Discover Moldova with #MOLDPRES: Grătiești becomes interesting destination on country's tourist map with horse riding complex

New accommodation services and tourist activities in Grătiești at Kazak Club rural tourism complex
Located only 7 km from Cricova Winery and 11 km from Ghidighici lake, the complex offers significant potential for tourism collaborations. Owner Victor Cazacu has established partnerships with farmers in the region, supplying the restaurant with eggs, meat, honey and fresh products. Kazak Club is expected to create more than 60 jobs and significantly boost the tourism potential of the Centre region.
Due to the project, Grătiești village is diversifying the tourist offer by opening a new hotel within Kazak Club complex. Supported by the USAID-funded Rural Competitiveness and Resilience Activity, the expansion improves the tourism infrastructure and brings new recreational activities for visitors.
Tourist complex, already known for its equestrian activities is now expanding its capacity
The tourist complex, already known for its equestrian activities is now expanding its accommodation capacity by 21 rooms. In addition, it offers a variety of activities for nature and adventure lovers, including introductory riding lessons, horse shows and competitions and fishing on the nearby pond. 
Asked by MOLDPRES, Victor Cazacu explained that KAZAC CLUB combines the traditional hospitality of the agro-pension with unique interactive activities, offering authentic experience, being an unmissable opportunity to connect with nature, enjoy adventure and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
Victor Cazacu: Our project started in 2020, from my passion for horses, and so I decided to set up a club dedicated to equestrianism. We managed to open a modern complex, offering a wide range of services for the visitors of Kazak Club. I would like to thank the USAID project for the financial support that has enabled the equipping of our hotel.
Support of USAID Rural Competitiveness and Resilience Activity in Moldova
Covering an area of about 5.5 hectares, the complex hosts exhibitions of local craftsmen and artisans. It also has a plum orchard, which allows the complex to develop a different gastronomic component by offering visitors fresh, dried plums, various plum-based desserts and drinks, as well as services such as seasonal plum picking.
Andrew Segars, USAID Senior Advisor: 
We want rural areas to become real engines of economic growth and Moldova's tourism sector to be sustainable, innovative and competitive. Over the past 10 years, USAID has strategically supported the tourism sector in Moldova, facilitating the diversification of tourism products, the expansion of hospitality infrastructure in rural areas, and the development of more than 65 rural guesthouses and hospitality facilities. Moldova has great tourism potential, which is why I encourage Moldovans to travel more and discover the beautiful places in the country.
Moldovan tourism sector supported to manage regional challenges
The Rural Competitiveness and Resilience Activity supports the tourism sector in the Republic of Moldova to manage regional challenges, become resilient and sustainable.
Andrei Chistol, State Secretary of Ministry of Culture: 
The main goal of this project, as well as other projects that we support together with development partners, is to back and develop the Republic of Moldova as a tourist destination. It is important to provide opportunities for rural and small urban businesses to become key tourist attractions and to promote these destinations. The model we have seen here, combining accommodation, horse riding and local experiences, is an example of diversification of the tourism offer and should be encouraged and promoted further.
Kazak Club has two restaurants, a hotel with 21 rooms, a conference hall, a mansion and a racecourse with eight horses. It has a total capacity to accommodate over 200 people.
Over the past ten years, USAID has strategically supported the overall growth of the tourism sector in the Republic of Moldova, including the development of diversified tourism products and the expansion of tourist hospitality infrastructure in rural areas. More than 65 rural guesthouses and hospitality establishments have been developed thanks to USAID Moldova technical assistance and grants.
 
Reporter: Lilia Grubîi
Photo: Mihai Vengher