Although Romania is not on the tourist map of famous destinations, it has decided to compete with Bulgaria and start attracting tourists by promoting business, Black Sea and cultural tourism, as well as spa centres.

Romania expected to attract nearly two million foreign tourists in 2007, which would be a 30 per cent increase compared to 2006 figures. Five million tourists visited Bulgaria in 2006, Bulgaria’s Dnevnik daily reported.

Romanian tourism minister Ovidiu Silaghi said that the tourism war with Bulgaria was “half-won”.

The tourism business in Romania is targeted at Germany, Austria, Italy, France, the US, Russia, Hungary, the UK and Ireland, countries, the same countries from which Bulgaria attracts tourists, Dnevnik said.

Bulgaria’s tour operators were skeptical about Romania’s ambitious plans. Foreigners were negative about Romania and it would take time to change their attitude, they said.