Republic of Moldova - among fastest growing tourist destinations in Europe

The year 2025 has brought significant progress in the tourism sector of the Republic of Moldova, reflected by the increase in the number of visitors and the strengthening of the country's international visibility as a tourist destination. At the request of MOLDPRES, acting director of the National Tourism Office (NTO) Ana Sandra presented the institution's main achievements for the closing year and outlined the strategic priorities for 2026, focusing on the development of sustainable tourism, promoting authentic experiences and the digitalization of tourism services.

Significant Increase in the Number of Tourists

The year 2025 marked a clear evolution in tourism in the Republic of Moldova. From January to September, most tourist reception structures recorded notable increases. Tourists accommodated in tourist and rural pensions increased by 28.5%, and in hotels and motels by 12.8% compared to the same period of the previous year. Resident tourists spent an average of 5.6 days in the country, while non-resident tourists spent 2.9 days, indicating that visitors choose to stay longer to discover local culture and traditions.

Simultaneously, the Republic of Moldova ranked among the fastest growing tourist destinations in Europe! According to recent data published by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in the first half of 2025, the Republic of Moldova is among the Top 10 European destinations with the best performances. Compared to the pre-pandemic period (2019), our country recorded a 62% increase in international tourist arrivals, surpassing many established destinations in the region.

Constant Interest from External Markets

Most tourists accommodated were from Ukraine (34.9%), Romania (19.9%), the United States (4.9%), Germany (3.3%), and Turkey (3.2%). Other significant markets include Israel, Poland, and Italy. This diversity reflects the constant interest of foreign tourists in the authentic experiences offered by the Republic of Moldova.

International Informative Tours

The National Tourism Office (NTO) organized 8 informative tours to promote the country internationally. In February, about 30 professionals from Romania discovered attractions like Mileștii Mici and Cricova wineries, pedestrian tours in Chișinău, and monasteries in the country. In May-June, journalists and content creators from over 7 countries explored Moldova's cultural heritage and authentic landscapes. The results were visible: over 20 materials in international media and 6 materials in national media, contributing to Moldova's visibility as a tourist destination.



Launch of the Cross-Border Gastronomic Route

A strategic step was the launch of the Cross-Border Gastronomic Route Romania–Republic of Moldova. The total route exceeds 2,400 km and connects 55 cultural and gastronomic tourist attractions. The route offers tourists a complete experience of hospitality and culinary traditions, promoting the common heritage and cultural identity of both countries.

The route in the Republic of Moldova is 1506 km long, includes 25 attractions from 17 districts, and can be covered in 10 days. Among them: 7 tourist pensions, 6 traditional restaurants, 3 wineries, 3 tourist complexes, a honey-museum, a bread museum (unique in the country), an ecologically certified monastery, the only trout farm in the country, and a tourist experience center.

Objectives for 2026

For 2026, NTO aims to implement the actions from the Reform Agenda related to the Growth Plan 2025–2027 by developing six programs dedicated to the tourism industry: “Digitalization for Smart Tourism”, “Moldova – Destination of Experiences”, “Green and Sustainable Tourism”, “Skills for Future Tourism”, “Stimulating Receptor and Domestic Tourism”, and “Development of Destination Management Organizations (DMO)”.

Moreover, participation in international tourism exhibitions, organizing informative tours for agencies and media, developing national and cross-border tourist routes, and continuing Eko App for sustainable tourism project, with the support of Polish partners will continue.