Published on
November 21, 2025
In 2025, the tourism sector in Moldova has achieved record growth, driven by significant contributions from foreign visitors, especially from the US, Romania, Germany, and Ukraine. This collaboration has not only led to a surge in the number of tourists but also significantly expanded Moldova’s appeal to international travelers. The rise in arrivals from these countries highlights Moldova’s growing reputation as a must-visit destination in Eastern Europe. With increased interest from these key markets, Moldova is solidifying its place as a popular and vibrant tourism destination, offering new opportunities for both local businesses and international visitors.
Moldova has seen impressive growth in its tourism sector in 2025, with the total number of visitors to the country increasing by 9.6% in the first nine months. This rise has brought the number of tourists staying in Moldova’s accommodations to 400,000, a promising indicator of the country’s emerging role as a popular travel destination in Eastern Europe. The uptick reflects a broader trend of increasing interest from both foreign and domestic visitors, highlighting Moldova’s appeal to diverse traveler profiles.
The bulk of Moldova’s foreign visitors came from neighbouring Ukraine, which accounted for nearly 35% of the total foreign tourist arrivals. Romania, Moldova’s close neighbour, contributed the second-largest share at 19.9%. The United States and Germany also saw notable representation, with US visitors making up 4.9% and German tourists 3.3% of the total foreign arrivals. These figures demonstrate Moldova’s growing attractiveness as a regional hub, with an increasing share of international visitors from beyond Eastern Europe.
When looking at overall foreign tourism, Moldova has seen an impressive 12.4% increase in the number of international visitors compared to the same period in 2024. This year-on-year growth reflects the country’s increasing reputation as a destination for those seeking culture, history, and scenic beauty. As tourism continues to climb, Moldova is positioning itself as an appealing choice for travelers from both neighbouring countries and far-flung locations.
The growth in tourist arrivals is mirrored by an increase in overnight stays. In total, tourists booked 1.28 million nights in Moldova from January to September 2025, representing a 4.9% rise compared to the same period last year. Foreign tourists contributed significantly to this figure, with 412,700 overnight stays, marking a 13% increase year-on-year. This growth in overnight bookings signals that visitors are not only choosing Moldova as a destination, but are also taking time to immerse themselves in its offerings, thereby contributing to the local economy.
Examining the average length of stay reveals interesting insights into the habits of both domestic and international tourists. Moldovan visitors to their own country stayed an average of 5.6 days in accommodation, whereas foreign tourists stayed for an average of 2.9 days. This suggests that while Moldova continues to attract an increasing number of international visitors, locals are spending more time exploring the country’s hidden gems and cultural offerings. The disparity also reflects a pattern where foreign tourists may be using Moldova as a stopover or a short-term cultural getaway, while local travelers are taking extended stays to explore more of the country.
Ukraine’s dominance as the leading source of foreign tourists is unsurprising, considering the historical ties and geographical proximity between the two nations. Romania’s strong presence in Moldova’s tourism numbers is similarly expected, given the shared cultural and linguistic heritage. However, the increasing representation of tourists from the United States and Germany suggests that Moldova is expanding its appeal to a broader, more international audience. This diversification of source markets is helping to raise Moldova’s profile on the global tourism map.
The growth in tourism is also benefiting Moldova’s hospitality sector, with hotels, restaurants, and local tour operators seeing a boost from the influx of international guests. The rising demand for accommodations, particularly from foreign visitors, is encouraging the development of more tourism infrastructure. This, in turn, will create further opportunities for businesses to thrive in Moldova’s expanding tourism economy. With greater numbers of visitors staying longer, the hospitality sector is positioned for continued growth.
Looking to the future, Moldova’s tourism sector is expected to maintain its upward trajectory. As the number of international visitors continues to increase and the average length of stay rises, Moldova is poised to solidify its place as a leading destination for both regional and global travelers. The government’s ongoing focus on enhancing the tourism infrastructure and promoting the country’s cultural and natural attractions is expected to support further growth in the coming years.
In 2025, Moldova’s tourism reached record growth, fueled by a surge in visitors from the US, Romania, Germany, and Ukraine, significantly expanding the country’s appeal to foreign travelers.
In conclusion, Moldova’s tourism sector in 2025 is thriving, with notable increases in both the number of visitors and the length of their stays. The rise in foreign arrivals, particularly from Ukraine, Romania, the United States, and Germany, highlights Moldova’s growing prominence on the international tourism stage. As the country continues to develop its tourism offerings and infrastructure, Moldova is set to become an even more attractive destination for travelers from around the world. This growth promises to contribute significantly to the country’s economy, making tourism a key driver for Moldova’s future development.
