Published on
November 17, 2025
Moldova’s tourism industry is experiencing a remarkable surge, with inbound visitors from Romania, Italy, Turkey, and Egypt increasing by 30%, reaching a total of 65,800. This growth can be attributed to Moldova’s growing appeal as a unique travel destination, offering a blend of rich history, scenic landscapes, and vibrant cultural experiences that continue to attract international tourists from neighboring and distant countries alike.
Moldova’s travel industry continues to thrive, with a particularly notable surge in inbound tourism. While Moldovans remain frequent travelers abroad, it is the growing number of international visitors to Moldova that is making the most significant impact. This trend not only reflects the increasing global interest in Moldova as a tourist destination but also highlights the growing appeal of its rich culture, history, and unique offerings.
From January to September of the current year, statistics reveal that approximately 480.7 thousand people used the services of Moldovan travel agencies and tour operators. This marks a 6.5% increase over the same period in the previous year, indicating a steady rise in tourism-related activity. However, it is the growth in inbound tourism that stands out, as Moldova emerges as a more attractive destination for foreign tourists.
Inbound tourism in Moldova experienced an impressive growth rate of 28.8%, with 65.8 thousand international visitors coming to the country. This rise underscores the country’s increasing appeal to global travelers, many of whom are looking to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations in Europe. Interestingly, over 95% of these visitors were day-trippers, meaning they came for short visits and returned to their home countries within the day. This is not unusual for neighboring countries, with the majority of day-trippers coming from nearby Romania and Italy, both of which have strong cultural, historical, and economic ties with Moldova.
The growing number of foreign tourists visiting Moldova is a positive indicator of its rising status as an emerging European travel hub. A key statistic revealing the country’s tourism appeal is the increase in the average length of stay for international visitors. In the previous year, foreign tourists stayed an average of 3.9 days, but this figure has now risen to 4.6 days in 2025. This increase in the length of stay signifies that more tourists are taking the time to experience the diverse range of cultural and natural attractions Moldova offers. As a result, the total number of tourist-days – which measures the total time spent by all tourists – has risen by a remarkable 1.4 times compared to 2024.
Domestic tourism in Moldova has also shown positive progress, growing by 21.2%. During the same period, 78.4 thousand Moldovans traveled within the country, which reflects an increased interest in exploring local attractions. Of these domestic tourists, around 74.1% were day-trippers, highlighting the popularity of short, convenient getaways within the country. A significant portion of domestic tourism activities, approximately 40.6%, were organized by travel agencies in Chisinau, the capital city, which plays a central role in Moldova’s tourism industry.
While domestic tourism has experienced notable growth, outbound tourism – that is, Moldovans traveling abroad – remains the dominant segment, accounting for 70% of total tourism activity. However, outbound tourism has shown only modest growth, increasing by just 0.3%, which equates to a total of 336.5 thousand Moldovan citizens traveling abroad. The slight uptick in outbound tourism contrasts with the rapid growth of inbound tourism, suggesting that more and more international visitors are discovering Moldova, while Moldovans continue to prefer established vacation destinations.
Moldovans continue to favor beach destinations when traveling abroad, with Turkey remaining the most popular choice, accounting for 46.1% of outbound trips. Other favorite destinations include Bulgaria (21.7%), Egypt (11.0%), Romania (7.5%), and Greece (5.4%). Despite the slight increase in outbound tourism, the average length of stay abroad has decreased slightly from 6.4 days in 2024 to 6.1 days in 2025. This decrease in stay duration may be influenced by changing travel habits, with more Moldovans opting for shorter vacations or more budget-conscious trips abroad.
The changing dynamics in Moldova’s tourism sector are not isolated to domestic and outbound travel patterns but also reflect a broader shift in global tourism trends. Moldova’s rise as a popular destination comes at a time when many travelers are increasingly seeking alternative destinations that are less crowded and more unique compared to traditional tourist hotspots in Western Europe. Moldova’s rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and affordable travel options make it an attractive choice for tourists looking to experience a blend of history, nature, and authentic local life.
In addition to the rise in inbound tourism, Moldova’s government and tourism industry have been working together to create a more sustainable and attractive tourism sector. Investments in infrastructure, tourism marketing, and better service offerings have contributed to the country’s growth as an emerging travel destination. This forward-thinking approach, combined with Moldova’s natural and cultural assets, positions the country for continued success in the tourism sector.
According to the World Tourism Organization, Moldova has become one of Europe’s fastest-growing tourist destinations. In fact, the country has seen a 62% increase in international tourist arrivals in the first half of 2025 compared to the pre-pandemic period, surpassing many well-established destinations in the region. This remarkable growth is a testament to the increasing recognition of Moldova as an exciting and viable option for global travelers seeking something different.
Moldova’s tourism has surged by 30%, with inbound visitors from Romania, Italy, Turkey, and Egypt reaching 65,800. This growth is driven by Moldova’s rising popularity as a unique destination, offering rich cultural and historical experiences.
With the continued expansion of its tourism sector, Moldova is set to benefit from increased foreign investment, job creation, and economic growth. The growing popularity of inbound tourism also serves as an indicator that Moldova’s unique charm is captivating travelers from around the world. As the tourism industry continues to develop, it is expected that Moldova will further solidify its position as a rising star on the European tourism map. The future of Moldova’s tourism looks promising, with the country poised to attract more international visitors in the years to come.
