In a notable achievement, the Republic of Moldova secured the 9th position in the “People’s Choice” category at the prestigious CIFFT (Committee of Tourism Film Festivals) international competition. The competition, organized by the International Committee of Tourism Film Festivals with support from the World Tourism Organization and the European Commission for Tourism, recognizes outstanding videos on travel, tourist destinations, and the tourism industry.
Moldova’s entry, titled “Moldova – discover the routes of life,” presented a captivating exploration of the country’s authenticity, history, and traditions. Featuring welcoming guesthouses, picturesque vineyards, crystal-clear lakes, and archaeological sites, the videos aimed to showcase Moldova’s tourism potential.
Elena Stepanov, Executive Director of the National Association for Receptive Tourism, applauded Moldova’s success, emphasizing the global interest in the country’s scenic landscapes and authentic culture. The competition, supported by the World Tourism Organization, allowed the public to vote for Moldova’s presentation film over three weeks, contributing to the country’s recognition on the international stage.
Competing against 56 countries, Moldova proudly stood in the top 10 alongside renowned destinations such as Portugal, Peru, Cuba, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mexico, Poland, Croatia, and Spain.
Moldova’s participation in the CIFFT competition was made possible with the support of the National Association for Receptive Tourism (ANTRIM), contributing to the sustainable development of the tourism sector and enhancing Moldova’s visibility globally.
Partners supporting this initiative include the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova and the USAID Competitive and Resilient Rural Development Project in Moldova.
Sergiu Prodan, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Moldova, expressed satisfaction with Moldova’s recognition and highlighted the country’s potential to attract more visitors by showcasing its cultural heritage and unexplored landscapes.
Moldova’s tourism sector has experienced significant growth, with 4.7 million foreign visitors in 2022, generating $317 million USD, or 2.2% of Moldova’s GDP. The number of tourists increased by 110% in 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.
In celebration of World Wine Tourism Day on the second Sunday of November, Moldova, with its 10 wineries, 20 wineries with restaurants, and 40 options for wine tours and tastings, continues to offer unique experiences for tourists, supported by a network of over 150 kilometers of cycling and hiking trails.