The number of Moldovan tourists who went abroad through the agency of travel companies increased 3.6 times – from about 32,500 in 2000 to over 117,000 in 2010. As to Moldova as a tourist destination for foreigners, the number of entries fell two times – from 19,000 to 9,000. The statistical data were presented in a news conference, Info-Prim Neo reports. Sevastian Botnari, chairman of the National Association of Travel Agencies, said that though considerable effort has been made over time to develop this sector, tourism remains at the incipient stage of development. “The reasons for such a result are the poorly developed infrastructure, the insufficient promotion of Moldova abroad, the inadequate use of the tourist potential, the inappropriate quality of the tourist facilities and the political instability,” he stated. Sevastian Botnari also said that Turkey, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Romania, Egypt and Greece are the most popular foreign destinations chosen by the Moldovans during the last ten years. In Moldova, the most popular destinations are the complex Orheiul Vechi, the monasteries and the wineries. The experts recommended repairing the roads, improving the infrastructure, and organizing tours for foreign journalists who can promote Moldova as a tourist destination. According to specialists, tourism has been one of the fastest-growing sectors of the world economy during several decades. In 2010, the tourism industry accounted for over 9% of the global GDP.