Moldova European leader in growth of tourist arrivals in first half of 2026
Moldova recorded a 25-per cent increase in international tourist arrivals in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period of the year before. According to the latest World Tourism Barometer, published by the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), this was the largest increase recorded in Europe on the concerned period, according to the Economic Development and Digitalization Ministry (MDED).
By comparison, Greece and Ireland each reported 15-per cent growth in international tourist arrivals. Worldwide, the number of international arrivals increased by 0.4 per cent in the first six months of the year, while Europe recorded a 3-per cent increase.
“This development is also supported by national statistics. In January–June 2026, accommodation establishments of Moldova hosted 257,300 tourists, 15.8 per cent more against the same period of the last year. As many 159,600 of them were non-resident tourists, accounting for 62 per cent of the total. The largest increases in the number of accommodated tourists were recorded in hotels and motels, by 23.9 per cent; tourist and agritourist guesthouses, by 10.9 per cent; and health and wellness facilities, by 7.3 per cent,” the cited source said.
Statistics data also shows a 4.6-per cent increase in the number of overnight stays in accommodation establishments, reaching 679,900. Among the non-resident tourists accommodated in Moldova, the largest shares were represented by citizens of Ukraine and Romania, followed by the one from the United States, Italy, Germany, Turkey, Israel, Poland and the United Kingdom.
According to the MDED, the results show growing interest in Moldova as a tourist destination and highlight the importance of continuing investments in infrastructure, destination promotion and the development of new tourism products and experiences.
The authorities aim to harness the country’s tourism potential through the measures set out in the Tourism Development Programme, with the goal of enhancing Moldova’s visibility and accessibility for tourists from home and abroad.
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