Tourism must be treated as a strategic economic sector, and its development requires clear coordination mechanisms, ongoing dialogue with authorities, and stronger institutional representation. These are the main conclusions of the National Conference for the Development of Domestic Tourism and the International Forum on Tourism Skills, held in Chisinau.
The Coordinator of the National Tourism Platform, Sergiu Manea, president of the Employers’ Association of the Tourism Industry in Moldova, stated that the sector needs coordination and continuity in public policies. “The conference on May 26 showed that the tourism of the Republic of Moldova has potential, people, ideas, and partners. We now need coordination, political responsibility, funding, data, functional institutions, and a permanent dialogue between authorities and the sector. Tourism is not just about travel. Tourism is about people, communities, economy, heritage, and trust,” he declared during a press conference at IPN.
The conference participants announced that they will submit several proposals to the Government for the development of the sector. Among these are the appointment of a state secretary responsible for tourism, the creation of a dedicated working group within the Economic Council under the Prime Minister, and the drafting of a roadmap for the period 2026-2031.
Another topic addressed at the conference was the need to update the 2006 Tourism Law, considered outdated in relation to new economic realities and the process of European integration. Participants also advocated for the development of domestic tourism, tourist routes, and financing mechanisms for destinations and businesses in the field.
The President of the National Association of Business and Industrial Tourism, Svetlana Cazac, stated that the National Tourism Platform aims to consolidate a common voice of the sector. “Our goal is to unite and our strength lies in a consolidated voice of the sector and in a permanent dialogue with the authorities for concrete and visible results,” she mentioned.
The participants assert that the next step involves initiating discussions with the Government and Parliament regarding the recommendations made, as well as expanding cooperation with European partners in the context of the European Union Accession Plan and the Growth Plan for the Republic of Moldova.
Note: IPN Agency offers the right of reply to those who consider themselves targeted in the news made from the statements of the organizers of this press conference, including by facilitating the organization of another press conference under similar conditions.
