Moldova
has taken an important step in its commitment to sustainability in the tourism
industry through its recent partnership with the Global Sustainable Tourism
Council (GSTC). Promoting implementation of GSTC’s sustainability criteria
will ensure that Moldova’s tourism sector is aligned with the industry’s
highest global standards for sustainable tourism. This commitment was
confirmed by signing a Partnership Agreement between the Moldovan Ministry of
Culture, the government authority coordinating the tourism sector, and GSTC.
This Partnership Agreement, establishes a cooperation framework for developing
a sustainable tourism industry in Moldova.
The Republic of Moldova, a small country in eastern
Europe located between Romania and Ukraine, has significant potential to
develop as a sustainable tourism destination. Recent investments and
developments in the country’s wine and rural tourism have resulted in a range
of new tourism products that highlight Moldova’s unique cultural, culinary,
wine and adventure travel potential. The focus of Moldova’s tourism strategy
has been to conserve the country’s authentic culture and develop tourism in
rural communities, thereby providing a strong foundation already in
sustainability.
GSTC’s CEO Randy Durband stated, "The
sustainability commitment signed in Moldova will be supported by the
cooperation of the public and private sectors to develop sustainable management
directions that would be applicable to various forms of tourism. The Moldovan
tourism industry will benefit from GSTC's expertise and assistance, to achieve
an appropriate balance in the development of the sector and to guarantee its
long-term sustainability."
Furthermore, the Minister of Culture of the
Republic of Moldova, Sergiu Prodan, added: "Moldova is an emerging
tourism destination that has been dramatically impacted by the pandemic and the
war in the region. However, the resilience paradigm, along with the development
and recovery model, can only be based on the principles of sustainable
development through a commitment to protect and enhance the environment and
cultural heritage while maximizing social and economic benefits for the local
communities. Everyone can explore now virtually Moldova on 360.moldova.travel
platform."
As a further sign of Moldova’s commitment to
becoming a sustainable destination, the National
Inbound and Domestic Tourism Association of Moldova (ANTRIM) that
represents the private sector in tourism recently became a member of GSTC.
Together, this will support Moldova’s tourism businesses, government
authorities and destinations to comply with GSTC’s globally recognized
sustainability standards.
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