Strategic marketing favour increase in number of tourists coming to Moldova - decision-makers

Chisinau, 21 February /MOLDPRES/ - The largest number of tourists with accommodation came to Moldova from Romania in 2017 (about 25 per cent), Ukraine (12 per cent) and Russia (nine per cent). These countries are followed by the USA (seven per cent), Germany (about five per cent), Italy, Turkey, with a share of four per cent and the United Kingdom, Poland, France, Israel, etc. , which have a lower percentage figure. On the whole, the number of tourists increased by about 20 per cent last year against 2016.    

“This is a relevant result, which has been maintained for the second year in a row and it is due to the fact that Moldova become visible on the international stage. In particular, it is about the summit of ministers for tourism, held in Chisinau, during which we proved possibilities and potential of the native tourism. The event attracted the attention of international media, which had a strong impact on the sector,” Director General of Moldova’s Tourism Agency Stanislav Rusu has told MOLDPRES.  

According to the official, Moldova “is no longer a touristic enigma,” and a lot of work has been carried out to this end. “Routes have been diversified, including air ones, events were organized, which are of real interest for tourists and visitors of Moldova and, at the same time, bring profit and are economically attractive for the country,” Stanislav Rusu said.   

At the same time, the head of the Tourism Agency noted that the sector can be made a success with a proper marketing. “Moldova must focus on “open air’ tourism, with tastings, gastronomic master-classes, national elements. Here, we have a big potential, or, which is undiscovered is attractive,” Rusu specified.  

“In 2018, Moldova will be the world capital of the wine tourism. This is a great honour for our country, with the right being disputed between states with an asserted name in vine growing and wine-making, such as Spain, Portugal, Chile and South Africa. This right obliges us to comply and cope with all challenges and as a result, the national tourism will benefit from this,” Stanislav Rusu added.

The executive director of the National Association for Inbound Tourism, Natalia Turcanu, said that the growths in the tourism branch were prompted by the adequate marketing, “promotions which are coherent and strategically held on source markets for foreign tourists.”  

“This increase is due also to efforts on behalf of the private sector and promotion activities backed by development partners,” Natalia Turcanu stressed.  

(Reporter L. Grubii, editor L. Alcaza)