The Republic of Moldova, with the support of the European Union, is implementing a comprehensive plan to modernize the tourism sector, which has already led to an increase of over 55% in the number of foreign visitors by 2024. The initiative aims to transform tourism into a pillar of the national economy through strategic investments in infrastructure, digitalization and sustainable development, with a particular focus on making the most of the country’s wine heritage, a major attraction for visitors, especially from Romania.
The Chisinau authorities, in collaboration with EU specialists, have launched the Tourism Growth Plan, a strategy to bring the sector up to modern standards. The objective is to ensure a transition towards a digitalized, sustainable and community-oriented tourism. The strategy is articulated along five key directions, including the rehabilitation of access roads to attractions, the creation of modern information centers, the installation of clear signage, the development of public facilities and the creation of online platforms to promote national destinations. According to Andrei Chistol, State Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, the European Union supports the transformation of this sector into a pillar of the country’s green and innovative economy.
The development plan goes beyond infrastructure investment to include training programs in hospitality, marketing and the creative industries, with a focus on involving young people in transforming the sector. Funded projects encourage green practices such as developing eco-tourism, protecting heritage, reducing waste and promoting local products. The first results are already visible through the opening of new tourist information centers and the creation of regional thematic routes focusing on culture, gastronomy and viticulture.
Data for 2024 confirm the positive impact of these measures. The Republic of Moldova registered 67.6 thousand foreign tourists, an increase of 55.1% compared to the previous year. Visitors from Romania accounted for 67.2% of the total, although a significant proportion of these were day-trippers. Wine tourism remains central to the tourism offer, with famous wineries such as Cricova, Mileștii Mici, Castel Mimi and Purcari becoming magnets for visitors through the authentic experiences they offer.