Moldova: From Hidden Gem to Major Destination as Tourism Numbers Soar

Published on
November 17, 2025

According to the National Statistics Bureau (NSB), Moldova’s tourism industry is growing positively: from January to September 2025, the country recorded 480,700 arrivals (visitors), representing a 6.5% increase relative to the prior year (2024). This growth is a result of the growing demand for travel to Moldova. This growth is a result of the country’s reputation as an appealing travel destination. The growth of the three major segments of tourism: inbound, outbound, and domestic, continues to expand. This is evidenced by the statistics.

The Moldova tourism infrastructure continues to develop and expand for the benefit of international guests. The most recent statistics demonstrate that Moldova is gaining the attention of tourists globally. The increasing number of foreigners, particularly those coming to Moldova through travel agencies, implies that positive and efficient promotional campaigns have been complemented by useful and efficient travel services.

Mover of the tourism industry statistics argue that 65.8 thousand foreign clients came to Moldova through travel agencies from January to September 2025. This number is an increase of 28.8% when compared to the statistics of the previous year. The statistics affirm that the growth of tourism in Moldova is due to the border growth in international tourism, specifically for Moldova. Moldova’s positive reputation in tourism extends to neighbouring countries and regions. Moldova offers rich culture, different historical sites, elaborate vineyards, and beautiful landscapes. Because of these travel offers, Moldova is a tourism destination for countries with citizens who value authentic travel.

Recently, many tourists have been eager to visit sites such as the Orheiul Vechi Monasteries, the Historical and Cultural Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the capital city, Chisinau. The expansion of the wine tourism sector has attracted a larger clientele base as well. Visitors are interested in the country’s long history of winemaking, and tourists are welcome to some of the world’s famous wineries in Moldova to partake in wine and tour tastings.

The government’s tourism initiatives have also been beneficial in promoting Gagauzia and the Codrii Forest, some of Moldova’s hidden treasures. With the promotion of the countryside, many remote areas of Moldova have also been opening to tourism. Improvements were also made in visa and travel procedures, making it more economically appealing for tourists to visit Moldova.

The Rise of Domestic Tourism

Positive developments have also occurred in the country’s domestic tourism. More gatherings of Moldovans have been documented in the in the country as well as the overall of domestic travelers. New transport options, routes, and accommodation services have been developed. Moldovans citizens the country’s varied attractions an easier in the country’s varied attractions a much easier and enjoyable experience.

The beautiful landscapes surrounding the Dniester River, the historical places of the town of Bender, and the Saharna Monastery, work together in showcasing the beauty of Moldova, and inspiring the the use of the country’s Eco and Cultural tourism. More and more, Moldovans are discovering the beauty of their country. More and more Moldovans are taking part in the country’s wine festivals, cultural events, and attending museums and historical landmarks.

Domestic tourism has always been seen as the most prominent pillar of the travel industry because of the support it lends to the local economy. To the traveller, it promotes cultural pride, and to the environment, it promotes sustainable travel practices to minimize adverse impacts. The rise in domestic tourism in Moldova indicate a growing appreciation and cultural pride for the country’s heritage and natural beauty.

Outbound tourism trends

Moldova did not experience the highest rate of growth in terms of outbound tourism, but positive trends continued to be seen. More Moldovans are traveling to European countries, especially when they are close to Moldova, like Romania, Ukraine, and Russia. Moldovans are also taking advantage of the more affordable travel options to Europe and the new, more frequent direct flights to European destinations from Moldova.

People travel out of the country due to the loss of the monopoly of activities within the country and the access to different destinations. Moldova’s economy has the potential to grow even more with increased border travel, as more and more people have moved beyond the economic constraints of the country.

The economic impacts of tourism are already felt in Moldova’s economy with the spending of foreign tourists and the creation of jobs in the hospitality, transport, and other service sectors. Increased foreign arrivals in the tourism sector have a direct impact on other sectors of the economy, as the foreign tourism $ flow into Local businesses such as Restaurants, Hotels, and Tour operators. With the investment in tourism marketing and the promotion of Moldova’s assets, the tourism sector will have an even larger share of the economy in the years to come.

The outlook for tourism in Moldova in 2026 and beyond is very positive, evidenced by the expected growth in the tourism sector, both inbound and domestic. Moldova will continue to draw in tourists from Europe and beyond, as it has an affordable travel cost, diverse cultural assets, and natural resources. With the expected tourism infrastructure in place, Moldova will also be a preferred travel destination within neighbouring countries.

Conclusion

Moldova’s tourism industry made remarkable achievements in 2025, marking increases in inbound and domestic travel and travel-related income. Moldova’s ability to attract cultural and eco tourism illustrates the country’s growing viability as a tourism destination in Eastern Europe. With tourism-related infrastructure investment continuing, the country is poised to become a competitive player in the international tourism market, offering tourists a unique and diverse travel experience. Moldova’s modern urban centers, heritage sites, and picturesque nature will make it even more popular in the years to come.