The aim of this paper was to analyze the socio-economic development of the mountain region of Bihor County by evaluating key indicators related to tourism, infrastructure and local economic activity, in order to identify patterns and opportunities for sustainable rural growth. Traditionally, this area is reliant on agriculture and forestry, whereas local communities have increasingly turned to tourism and small-scale services as pathways for economic diversification. The current study is based on secondary data for selected mountain communes in Bihor County. Key socio-economic and tourism indicators were obtained from national statistics and local administrative sources. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and comparative methods to assess development levels and identify disparities across the region. In the mountainous area of Bihor County, the communes of Bulz, Șuncuiuș, and Bratca collectively account for 61.1% of accommodation capacity, with Bulz alone representing 33.3%. This spatial distribution reflects a tourism model anchored in natural assets such as karst formations and waterfalls, underscoring the emergence of a localized tourism core within a selectively developed rural landscape. The mountain region of Bihor County reveals a concentrated pattern of tourism development, driven by natural attractions and uneven infrastructure. Socio-economic disparities persist, highlighting the need for balanced territorial planning.
CHIRILĂ et al. (2026) studied this question.