Travel agencies in the Republic of Moldova served 252,000 clients in the third quarter of this year, the highest number ever recorded in a single reporting period. According to economic expert Veaceslav Ionita, 2025 is shaping up to be the best year in the history of Moldovan tourism.
The growth is driven both by the increasing interest of foreign visitors and by the rising number of Moldovans choosing to vacation within the country. Since the beginning of the year, 583,000 people have used the services of travel agencies.
Ionita notes a remarkable trend: organized domestic tourism, which for years hovered around 50,000 tourists annually, is now experiencing major expansion. This year, 187,000 people have already opted for organized domestic trips — 82,000 foreigners and 105,000 Moldovan citizens. According to the expert, the total number of domestic tourists could reach 200,000 by year’s end.
Romania remains the main source of visitors, accounting for 56% of foreign tourists. Italy ranks second with 14%, followed by Ukraine, Germany, and the United States.
The number of people staying in tourist accommodation establishments is also on the rise. Last year, 474,000 tourists were hosted; in the first nine months of this year alone, the figure has already reached 400,000, including 290,000 foreign visitors. Approximately 30% of them choose organized travel packages.
Ionita emphasizes that Moldova’s tourism potential is far from fully exploited. He believes that at least 10% of Moldovans should opt for organized domestic tourism in the coming years.