Books top the list: 70% of youth cultural vouchers spent on reading.
Over the past three years, more than 13,000 young people from the Republic of Moldova have benefited from the "Cultural Voucher" program. This initiative was designed to help the new generation gain access to cultural resources. In 2025 alone, over 5,000 young individuals used the vouchers to purchase books and tickets for shows, movies, or concerts.
Recent data from bookstores and distributors indicates that books are the primary choice for purchases made through the program, accounting for over 70% of total sales on average.
The most popular items purchased are school textbooks and young adult literature, particularly fantasy. This is followed by contemporary literature and personal development books.
In terms of preferences for other cultural activities, theatre performances rank second, followed by cinema screenings and concerts.
Additionally, the Government has recently approved amendments to the National Program "Cultural Voucher." These changes aim to enhance access to cultural goods and services. Notable updates include the introduction of an electronic cultural voucher and the launch of dedicated mobile platforms and applications to facilitate its use.
The cultural voucher is a non-refundable digital ticket valued at 1,000 lei, available to young people who turn 18 and possess a digital signature.
This voucher can be used for one year to purchase books or tickets for theater performances, concerts, and movies through platforms such as iTicket, Mticket, Afisha, and at partner bookstores like Librarius and Aalto.
