Tourism in Moldova

of the 20th Tourism has often been called one of the most profitable activities and a major social phenomenon and century. It is expected that in the early 21st century the number of tourists will increase dramatically
consequently the revenues from tourism

will increase considerably. Moreover, it is widely recognized that tourism is

It
can be stated that tourism

an important factor that can contibute to the development of market-oriented economy.

statistical data is directly linked with the cultural, economic and intellectual potential of a country and the current jobs and confributes show that tourism is defined as one of the most rapidly developing industries. Tourism creates to helping transportation companies, hotels, restaurants and banks get along and make money. International tourism is growing at a fast pace and Moldova could and should become a tourist

co

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Moldova

The number of the attacts tourists all the year round from different parts of the globe by offering various attractions. places of interest' tourists visiting it has increased over the years. There is the presence in Moldova of a number of

All

popular sites' The main these popular atfiactions are thronged by people who wish to have a glimpse of these

Town of Orhei", attractions of Moldova are: Hirjeuca Monastery, Hincu Monastery, Museum Complex "Medieval Village, National History Museum of Moldova, Museum of Ethnography and Archeology, Japca Village, Tipova of Manuc Bei, Satrarna Village, Taul Parlg The Trajan Walls, Natural unity "The Hundred Knolls", The Mansion
Monument "The Candle of Gratitude", Codrii Reserve, etc. Moldova is also well-known for its rich traditions in wite making. Cultivation of the vine is one of the oldest the country. activities of the Moldovan people. Wine tours are offered to tourists in Chisinau and other towns across Vineyards/cellars include Cricovq Pwcari, Ciumai, Romanesti, Cojusna, Milestii Mici and others. Cricova's few underground cellars stretch for over 100 lsn. Spacious tasting rooms welcome tourists and visitors- There are

wine tourists to Moliova u'hohave not visited the Cricova cellars. The Moldovan govemment organises annual
festivals to promote tourism and the country's long-standing wine taditions.

Moldovan tour operators have considerable opportunity to organise joint tows with foreign tour operators from (3-5 neighbouring countries. For example, cooperation with LaWian tour operators is under way, promoting short
&dys) tours in Moldova. In addition, shorttLurs are offered to tourists travelling to Romania through Moldova.

the Given that Moldova is not a large country; short tours enable tourists to see the country during short visits on way to other desti4ations.

But still Moldova needs to improve its attractiveness as

tourist destination. Some of the negative factors

undermining development of the tourism market include poor infrastrucnue and travel accommodation, lack

of

information about Moldova, and expensive prices for travel packages for foreign tourists. From January 2007, ' Moldova established a visa-free regime for the US, Canada, Japan, Switzerland and EU countries, which should facilitate more tips by
are no

foreip tourists.

One of the main problems hindering tourism flows is air ticket prices. There

low-cost flights in Moldovq unlike the rest of Europe. Hotels in Moldova also charge high prices, while the

quallty of service on average is quite low. The coun0y needs more investment in order to be able to develop
infrastructure, businesses and support economic development.