The number of foreign visitors served by travel agencies and tour operators in the Republic of Moldova increased by 28.5% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, reaching approximately 39,000 people, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics. During the same period, total revenues of travel agencies reached nearly 1.9 billion MDL, up by over 9%.
Of the total of roughly 39,000 foreign visitors, approximately 35,000 were excursionists and 4,000 were tourists, with the primary countries of origin being Romania, Italy, and Spain. Recreational purposes accounted for 97% of trips, while business tourism rose by 18%, and medical tourism increased by 15%. Domestic tourism recorded a growth of over 11%, totaling 50,000 beneficiaries (11,000 tourists and 39,000 excursionists) and revenues of 97.2 million MDL. In contrast, the number of Moldovan citizens traveling abroad via agencies decreased by more than 3% to 142,000 people, with the top destinations being Turkey (36%), Egypt (19.8%), Bulgaria (13.7%), Romania (12%), and Greece (4.7%). In total, Moldovan tour operators served 230,000 people (+1%), with outbound travel generating 1.76 billion MDL, and services for foreign visitors generating 43.9 million MDL.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did inbound tourism in the Republic of Moldova grow?
The number of foreign visitors served by travel agencies increased by 28.5% in the first half of 2026, reaching approximately 39,000 people.
Which countries generated the most foreign visitors to Moldova?
The main source countries for foreign visitors were Romania, Italy, and Spain.
What were the top destinations for Moldovan outbound tourists?
The leading outbound destinations were Turkey (36%), Egypt (19.8%), Bulgaria (13.7%), Romania (12%), and Greece (4.7%).