IDENTIFYING WAYS IN WHICH RURAL TOURISM CAN PRESERVE TRADITIONAL MARAMUREȘ ARCHITECTURE

Abstract

Maramureș, due to its rich cultural and natural heritage, is a well-known region in Romania for thriving rural tourism. The connection between humans and nature has always been exceptional in Maramureș, which is reflected in the existing crafts and traditions. This connection has materialized in the villages of Maramureș through the presence of traditional elements such as wooden gates, wooden churches, and wooden houses. The opinion regarding the importance of these elements varies among the local population, and significant changes in Romanian society in terms of politics, social issues, and economics in recent years pose a threat to traditional Maramureș architecture in all its aspects.

The objective of this study is to identify ways in which rural tourism can contribute to the preservation and awareness of the value of traditional architecture in Maramureș. We conducted an online survey to collect information from young people in various areas of the county. We initially analyzed the obtained results directly on the platform, and then we generated decision trees using SAS Enterprise Miner. The interpretations were made from the perspective of the characteristics identified as the most relevant, based on the perception of the younger generation regarding the analyzed subject.