We’ve talked enough about us…
We emphasize quality work, promote traditional products, experiences that respect the environment, and ensure that all our partners are trustworthy. We were the first to visit the places we recommend, carefully selected photos that reflect reality, and considered details that will make travelers want to return to our country.
Hola Romania started with the desire to promote Romania and all the beautiful things it has to offer. Restored old houses, craftsmen, artists, nature enthusiasts, and tradition keepers, as well as promoters of national history – we wanted to bring them together and contribute, in our own way, to the development of tourism in Romania. We aim for authentic and responsible tourism that offers travelers a wonderful experience while providing numerous benefits to the community. As travelers ourselves, eager for authenticity and adventure, we realized that when you pay attention to the locals, to those who host you, and when you respect their traditions and native places, they will open up and offer you a unique experience. They will welcome you with open arms and share stories you’ve surely never heard before. And what stories!
Hola Romania also took shape from the desire, or perhaps the stubbornness, to rebuild Romania’s image beyond existing clichés and preconceptions. Because there are many clichés. But there are even more things that can prove we have a beautiful country worth visiting, that it is as “safe” as many Western countries, and that we should be proud of what we have.
After 10 years spent in Spain, months of backpacking through Asia, traversing thousands of kilometers in charity rallies across countries ending in “…stan” and other less tourist-friendly places, and meeting people who showed him that hospitality is not about culture, education, or social status but about the quality of being human, Raul decided to return to Romania.
Why? Because he realized the beauty and potential of our often-overlooked country and wanted to contribute to promoting Romania’s image around the world. He wanted to be able to “host” other explorers like himself and show them that the hospitality here is hard to match. So, he put his marketing skills and travel experience to work for this project.
As for me, although I’ve spent the last 13 years in Bucharest, far from the Transylvanian town where I grew up, and have traveled the world whenever I had or created the opportunity, my thoughts and memories often take me back to my childhood.
To the small village on the hill where my maternal grandparents lived and where I spent most of my vacations. It was here that I first tasted bread baked on a hearth, pies, and must, saw how wool is spun, and learned how a loom is used. My grandmother taught me the meaning of kindness, gentleness, humility, and hard work, and made me appreciate Romanian values and traditions.
Something of all this has stayed with me until today, and after transitioning from the legal field to advertising, I realized it was time to do what I have always wanted to do.
We love traveling—each of us has explored over 30 countries—and we dream of seeing the whole world one day. But we’re incurable patriots and somehow… it always feels better at home. And how could it not be?! When here you find traditional products, when weaving is still practiced, when Instagram stories from the Danube Delta are unique, and when photos of the Transfăgărășan get the most likes.
Grandma still bakes bread on a hearth, even though Prince Charles hasn’t made it to her village 😉
Yes, Romania is beautiful, cool, amazing, breathtaking, but still traditional. And what tourist wouldn’t want to see all the beautiful things Romania has to offer?
We’ve talked enough about us…