More than 200 representatives of the world tourism industry from 60 countries are taking part in the third UN WTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism that is held in Moldova during September 5-7. The participants will be familiarized with the country’s tourism sector by trips to wineries and tasting events. The conference was opened at Mimi Castle in Bulboaca village of Anenii Noi district on September 6, IPN reports.
Attending the event, Prime Minister Pavel Filip said Moldova’s wine tourism has huge potential and its wines already became a visiting card. “When we go abroad on a visit, it is mandatory for us to also take a bottle of Moldovan wine with us, alongside the toothbrush,” he stated, noting that as the people, the wines of Moldova experienced many difficulties because the vines were cut in the Soviet period, but the sector nevertheless survived, as the people did.
“The wines went through bad patches, starting with the ban imposed by the Russian Federation in 2006. But similar to us, the wines become more powerful and better. Globally, we have the highest density of vineyards in relation to the farmland. Compared with the European countries, we rank sixth by the areas of vineyards. During the last few years, exports rose by almost 20% compared with 2016. Owing to the Free Trade Agreement with the EU, most of our exports go to the EU states,” said Pavel Filip.
Minister of Economy and Infrastructure Kiril Gaburici said Moldova should make effort to attract a large part of the global tourists as a tourist destination as Moldova has what to be proud of. The Road Wine now includes 15 wineries. Another six wineries are to be opened soon, while 17 next year. “In Moldova, the wine is good owing to the passion of those who make it as it is made with love and with the soul,” he stated.
Rodica Verbeniuc, director general of the Investment Agency of Moldova, noted that the wine tourism is a sector that witnesses the most accelerated growth and that has a beneficial impact on the economy, creation of jobs and stopping of migration. It is also a force for intercultural dialogue, social inclusion and sustainable development.
Gheorghe Arpentin, director of the National Office of Vine and Wine, said the wine industry provides the largest number of jobs in the rural areas. To attract more tourists, the National Office of Vine and Wine, together with the Government, organizes different activities, regional festivals and events in concert with wineries. An intention is to extend the National Wine Day so that this lasts for a week. Last year the main wine holiday attracted over 100,000 tourists.
UN World Tourism Organization Deputy Secretary General Jaime Cabal said the participation in this event represents clear support given to the tourism sector, while the WTO is proud to be Moldova’s partner. Wine tourism is one of the most important segments in the world and Moldova should enjoy the opportunity of diversifying tourism so as to open new destinations and to engage new interested players, alongside other countries that have potential in this sector.
USAID Moldova Mission Director Karen Hilliard said the time when Moldova could sell its wine to Russia only passed and it now can do it at a good price all over the world. “Tourism is not a game. It is an investment. USAID commits itself to help the small and medium-sized enterprises so as to make a success of this industry,” stated the official.
The UN WTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism is held in Moldova with the support of the World Tourism Organization.
