Moldovans plan their winter vacation. Romania and Egypt - in the top of preferences
Moldovans have already started buying tourist tickets for the winter vacation. The representatives of the agencies told Radio Moldova that, during this period, citizens opt for both the mountains and the sea, the main destinations in this regard being Romania, followed by Egypt. Tourists are also interested in cruises and exotic places such as Zanzibar and the Maldives.
Moldovans have a preference for warm destinations, often choosing to travel to Egypt, Dubai, Sri Lanka, and Zanzibar. For mountain holidays, popular choices include Romania, Bulgaria, Austria, and Italy. Among these, Romania remains the most sought-after destination, offering promotional packages priced around 200 euros for four nights with insured transport, according to Alina Cluș, a representative of a travel agency.
"Since November 1, we've seen a significant demand for summer destinations, particularly for early discounts," she noted.
The demand for holidays this year has grown considerably, attributed to the increase in direct flights from Chisinau to various countries and the availability of a wide range of promotional offers. Most reservations for winter holidays are made during the summer, when both tickets and accommodations tend to be cheaper, adds Cluș. She also highlighted a resurgence in the tourism sector following the pandemic and the onset of the war in Ukraine.
"Compared to previous years, the demand has greatly increased, as people have realized that during the season, availability is limited and prices are exceptionally high. Over the last two years, the cost of direct flights from Chisinau has risen significantly," Cluș explained.
Despite higher prices this year, many people still choose to spend their holidays abroad, thanks to ongoing promotions. Their favourite destinations continue to be Romania, Greece, and Italy. Some citizens, however, have not planned any holidays for various reasons and intend to celebrate the winter season at home with family.
"I believe that mountain trips are typical for the winter holidays. My family and I are going to Romania, where I still have relatives," one individual shared.
"Of course, I would love to go to the sea for a change, especially since it's cold here. We plan to get away to a warmer place and then return," another stated.
"I have three children, and we prefer to stay closer to home. We can only go to Bukovel. There's no need for a package tour; we can stay in a village nearby, which is more affordable," someone else explained.
"Yes, I’d like to plan something, but I can’t leave home. We will stay here, spending more time outdoors," said another person.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, in the first half of this year, approximately 141,000 Moldovan tourists travelled abroad through travel agencies, marking a 19.6% increase compared to the same period last year. The most popular destinations were Turkey, Egypt, Bulgaria, and Romania.
