ASSESSING THE TOURISTIC POTENTIAL VALUE IN SATU MARE (ROMANIA) AND SZABOLCS-SZATMÁR-BEREG (HUNGARY) COUNTIES

Abstract

The present paper aims to provide an assessment of the touristic potential value from the two adjoined counties of Satu Mare (Romania) and Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg (Hungary). The endeavour has pursued to create an image of the regional tourism assets, granting scores for the three major categories of resources involved (namely the natural and anthropic touristic potential, as well as the related infrastructure). Cumulatively, the scores achieved by all micro-regions give an accurate image of the existent situation in the territory. Thus, the proposed assessment framework has lead to establishing different levels of touristic attractiveness, accessibility and infrastructural development in the analysed area. Hence, the application of this quantification model has revealed that the two county seats, Satu Mare and Nyíregyháza, due to their well-preserved cultural heritage values and adapted balneary establishments, represent defining elements in creating the region’s touristic offer.