Place Identity, Urban Tourism and Heritage Interpretation: A Case Study of Craiova, Romania

The significance and economic potential of cultural heritage tourism have been acknowledged worldwide, being at the forefront of the development strategies for many cities aiming at enhancing the tourists' experience. The paper presents a case study of recent heritage interpretation project in Craiova historical centre, one of the largest Romanian towns, followed by the results of an online survey, aimed to assess people's awareness, understanding and appreciation of the place and the past. The process of urban and cultural regeneration was initiated by the City Hall, in the early 2000, aiming at the creative capitalization of the cultural heritage to increase the attractiveness of the area and life quality for the local community, tourists and potential investors alike, by conveying a sense of place and appreciation of the town which is both historical and cultural.