CONVEYING THE PERCEIVED URBAN SAFETY GEOGRAPHY OF A SMALL TOWN FROM LOCALS TOWARDS THE TOURISTS: EXPERIENCE AND DESTINATION DISCOURSE IN SIGHETU MARMAȚIEI (ROMANIA)

This study explores the geography of the perceived safety in Sighetu Marmației, Romania, a key cross-border hub in the Maramures tourist region, particularly impacted by the ongoing conflict in the neighboring country. As interactions between locals and tourists significantly influence the tourist experience, the research examines how local perceptions of safety shape tourist behavior and the destination’s image. Utilizing a multidimensional approach, the study considers socio-demographic factors, neighborhood conditions, and embedded past experiences to analyze the perceived safety. Data collection involved mapping 35 strategically chosen points within a pedestrian city tour that links various tourist attractions. The research design is based on a qualitative analysis tool with the features of a short, structured human-operated interview. The visualization and mapping process is based on spatial analysis. It is argued that positive perceptions of safety, rooted in cognitive, emotional, and behavioral dimensions, contribute to the overall safety ratings, guiding tourists in their movement and decisions. The findings underscore the critical role of local insights in shaping the safety narrative of the destination, with implications for destination marketing strategies aimed at mitigating the negative impact of external conflicts on tourism development. The data retrieving tool is most effective when applied to small or medium-sized cities, where the city structure and the spatial distribution of institutions and services are common knowledge and allow the locals to express an informed opinion on each point throughout the process. Throughout the spatial analysis results show a good overall level of perceived safety. Discussions focus on the generally perceived safety map of Sighetu Marmatiei municipality, combined with map layers exhibiting detailed insights based on gender, age group, and frequent users of the space highlighted several specific points that need to be addressed. While evaluating the perceived safety of the designated points, the locals formulated advice for tourists along the pedestrian route. The resulting heatmaps, pseudo-relief maps, and other operational representations are specifically tailored for the tourism and urban planning domain. These results will serve as a decision-making tool for the tourism and local safety stakeholders – including the destination management organization (DMO Maramures), as well as the national and border police, to implement communication strategies on safety and labeling.