Study on the Potential of Winetourism in Alba County

Abstract The present paper addresses an analysis of the economic, touristic and gastronomic evolution of the county starting from the period before the 1990s until 2016. Initially, the economic growth of Alba County started with its industry, especially the chemical, wood processing, machine building, and food industry, but also with mining. Afterwards, there was a period of economic decline, thereafter the industry in this area started to relaunch, however, below the 1990s level. The results of the study show the existence of many tourist attractions with great potential for growth and it also present the economic growth potential of Sebes, Cugir, Blaj, Alba Iulia, Rosia Montana, Zlatna, Ocna Mures, Arieseni and Aiud. The conclusions of the study highlight the need identified at county level, namely the necessity to turn into account the wine route by expanding accommodation capacities, taking advantage of the touristic objectives, developing the infrastructure and tailoring the offers