In this interview, we bring to you the knowledge of a professional with more than 10 years of experience as a manager in the public and private sectors, and current director of the water park in the city of Oradea, the largest in western Romania. This water park is part of the leisure and tourism attractions operated by a corporation that, for almost 6 years, has been the most profitable public administration corporation in the country.
Amusement Logic: How did you get into the leisure and tourism sector and what was your career path up to the general management of Aquapark Nymphaea Oradea?
Andrica Liviu: I was chosen to lead this company due to my acquired experience and specialization in the managerial profession. I came with over 10 years of experience in the private sector and several positions held in the public sector: chancellery director of the Prefect’s Institution, adviser to the mayor of Oradea.
A.L.: What is the position of Aquapark Nymphaea Oradea in the context of leisure and tourism in Romania?
Mr. Liviu: Aquapark Nymphaea is the largest aquatic complex in western Romania. The complex is among the top entertainment places in the country, being considered one of the most important projects that contributed to the development of the city.
A.L.: Tell us about the characteristics of the park.
Mr. Liviu: Spread over an area of 7 hectares, the Nymphaea Aquapark offers its customers 13 outdoor and indoor relaxation pools, a set of 10 slides, special play structures for children, tanning salon and sports fields. The area with 6 types of sauna, a pool with cold water and the relaxation area presents an increased attractiveness. Visitors can relax at the Turkish bath, where they have 5 pools with temperatures from 28º to 40º C, plus a steam room and a relaxation area. The pampering can continue in the wellness area, opting either for a relaxing massage or for a relaxing bath in the VIP jacuzzi lounges. Outside there are 5 other pools: the pool that connects to the interior, called Meridian O, the adult pool, Laguna, the children’s pool, Prichindel, the wave pool and the pool with slides. The complex was built according to the model of the water park in Budapest. We have a capacity of 2,100 seats in the summer and 1,000 seats in the cold season.
A.L.: Which of the park’s attractions are the most demanded by the public and why?
Mr. Liviu: The main attractions of the complex are the 10 slides, 6 outdoor (Lightning, Avalanche, Kamikaze, Rainbow, Cobra, Magic) and 4 indoor (Tornada, Viper, Family, Anaconda), for all age categories. All adrenaline-seeking visitors can test their limits here.
A.L.: What type of public does Aquapark Nymphaea Oradea target and what type of public does it receive?
Mr. Liviu: Since its opening, the Nymphaea Aquapark has attracted many tourists to the municipality of Oradea, increasing the occupancy rate of accommodation spaces. Therefore, most visitors are tourists from the whole country, but also from abroad, from countries such as Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Ukraine, Bulgaria etc. As for the profile of our tourists, many young people cross our threshold, attracted by the slides, many families, but also those of a more mature age who can relax at the spa area or in a shady corner, with a book on a deck chair.
A.L.: We know the company operating these facilities has been the most profitable in the public administration in Romania for almost 6 years. What is the reason for this success?
Mr. Liviu: The recipe for success consists of quality service, respect for customers, continuous improvement of facilities and hard work. Even though it looks like we’ve found the recipe for success, I think there’s always room for improvement. We want to offer the best quality service to those who come to us, which is why we care about maintaining high standards. One of the biggest achievements that has greatly improved the services is the online ticketing system, which has greatly reduced the waiting time at the entrance and the huge queues that formed especially during the summer.
A.L.: What role do you give to innovation and renovation of attractions and services?
Mr. Liviu: I believe that a place of leisure like this cannot remain attractive if some dose of added value is not permanently added to it. This is the reason why we always visit tourist attractions from other areas and try to implement locally everything that we think could contribute to the improvement of the services offered.
A.L.: What is your investment policy?
Mr. Liviu: Every year, we give a significant part of the income to maintain and improve the Aquapark facilities.
A.L.: What is the marketing and advertising strategy?
Mr. Liviu: The best marketing strategy is to create a good impression on the visitors who step on our doorstep. If they leave satisfied, they will certainly recommend our complex to others. However, we do not neglect promotion either, both in local newspapers, and especially on the website and on social networks, where we have a lot of followers.
A.L.: How do you see the future of the leisure and tourism sector in Romania?
Mr. Liviu: Romania has a huge potential for the development of tourism, many areas that could become attractive for tourists. It is a country with attractive and diversified relief areas (mountain, sea, Danube Delta, flora, fauna, etc.). Only by investing a lot to increase them, as happened in Oradea, will the tourism and leisure sector be able to succeed.
