Károly Szabó
Executive Director – Harghita Community Development Association
Dedicated community builder, local patriot, believer in European values. He knows that 1+1 equals 3; the team is always stronger than the individual. Over the past years, he has been involved in founding and establishing several organisations. Among them are entrepreneurial associations, IT clusters, and nature exploration groups. In the last six years, he has been leading the catalyst organisation of tourism in Harghita County. As the Tourism Director of Harghita County and the leader of the Visit Harghita team, he has seen remarkable achievements in recent years. By establishing clear destination principles and fostering collaboration within the industry, he and his team made significant strides. Their approach revolves around the ethos of thinking globally while acting locally to enhance thier brand’s visibility. They have implemented initiatives like a family-friendly rating system and meticulously planned thematic years and info-trips, showcasing their commitment to diverse and engaging experiences. Over the past decade, they have witnessed a staggering 250% increase in accommodation establishments across the county, reflecting sustained investment and growth in our region.
In the upcoming period, they will be working to elevate local tourism to a European level through gastronomy, carefully ensuring that sustainability principles are upheld.
