When authorities decided to close down the ineffective mining units in the Jiu Valley, the region recorded an economic crisis manifested through a permanent decrease in the standard of living of the community. The only viable alternative to replacing coal exploitation was considered to be the development of tourism, the area having spectacular mountain landscapes and natural resources which favored winter sports. It is admitted that tourism has a huge potential to create prosperity and to

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... e the environment where it is carried out. The extent to which the awareness of the effects (both positive and negative) the development of a sustainable tourism has upon the community and the local economy, as a whole, is absorbed correctly and completely by the natives, it is likely to generate consensus and commitment towards achieving a common goal-a rich and beautiful region with people who take pride in the places they live in, in their traditions and eager to be discovered by those who visit.