online reviews—translate into concrete outcomes for tourism infrastructure and visitor flows. Literature in this area has not explored the relationship between review-based indicators (ratings and review frequency) and accommodation capacity or tourist arrival variations within a given geographic area.

This study investigates the relationship between online review metrics (ratings and volume) of natural attractions and their impact on accommodation development and tourist flows in Brașov County, Romania, aiming to understand how digital engagement influences sustainable tourism planning.