PHOTO // Two new tourist trails launched in south Moldova

Two tourist trails have been launched in south Moldova, as part of a pilot project aimed at diversifying the national tourism offer and capitalizing on the region’s natural heritage. The Panorama of Beleu and Camel Hill routes, developed in the Lower Prut Meadow area, highlight the landscapes around Lake Beleu and the Lower Prut Nature Reserve, offering visitors hiking, nature observation and exploration of local heritage.

“We are launching two picturesque trails that promote our natural and cultural heritage, as well as local traditions. The Prut Meadow already has a well-developed tourist offer and can provide complex services, from trails and gastronomic experiences to international-level events. We support these projects at every stage of their development,” said the acting director of the National Tourism Office, Ana Sandra.

The Panorama of Beleu trail is 5.1 km long and can be completed in about an hour and a half, offering panoramic views of the lake and the reserve. Camel Hill, 2.5 km long and with a duration of about 60 minutes, located in Valeni, reveals views of the Golden Hills and the village, combining nature with local traditions.

“Only by traveling throughout the country do you realize how beautiful it is, what impressive landscapes it has, and what strong tourism potential it presents. The Environment Ministry will continue to support such remarkable projects and to promote all our actions internationally,” said Secretary General of the Ministry of Environment Petru Tataru.

The project was carried out through the cooperation of the National Tourism Office, local authorities from Slobozia Mare and Valeni, the Cahul District Council, Moldsilva, the State Enterprise Silva-Sud Cahul, as well as development partners UNDP-GEF and the Environment Ministry.

“Moldova is very beautiful and we have a lot to show. Cahul district is rich in tourist destinations. Our problem is that many Moldovans travel abroad. We must promote local tourism and bring it closer to citizens,” noted the president of Cahul district, Pavel Groza.

In Moldova, tourism is developed through a network of topic-related routes that enhance the country’s natural, cultural and gastronomic heritage, promoting rural tourism and authentic experiences. According to the National Tourism Office, the best-known routes include the Wine Route of Moldova, the Craftsmen’s Route, the Gastronomic Route, the Wooden Churches Route, the Stephen the Great Voivode Route, the Jewish Heritage Route and the Historical Cafés Route.