Application promoting sustainable tourism launched in Moldova

The National Tourism Office, in collaboration with national and international partners, launched the Eko App Moldova mobile application today. The initiative represents a major step in the digitalization of the tourism sector from Moldova, aiming to promote sustainable tourism, capitalize on natural and cultural heritage, and support economic development in rural areas.

The application, developed under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, is the result of a strategic cooperation between the National Tourism Office, the Human Doc Foundation, and is co-financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland through the Polish Aid program. Inspired by a successful model in Poland, Eko App Moldova provides users with an interactive platform to explore protected natural areas, ecotourism routes and local entrepreneurs' offers.

The project integrates modern technologies, such as augmented reality, in order to provide an immersive and educational experience. Users can access detailed information about local flora and fauna, view interactive maps of routes like the one in the Orheiul Vechi (Old Orhei) Cultural and Natural Reserve, and discover guesthouses, craftsmen and producers in the regions visited. An essential component of the application is its focus on accessibility, including adapted materials for people with hearing impairments through sign language interpretation.

“This project is an excellent example of modernizing the tourism industry and aligning with sustainable development principles. Eko App Moldova not only facilitates information access, but also encourages the discovery of natural treasures and local communities, contributing to the integration of the tourism potential into the national and international circuit,” Andrei Chistol, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Culture, said.

Representatives of implementation partners, including InnoVillage Moldova, the National Leader Network, the National Inbound and Domestic Tourism Association of Moldova (ANTRIM), and Infonet, who contributed to content development and ensured a close connection with beneficiaries in the territory, participated in the event.

Ana Sandra, interim director of the National Tourism Office, emphasized the educational nature of the initiative.

“Eko App Moldova is more than a digital guide. It is an educational tool that aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our heritage. Through the joint effort of all partners, we have created a bridge between technology and nature, offering both tourists and locals a new way to interact with the country's beauties,” Ana Sandra said.

One of the first pilot routes implemented within the project is Dniester’s Charm in the locality of Marcauti, Dubasari district, proving the practical applicability of the digital solution in promoting lesser-known destinations.

“We firmly believe that technology can be a catalyst for positive change. This app is a living tool that will continue to develop by adding new routes and places. Our goal was to create an intuitive platform that encourages a new way of thinking and practicing tourism, one more responsible and connected to local values,” according to the Human Doc Foundation.

The Eko App Moldova is available for free and can be downloaded by users to explore, in an innovative and sustainable way, the tourism potential of Moldova.