The opportunity to promote local products and share the region’s beauty continues this year as members of the “Inima Nistrului” tourism micro-cluster participate in August with local products at the Hodina festival, now in its fourth edition, in the village of Pohrebea, Dubăsari district.
Pohrebea village has benefited from support from the UNDP and partners since 2015, and over the past few years, more than 30 entrepreneurs from the Criuleni-Dubăsari region have launched and modernized tourism and gastronomy businesses, contributing to the expansion of accommodation offers and the diversification of services available in the area.
The micro-cluster was officially institutionalized on September 27, 2023, when key actors in the region signed the Memorandum Agreement for the creation of the cluster, elected governing bodies, and approved the development roadmap for a three-year period. Within the micro-cluster, cooperation is ensured among 52 public and private entities directly or indirectly involved in the rural tourism sector: 38 economic agents involved in rural tourism, six local public administrations, three research and education entities, and five associative entities.
The economic profile of the “Inima Nistrului” micro-cluster offers a complex analysis of its members’ business activities and the challenges that should be addressed to increase the region’s competitiveness. The analysis also provides perspectives on the proposed development strategy and investment opportunities derived from partnerships with local and national authorities, the academic environment, and companies from other regions specialized in rural tourism.
The development vision for the micro-cluster involves transforming it into Moldova’s primary rural tourism destination by 2035, offering a diversified range of high-quality services, with the goal of attracting at least 200,000 visiting tourists per year. To achieve this vision, the micro-cluster is set to attract at least 100 involved businesses, including at least 30 guesthouses, at least five restaurants, 10 fast-food units, a selection of at least 20 distinct entertainment services for tourists, and over 30 providers of high-quality agri-food products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of the “Inima Nistrului” micro-cluster?
The main objective is to become Moldova’s leading rural tourism destination by 2035, aiming to attract 200,000 visitors annually.
How many entities are currently involved in this partnership?
The cluster consists of 52 entities, including 38 private businesses, 6 local administrations, 3 educational institutions, and 5 associations.
What kind of business growth is expected within the cluster?
The vision targets the integration of 100 businesses, specifically at least 30 guesthouses, 5 restaurants, and 20 distinct entertainment services.