Tourism turns Orheiul Vechi into driver of local economy: accommodation revenues increased sixfold in recent years

Tourism has become one of the main drivers of the local economy in the commune of Trebujeni, where Orheiul Vechi Cultural-Natural Reserve is located. The share of this sector in the local economy has increased from 10% in 2019 to 40–45% in 2025, while revenues from accommodation activities have grown sixfold, according to an analysis conducted by regional and local development expert Ghenadie Ivașcenco.

The data show that approximately 110–120 people are employed in tourism and related fields, which represents about 45% of the available jobs in the commune. At the same time, the local budget has almost tripled, and around 29 million lei have been invested in public infrastructure.

According to the analysis, Orheiul Vechi is no longer just the best-known tourist destination in the Republic of Moldova, but also an example of how cultural and natural heritage can generate economic development, support local businesses, and create new opportunities for the community.

The expert notes that this evolution has also been supported by the intensive promotion of the destination at national and international level, through participation in tourism fairs, marketing campaigns, and projects carried out in partnership with public institutions and development partners.

At the same time, investments in tourism and cultural infrastructure have contributed to increasing the area’s attractiveness. In recent years, heritage sites within Orheiul Vechi Cultural-Natural Reserve have been restored and enhanced, including the medieval Tatar bath; the old historic cobblestone pavement has been uncovered; tourist routes have been developed; and access to Butuceni Promontory has been improved. In addition, three vernacular houses have been restored to preserve heritage and improve the visitor experience.

Another important factor is the cooperation between public authorities, the administration of Orheiul Vechi Cultural-Natural Reserve, tourism entrepreneurs, local producers, and development partners, a collaboration that has enabled the development of infrastructure and the diversification of the tourism offer.

For the period 2026–2030, the expert recommends retaining a larger share of tourism-generated income within the community, creating new formal jobs, fully leveraging investment funds, integrating a greater number of local businesses into the tourism circuit, and reducing demographic decline.