THE ROLE OF TOURISM IN THE STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS OF AN ECONOMIC PROFILE. CASE STUDY: BĂILE OLĂNEȘTI RESORT

Over the past few years, there has been a growing interest in building a territorially balanced economic and social development. In certain areas, developing the basic local infrastructure and improving the existing services represent an essential part of any effort to help the region achieve its growth potential and to promote its durability. Balneary potential has often facilitated the economic development of certain towns in Romania. This has definitely been the case for the Băile Olănești Resort a small town that has become famous due to its hydro-mineral potential, thus turning into an ever growing settlement, over the centuries. In order to develop balneary tourism one must have, firstly, hydro-mineral resources and, secondly, an adequate set of material resources. The economics of the Băile Olănești Resort revolve around tourism and hotel services, with an aim to attract as many tourists as possible, on the one hand and to create jobs for the local population, on the other hand.