The first two issues of the first serial publication devoted to tourists “Moldova Turistica” (“Touristic Moldova”) have been launched in Chisinau today. Editor-in-chief Natalia Sineavscaia stated during the launch ceremony that she came up with the idea of such a magazine during her frequent journeys. Unlike many other countries, Moldova practically lacks specialised literature for tourists. The goal of this magazine is to fill this gap of information about Moldova, about its people, customs and traditions, history and geography, Natalia Sineavscaia added. Maria Popusoi, department chief at the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, said that the launch of the magazine is very timely, given the constantly increasing number of foreign tourists visiting Moldova. Tired of the noise of big cities, the foreign tourists are attracted by Moldova’s rustic charms, by the picturesque settings and by the hospitality of the people, Maria Popusoi explained. The 150-page colour magazine comprises articles that describe picturesque sites, monuments, personalities and Moldova’s traditions. Published in three languages (Romanian, Russian, and English), the magazine serves as a guide with lots of useful information about Moldova, local travel agencies and hotels, tourist attractions and destinations. The bi-monthly magazine is wholesaled to travel agencies, hotels and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture (MCT), which distribute them to embassies and diplomatic missions. In addition, the magazine is available for 60 lei in several supermarkets in Chisinau and at the Airport. Currently, there are 4 main types of tourism in Moldova: agro-tourism, eco-tourism, wine-tourism and pilgrimage. According to MCT, hotels in Moldova registered 62,000 foreign tourists in 2006.