Romania's competitive advantages were showcased on Wednesday during a special event in Barcelona, attended by representatives of Spain's tourism industry, entrepreneurs interested in exploring new collaboration opportunities with Romania's tourism sector, as well as influencers and journalists, the Ministry of Economy, Digital transformation, Entrepreneurship and Tourism (MEDAT) said in a release.
The event titled "Rumania - El secreto mejor guardado de Europa para viajes únicos" (Romania - Europe's Best-Kept Secret for Unique Travel Experiences), was organized by the Ministry of Economy in partnership with the Consulate General of Romania in Barcelona. It was opened by Secretary of State for Tourism Laurentiu Gidei and Consul General Sandra Gatejeanu, in the presence of special guests including British filmmaker Charlie Ottley and actor Darko Peric, known for his role as Helsinki in the series La Casa de Papel.
The program featured an exclusive screening of Wild Carpathia & Flavours of Romania, a musical performance by composer Mihai Toma, a tasting of traditional Romanian products offered by Visit Timis (a partner of the event), and a networking session.
Secretary of State Laurentiu Gidei highlighted Romania's competitive advantages and emphasized the safety, authenticity, and spectacular nature of the destination.
"Romania shines through its immense potential, its natural beauty, and the opportunities that can bring extraordinary economic benefits to our country. Our offer is extremely diverse - from the Black Sea coast to impressive mountain ranges, wild nature, traditional villages, and a unique ecosystem in Europe: the Danube Delta. Romania offers landscapes, experiences, and authentic stories that few countries can provide in one place. It deserves to be seen, discovered, and appreciated," said Laurentiu Gidei.
In her turn, Sandra Gatejeanu, Consul General of Romania in Barcelona, emphasized the accessibility and cultural diversity of the destination:
"Romania is an accessible, safe, and complete destination - perfect for both cultural getaways and longer journeys. There are numerous direct routes between Spain and Romanian cities, with flexible schedules and attractive fares. Visitors discover vibrant historic cities, excellent cuisine, a welcoming community, and many pleasant surprises," the diplomat said.
One of the evening's highlights was the presentation delivered by British filmmaker Charlie Ottley, producer of Wild Carpathia and Flavours of Romania. He recalled the impact of his projects dedicated to Romania and the special connection of the former Prince of Wales - now King Charles III - with the country.
When I made Wild Carpathia, I was joined by the current King of the United Kingdom, who spoke passionately about Romania and about his ability to trace his roots back to Vlad Tepes. That story quickly spread around the world and greatly boosted the visibility of our films. Romania undoubtedly has the greatest biodiversity in Europe. As a Tolkien enthusiast, I can say the landscapes I discovered here perfectly match the criteria for a fantasy world - if Peter Jackson had visited Romania before filming Lord of the Rings, perhaps he wouldn't have chosen New Zealand, said Ottley.
Actor Darko Peric also shared an emotional message about his deep personal connection to Romania.
For me, Romania is that special place. I come every year - I have family and friends all over the country! It's an extraordinarily authentic country, perhaps too little known in Europe. Anyone who visits Romania discovers something different: authentic villages, incredibly hospitable people, and places that stay with you. I tell everyone: don't stop in the big cities - go to the small communities, the mountains, Maramures, along the Danube. That's where the real Romania is, Peric said.
Marian Vaduva, representative of MEDAT's Marketing and Representation Service and coordinator of the event, emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative for strengthening Romania's tourism image on the Spanish market:
"This event played a strategic role in promoting Romania as an authentic and competitive destination in a market we consider a priority. Bringing together actors from the Romanian and Spanish tourism industries in a professional yet inspirational setting creates a solid foundation for new collaborations, projects, and investments. We want Romania to be increasingly present in the preferences of Spanish tourists, and initiatives like this directly contribute to enhancing our visibility," said Vaduva.
The event "Rumania - El secreto mejor guardado de Europa para viajes únicos" was organized in conjunction with Romania's participation in IBTM World 2025, one of the most important trade fairs dedicated to the MICE industry (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), where MEDAT is promoting Romania as a destination with a national stand.
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