The ethno-tourist complex “Gagauz Sofrası” is located in “the largest village in Europe” – Congaz – and represents the culture and history of the Gagauz people. This Gagauz cultural complex with traditional clay houses includes a museum, offers Gagauz national dances and music plus a diverse gastronomic experience in its traditional Gagauz restaurant. Visitors can also take part in a tasting of Gagauz wine and savor it along with cheese and Kavurma, a type of fried meat, usually mutton, common in Turkish cuisine. “Gagauz Sofrasi”, one of Moldova’s best-known tourist resorts, has increased its accommodation capacity by opening an 11-room hotel. Realized with the support of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Rural Competitiveness and Resilience in Moldova Project, this expansion offers tourists more possibilities to enjoy prolonged and unique cultural and culinary experiences inspired by Gagauz traditions and lifestyle. Situated in the heart of Gagauz Gagauzia, “Gagauz Sofrasi” attracts visitors with its authenticity, including a museum, a traditional restaurant and a wine cellar, all integrated in a picturesque rural setting. With the new investment, the complex consolidates its position as a top tourist destination, supporting the economic development of the region and promoting Gagauz cultural heritage in a sustainable way. With the opening of the new mini-hotel, “Gagauz Sofrasi” is on its way to becoming a real catalyst for tourism in Gagauzia. The expansion of the business benefits the local community through job creation, stimulates economic activity in the region and contributes to the sustainable growth of the tourism industry in Moldova. Over the past ten years, USAID has continuously and strategically supported the tourism sector in the Republic of Moldova, helping to diversify and expand the tourism hospitality infrastructure in rural areas. Over 65 rural guesthouses have been developed thanks to technical assistance and grants provided by USAID. By supporting local businesses, USAID is helping to boost the tourism industry and reduce migration, particularly in rural areas. Despite the challenges posed by the war in Ukraine, and thanks to the efforts of development partners and Moldovan authorities, the tourism sector in the Republic of Moldova has returned to the level before the COVID pandemic. In 2023, the number of tourists coming to Moldova increased by 17% to 391,500 visitors.
“Gagauz Sofrasi” unique cultural and culinary experiences
