Romania is to build a theme park based on Dublin writer's Bram Stoker's Count Dracula, tourism minister Mr Matei Dan announced today. But he was tight-lipped about where exactly it will be.
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Castle Dracula in Transylvania
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"Dracula Land" is scheduled to open in the summer of 2002, he said, but its location was being kept secret "to avoid encouraging property speculators" who might want to cash in on the development.
A US company is leading construction of the park, which will cost an estimated $60 million. The project will also include a Dracula Institute with conference facilities and a library.
"This institute will allow us to maintain permanent contact with some 4,000 Dracula clubs around the world who managers hope will provide a key source of visitors", Mr Dan said.
Tourism in Romania earned $500 million dollars last year, but Mr Dan, who took office after November elections which brought in the left-leaning government of Mr Adrian Nastase, says he plans to double this amount in two years.
AFP