A number of entrepreneurs combined efforts within four agritourism clusters that were set up in different areas of the country as part of a project of the Tourism Development Association of Moldova. The clusters represent an association form that enables entrepreneurs to diversify the tourist offer and to promote it so as to attract more tourists. Within the same project, there was presented a study that contains detailed information about the four clusters and the advantages of this organizational form.
The Association’s head Viorel Miron, in a news conference at IPN, said the Republic of Moldova has sufficient tourist attractions, but these are dispersed. Over 2 million foreigners cross Moldova’s borders annually and over 60% of these come for tourism purposes. A problem is the fact that these usually choose one and the same destination even if there are many attractions, but these are not yet known. The lack of road signs to tourist facilities is another problem.
Viorel Miron considers the association of entrepreneurs – in reserves, NGOs, owners of hotels, restaurants, museums and pensions – will increase the capacity of serving tourists who come to Moldova as there will be a coordination center for organizing the clients’ vacation. The creation of clusters will contribute to revitalizing local communities and to increasing their competitiveness on the tourism market. This organizational form implies less investment effort for a good result and enables to diversify the local tourist offer.
One of the four clusters is called “North Harmony”. This covers the districts of Soroca and Ocnita. In the future, it will be extended to cover also the districts of Edinet, Drochia and Briceni. Cluster coordinator Amelia Caraman said this innovative element of the tourism industry brought together interested local entities that have what to show to tourists, such as the Soroca Fortress, the multitude of ethnic groups present in the area and international festivals. “We made effort to nicely combine all these elements and treasures by creating this cluster,” stated Amelia Caraman.
Another cluster – “Road of Reefs” – covers Balti municipality and Edinet district. The cluster is based in the building of the Country Museum of Edinet town. The scenery is the main tourist attraction in the area, especially the coral reefs that are met only in this part of the country.
The third cluster is named “Vilador” and embraces Falesti district, the valley of the Cula River and Ungheni, Telenesti and Sangerei districts. The cluster’s Tourist Information Center is based in the administrative block of the goat farm of Slobozia-Magura village, Sangerei.
The fourth cluster – “Lowe Prut Meadow” – covers the southern part of Moldova, namely Cahul town and the villages Giurgiulesti, Slobozia Mare, Valeni, Pelinei, Gavanoasa and Cotihana. The cluster is housed by the Bread Museum of Valeni.
