The South and South-East of Transylvania is one of the most important tourist and cultural destinations in Romania. However, we believe it has not reached its full potential in capitalizing upon the richness and diversity of local heritage. Major problems facing this area are:

P1) Promoting small and independent heritage objectives, as wells as small and independent organisations and heritage sites.

There is no unified initiative to promote the value and uniqueness of local and regional potential. Promotion and recovery of heritage assets are reported at the country or counties (Sibiu, Brasov, Alba, Mures) and there is no focus on elements of regional identity (which can be found in several counties) and their connections with the European culture.

P2) Lack of public awareness on local heritage and cultural routes in Europe, especially .

The national curriculum does not include detailed information about specific regional cultural heritage and local culture. In rural areas this is amplified by the lack of access to information (for example villages do not have libraries). Also, even in urban areas, there is little promotion of cultural tourism and the concept of a European Cultural Route among the general public and especially the young people who are our future.

P3) Lack of cultural events in villages in the target area

There is a relatively large number of tourists visiting the cities of Sibiu, Sighisoara and Brasov (between 300 and 600 000 for 2008) and a very small number (up to 1000) of them visiting villages heritage sites around these cities (except the villages of Bran and Biertan).

The existing cultural offerings are very rich in the big cities (Sighisoara, Sibiu and Brasov). There is an interest in getting more of the locals in both cities and the numerous tourists present there, or in recreational areas surrounding, to discover new authentic cultural destinations and events.

In the rural settlements the situation is slightly different because the cultural offerings are very limited and sometimes completely absent. Local communities and especially young people have lost touch with the local cultural heritage, be it monuments, folklore or even culinary traditions. Lack of cultural events to highlight heritage and tradition has led to this serious situation. In this context, there is little interest in the regional and national media to report on local cultural heritage.