Multiple actions are taken to develop Moldova’s tourism industry, such as participation in different international forums and exhibitions centering on tourism, so as to promote the country at foreign level. But a lot is yet to be done. The persons who work in the tourism sector should be equally supported by the officials who are in charge of development of localities. The foreigners who come to Moldova and see litter or destroyed roads are demotivated. A consistent effort needs to be made to change things, the president of the Alliance of Associations of Guides Nina Belei stated in an event held on the occasion of the International Tourist Guide Day, IPN reports.
Nina Belei noted that compared with the previous years, the number of young guides is now higher and this is due to the higher number of institutions that train specialists in the field. Different training seminars and meetings are staged to help the young people realize how attractive the work of guide is. The low salary is yet what negatively influences the image of the profession.
Minister of Culture Sergiu Prodan noted that the profession of guide is an artistic one, which needs talent, expressiveness, devotion. Without such things, one cannot impress. Unlike the professions that bring information to the citizens, the guides need to bring a story. The success in tourism over 50% depends on how things are presented and explained and how that fire and that wish to return to the visited places is started in the hearts of visitors. “I assure you that the Ministry of Culture, as the central public authority responsible for this area, will continue making effort to build a unique image of the Republic of Moldova,” stated the minister.
According to John Riordan, Deputy Head of the USAID Mission to Moldova, the guides are real educators as regards the beauty and richness of the Republic of Moldova. Moldova is discovered by more people from all over the world, who want to learn about the history of this country, its wonderful sceneries and landscapes and its wine industry that becomes increasingly popular. “During over 10 years already, USAID has financed projects and programs in the tourism industry so as to strengthen and grow this. As part of our new project “Rural Competiveness and Resilience Activity”, we will focus on strengthening and stimulating rural development, sustainability and public-private partnerships throughout the value chain of this industry,” stated the representative of USAID.
As part of the event held in connection with the International Tourist Guide Day, 21 guides who achieved remarkable results and are popular in Moldova’s tourism industry were awarded.