Holiday vouchers in Moldova: Just 42 issued in three months
Holiday vouchers worth up to 8,700 lei annually see low demand in Moldova, with only 42 issued between July and September 2026, despite 34 participating tourism providers.
According to the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization (MDED), the vouchers are intended for employees in the private sector; however, their provision is optional and rests on the employer's decision.
The program was created to encourage domestic tourism and to support guesthouses and tourism-related businesses in rural areas.
To date, a national operator was selected, a digital platform for managing the vouchers was developed, and 34 tourism establishments have joined the program.
Regarding the actual utilization of the program, 42 holiday vouchers were issued during the period from July to September 2026.
Employers decide whether to offer holiday vouchers
To benefit from this support, employees must verify whether their employer participates in the program and under what conditions the vouchers are granted. They may be provided in electronic or paper format, but companies are under no obligation to offer them.
"It is important to note that providing these vouchers is optional and is a decision made by the employer; it is not a legal obligation," stated Diana Țuțu, Head of the Information, Media Communication, and Protocol Service at the MDED, speaking to Teleradio-Moldova.
The vouchers may be used exclusively at tourism establishments affiliated with the program in rural areas of the Republic of Moldova.
They can cover the cost of tourism packages, which must—at a minimum—include accommodation and at least one additional service, such as meals, transportation, excursions, or leisure activities. The vouchers' value is exempt from income tax, social security contributions, and health insurance premiums.
The authorities explain the low number of vouchers issued by noting that the program is still in its initial implementation phase.
In 2026, efforts focused primarily on developing digital and institutional infrastructure and expanding the network of tourism establishments that accept the vouchers.
The Ministry states that the next phase aims to attract more private companies and guesthouses to the program, ensuring the benefit is used more widely.
At the same time, the authorities seek to encourage travel outside the peak tourist season, when demand for accommodation services is lower.
Through this mechanism, a portion of the expenses incurred by employers for employee benefits is intended to flow directly to tourism businesses in the Republic of Moldova.
