Moldova Tourism Booms: Ukrainians Lead the Surge
The Republic of Moldova is experiencing a surge in tourist arrivals year after year, with the majority of visitors hailing from Ukraine and Romania.
According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, overnight stays by foreign visitors skyrocketed by 62% in the first quarter (January-March) of 2024, reaching 52,000. The average length of stay for a tourist was 3.7 days.
Nicolae Olarașu, a consultant with the National Association for Incoming Tourism in the Republic of Moldova, confirms the upward trend in tourist numbers. He attributes the rise in popularity to Moldova's picturesque landscapes, delectable cuisine, and well-preserved ancestral traditions, which leave a lasting impression on visitors.
"A decade ago, tourism in Moldova was in its nascent stages," Olarașu observes. "Back then, the government did not fully recognize its potential as a significant contributor to the national economy. However, we've now achieved an average tourist stay of approximately three days. Our aim is to double this figure to maximise the time visitors spend in Moldova and leverage their spending power to bolster the country's tourism offerings."
Economic expert Veaceslav Ioniță acknowledges that Moldova's tourism sector is still in its early stages of development, with significant room for improvement to reach the level of more developed nations. Nevertheless, he emphasises the country's immense potential for tourism growth.
"There are various types of tourism, and agrotourism is one segment that has seen remarkable development in Moldova in recent years," Ioniță explains. "Interestingly, during the global pandemic's peak, when tourism worldwide took a sharp downturn, Moldova witnessed a 50% increase in agritourism accommodation capacity. We're currently experiencing a significant rise in domestic tourism, with a notable surge in the number of Moldovan citizens choosing agritourism experiences. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect is that 85-90% of these agritourists are Moldovan nationals who discovered their own country during or after the pandemic."
Nicu Știrbeț, the owner of an agrotourism establishment in the village of Văleni, Cahul district, acknowledges the challenges and rewards associated with developing a tourism business.
"My advice to anyone considering venturing into this field is to adopt a long-term perspective," Știrbeț emphasises. "The benefits of such an investment take time to materialise. While it requires consistent effort, we've managed to achieve growth thanks to the participation in various projects and programs facilitated by European and American partners who support the development of the tourism sector in Moldova."
The National Bureau of Statistics data reveals that Ukrainians make up the largest tourist demographic, accounting for roughly 40% of visitors. Romanians follow closely behind at 21%, with tourists from the United States constituting 8.8% of arrivals. Visitors from Israel and Turkey each represent 3% of Moldova's tourist base. The first quarter of 2024 also saw visits from tourists originating from Russia, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
Author: Olga Mînzat
Translation by Iurie Tataru
