The Mamaia-Constanța Destination Management Organization (DMO) had the honor of hosting an official British delegation led by His Excellency Giles Portman, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Romania. The visit, which took place on May 20–21, is part of a series of strategic initiatives launched by the DMO Mamaia-Constanța to strengthen international relations and promote Constanța as a tourist and investment destination.
The initiative is part of the organization’s efforts to attract British tourists and investors to the destination by developing strong institutional partnerships with the embassies and chambers of commerce of countries considered target markets for tourism in Constanța.
The event was organized in partnership with the British-Romanian Chamber of Commerce (BRCC), of which OMD Mamaia-Constanța is an active member, and the Constanța Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Navigation, and Agriculture, alongside the Romanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, represented by President Mihai Daraban.
From sports and culture to the city’s iconic landmarks
The British delegation’s visit began with a special tour of the Gheorghe Hagi Football Academy, where the distinguished guests had the pleasure of meeting Romanian soccer legend Gheorghe Hagi in person.
He gave them a full tour of the complex: from the museum dedicated to his exceptional career to the trophies and achievements that have shaped the history of Romanian and European soccer.
The program continued with a cultural tour of two landmarks of Constanța’s heritage: the Art Museum and the Hypogeum Painted Tomb, sites that sparked the guests’ interest and admiration for the historical and artistic richness of this seaside city.
The evening of the first day concluded with a networking event at the Iaki Hotel, attended by representatives of local and county authorities, as well as leaders from Constanța’s business community. The event provided an informal setting for strengthening bilateral relations and exploring concrete avenues for collaboration in the fields of tourism and investment.
The casino, symbolically open to Europe
The second day of the visit was marked by a moment of great symbolic significance: the official reopening of the Constanța Casino, a true emblem of the city, which has regained its historic splendor. The event took place as part of Constanța Days 2025, an annual celebration of the history, culture, and identity of this seaside city.
After an extensive five-year restoration process, this Art Nouveau architectural gem has been reopened to the public, fully restored and ready to resume its role as a cultural and tourist landmark of the city.
The program also included a tour of Constanța’s historic center, where guests discovered the multicultural charm of the port city, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and urban vibrancy.
Constanța is solidifying its place on the international tourism map
“We are honored by this visit, which confirms that our strategy of opening up to international markets is bearing fruit. The United Kingdom is an important market for Romanian tourism, and Constanța has everything it takes to become an attractive destination for British tourists and investors. We are determined to continue this dialogue and develop sustainable partnerships for the benefit of the local community and the entire region,” said George Măndilă, President of the Mamaia-Constanța Tourism Development Organization (OMD).
The Mamaia-Constanța Tourism Board reaffirms its commitment to connecting the city with Europe’s major centers of decision-making and influence by promoting sustainable, professional tourism focused on quality and innovation.
George Măndilă
President, Mamaia-Constanța Destination Management Organization
Natalia Vrânceanu
Communication and Public Relations
omd.mamaia.constanta.comunicare@gmail.com