Moldova Invest in dialogue with Valentin CEBAN, Director of the National Tourism Office of the Republic of MOLDOVA

The National Tourism Office of the Republic of Moldova, established on August 2, 2023, is an autonomous body that implements policies and regulations developed by the central authority in the field, the Ministry of Culture.

The Office supports tourism development, provides services and assistance to the sector, and carries out promotional and marketing activities to increase tourism revenue. The necessity for the establishment of this Office arose in the context where the Republic of Moldova is the only country in Central and Southeast Europe without a national institution responsible for implementing tourism policies, despite representing a fi eld with enormous potential for investment and development.

Valentin Ceban, the Interim Director of the National Tourism Offi ce, provided us with the necessary information to understand the mission, objectives, and strategies of this institution in promoting tourism in the Republic of Moldova. This interview addresses relevant topics related to the establishment, responsibilities, objectives set for 2024, budget structure, and action directions of the National Tourism Office.

What does the National Tourism Office of the Republic of Moldova represent?

The National Tourism Offi ce of the Republic of Moldova represents the public institution under the Ministry of Culture, tasked with coordinating and organizing activities aimed at developing and promoting inbound and domestic tourism, in accordance with strategies and programs approved by the Government.

When was the National Tourism Offi ce of the Republic of Moldova established and what are its responsibilities?

The National Tourism Office of the Republic of Moldova was established on August 2, 2023, and registered with the Public Services Agency on October 13, 2023. Some of its core responsibilities include:

• Efficient implementation of state programs and projects in the field of activity;
• Organization of educational activities in collaboration with professional associations in the tourism industry, educational institutions, as well as projects, training sessions, workshops, roundtable discussions, conferences, competitions, galas, festivals and specialized schools that support and promote the inbound and domestic tourism industry, contributing to the development of human capital and skills in the field;
• International cooperation in the fi eld of tourism, including with the diplomatic missions of the Republic of Moldova and foreign missions accredited in the Republic of Moldova, as well as providing them with necessary information for promoting and developing inbound and domestic tourism;
• Contributing to the education and capacity building of economic agents in the tourism sector;
• Attracting and implementing projects and programs fi nanced with support from development partners aimed at promoting tourism;
• Developing and strengthening tourist destinations and destination management organizations.

What are the assumed objectives for 2024?

One of the most important objectives of the National Tourism Office for 2024 is to organize informational tours or press tours aimed at promoting the Republic of Moldova as a tourist destination.

The next established objective of the Institution is to conclude and implement collaboration agreements in the field of tourism, as this represents an important factor for the success of all actions aimed at developing the tourism sector.

Another objective involves organizing and conducting both cultural-tourist events that valorize the country’s heritage and culture, as well as activities dedicated to the professional days of tourism industry actors to stimulate them.

Developing national tourist routes and trails is another priority of the Offi ce, as well as diversifying the tourism product according to the interests of tourists from the country and from the diaspora. The National Tourism Offi ce also aims to organize actions to participate in international conferences, which have a signifi cant impact on promoting cultural heritage.

What is the budget value and the main funded lines?

The funding for the Office’s activities is carried out from collected revenues, including from projects financed from external assistance sources and from financial resources allocated from the state budget through the founder.

What are the main 5 action directions in the national strategy for tourism development in the Republic of Moldova?

As the National Tourism Offi ce primarily focuses on promoting tourist attractions in the Republic of Moldova, the first action direction to achieve this goal is the organization of informational tours, training sessions, projects, and various events through which we demonstrate and capitalize on the traditions, culture and history of the Republic of Moldova.

The second action direction involves the participation of the Republic of Moldova in international conferences and exhibitions dedicated to tourism, through which the Offi ce, together with its partners, has the opportunity to captivate and motivate foreign tourists to visit the Republic of Moldova.

Developing transnational tourism packages represents the third action of the Offi ce in achieving the goal of tourism development. The next action consists of attracting and implementing projects and programs fi nanced with the support of development partners, oriented towards promoting tourism and last but not least, elaborating and developing the annual agenda of cultural-tourist events to promote and develop the Republic of Moldova as a tourist destination and attract tourists from target markets.