Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization Taleb Rifai, alongside the Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova Pirkka Tapiola and director general of the Tourism Agency of Moldova Stanislav Rusu, planted linden tree samplings in the square of the Metropolitan Church in central Chisinau as a symbol of the contribution to the development of tourism industry and sustainable economic development of society. “The Republic of Moldova is a developing star. In fact, it is now at the takeoff stage and will soon start to fly freely and then tourism will play a more important role for the country,” stated Taleb Rifai, being quoted by IPN.
He noted that the 61st Meeting of the UNWTO Commission for Europe, which is held in Chisinau on June 5-7, is of major importance. “Every time we hold such meetings, we try to stage a special activity for that event. This year the director general of the Tourism Agency suggested planting trees. This is a noble activity,” stated the WTO Secretary General.
According to Ambassador Pirkka Tapiola, statistics show that Moldova is the least visited country in Europe, but a lot of events take place here. “The Republic of Moldova is fundamentally a European country that is between two European cultures: Romanic and Slavic. It is a country with a fascinating history,” stated the diplomat. According to Pirkka Tapiola, Moldova is a beautiful country that makes wonderful wines. The EU supports tourism development in Moldova and contributed to the restoration of the Soroca Fortress and the Manuc Bei Mansion.
For his part, Stanislav Rusu said ministers from 40 states have arrived in Chisinau for the first time. “The Republic of Moldova is a tourist destination. It should be promoted and supported. We decided to plant these saplings as a symbol of 2017 that was declared the Year of Sustainable Development of Tourism. It is an important symbol and we hope that this will develop deep roots and will overcome all challenges,” he stated.
During the visit to Chisinau, Taleb Rifai had a meeting with Prime Minister Pavel Filip. The Premier thanked the WTO Secretary General for the opportunity to stage an event of such a scale in Chisinau, noting the Government aims to develop tourism into a driving force of economic growth.
The 61st Meeting of the UNWTO Commission for Europe forms part of the 14 official events included in the calendar of events planned on the occasion of the International Year of Sustainable Development for Tourism 2017, which was proclaimed in the 70th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations.
