Moldovan tourism reaches record levels in 2025
Moldovan tourism achieved its highest performance in recent years in 2025, surpassing the goals set in the Reform Agenda. The number of international tourists increased by 28.8%, while domestic tourism grew by 21.2%.
According to the Reform Agenda, we aimed to achieve a 30% increase in the number of tourists visiting the Republic of Moldova by 2026. By the end of 2025, however, we reported a 28.8% increase in foreign tourists, as emphasized by Ana Șandra, the interim director of the National Tourism Office, during the "Public Space" program on Radio Moldova.
More visitors are choosing our country due to the diversification of our tourist offerings, improvements in infrastructure, and increased international visibility.
"The local tourist offerings have changed significantly, and I am pleased to see our progress year by year, with new accommodations and attractive packages for tourists," noted Elena Stepanov, the executive director of the National Association for Inbound and Domestic Tourism, during the same program.
The number of foreign visitors to the Republic of Moldova through agencies reached 65,800, with over 95% of these visitors being day trippers. For many, Moldova served primarily as a transit country, especially for those coming from Ukraine. The authorities are working to convert these transit visitors into tourists who will stay and explore the country.
"We are also trying to cooperate with travel agencies in Ukraine to convince these tourists that there is much to see in our country," emphasized Elena Stepanov.
Field experiences highlight the differences between the pre-pandemic period and the current landscape. "We strive to engage tourists in various leisure activities," mentioned Liliana Buzilă, the owner of a guesthouse in the village of Trebujeni, Orhei district.
Most visitors to Trebujeni come from Romania, but the guesthouse also attracts guests from Poland, the Czech Republic, and this year, tourists from China.
"We are appreciated for the authenticity of our place. Our villages are hidden gems that have not yet been fully explored. Tourists have taught us to appreciate our traditions," said the owner of the guesthouse in Trebujeni.
Moreover, the Republic of Moldova's increased visibility on global platforms, including Netflix, has sparked a significant surge in visitors. Foreigners are particularly drawn to our country for its gastronomy and wine traditions, but the potential for growth is even greater and remains to be fully realized.
