Tourism in Moldova on the rise
The Republic of Moldova is increasingly becoming a popular tourist destination. Visitors come to our country to explore a new location or based on recommendations from friends and family.
Corina Erșov, a tour guide, reports that tourist interest in the Republic of Moldova has increased significantly over the past two years. The country is now being visited not only by neighbouring countries but also by travellers from far-off places around the world.
“I am often fascinated to discover the diverse destinations from which people come specifically to see the Republic of Moldova. I'm talking about countries like Chile, New Zealand, and Australia—places from which we didn’t see visitors before. This is a first for me in the 12 years I've been involved in tourism,” said Corina Erșov during an interview with Daniela Gherman on the “Zi de Zi” show on Radio Moldova.
The primary reason that tourists choose to visit the Republic of Moldova is word-of-mouth recommendations from friends. Travellers from various regions are in search of authenticity, and the Republic of Moldova provides that unique experience.
“People seek destinations where they can find peace of mind, enjoy picturesque scenery, and experience warm hospitality, and that is exactly what the Republic of Moldova offers,” said the guide.
Another reason visitors come to our country is quite simple: to check it off their list of visited countries.
“I’ve had many tourists tell me, «I have seen all the countries in Europe, and then I looked at the map and realized I missed something.» Moldova is right next to Ukraine, so they decided to visit and add it to their list,” added Corina Erșov.
Once tourists arrive in the Republic of Moldova, their top expectations include tasting good wine and appreciating the natural beauty. However, due to the previous stereotype of being Europe's poorest country, some travellers arrive with low expectations, though this doesn’t last long.
“Everything they discover here delights and fascinates them, and they leave much more impressed by what they've seen than they were when they first arrived,” the guide said.
Tourists are encouraged to participate in national cuisine workshops, ride bicycles to explore the fields and hills of the Republic of Moldova, and discover unexplored places to create personalized experiences.
Corina Erșov emphasized, "Very often, groups come for three to four days and want to combine several types of experiences. Local operators have prepared well-thought-out packages. In a single day, tourists can engage in various activities and see a lot of what the region has to offer."
For those visiting the city, museums are a must-see for any visitor, with the Ethnographic Museum serving as the capital's signature attraction. Corina Erșov noted, "There is an electronic guide that allows visitors to listen to the history and description of everything they can see in the Ethnographic Museum in seven languages, including sign language."
In terms of budget, daily expenses range from 70 to 400 euros, depending on accommodation and activities. "Previously, the Republic of Moldova was considered a very cheap destination; however, in recent years, prices have increased. From my observations, tourists spend an average of 70 to 400 euros per day, which includes accommodation, winery visits, dining, and other activities," Erșov explained.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (BNS), between January and March 2026, tourist accommodation facilities hosted 68,600 foreign visitors. The average length of stay for tourists is between two and seven days.
