MOLDOVAN ENTREPRENEURS DEEPEN COOPERATION FOR DEVELOPING AGRITOURISM

Moldovan small and medium enterprises (SMEs), located in rural areas, spoke for a new approach in developing agri-tourism in the republic – by means of creating the so-called clusters – associations of economic agents in zones that represent tourism interest.

Chairman of the Association of Tourism Development in Moldova Viorel Miron said at the Thursday’s press conference that the phenomenon of clusters is new for Moldova and is aimed at helping SMEs develop by means of attracting foreign tourists in the country.

“The association of small enterprises in rural area will not only raise their chances to compete with large tourism complexes, but will also help transforming rural sights into tourist directions”, he said.

According to him, there are already four such clusters in Moldova – three in the north and one in the south. They are using natural, cultural, historical and other resources in the rural area. Three of them are already operating and are providing services for local and foreign tourists. These are clusters “Northern Harmony”, “Road of Reefs” and “Lower Prut Riverbank”, while soon the fourth will be opened – “Vilador”.

The “Northern Harmony” is located on the bank of the Dniester River and includes two raions – Soroca and Ocnita. According to cluster manager Anelia Caraman, the association includes one enterprise, three nongovernmental organizations and several farms. In perspective, the joining of economic agents from Edinet, Drochia, Briceni is possible.

Also in the north, the cluster “Road of Reefs” is located, which is made of seven members – small and medium enterprises and associations from Edinet and Balti.

The “Lower Prut Riverbank”, located near Cahul, includes three museums and one ethno-cultural complex.

The fourth cluster “Vilador” will start its activity in May. It includes SMEs from Ungheni, Singerei and Falesti raions.

Entrepreneurs say that so far the phenomenon of clusters is poorly known in Moldova. Local tourism agencies have just started to propose agri-tourism directions to its clients.

Infotag’s dossier: Annually, Moldova is visited by 2 million foreign citizens. Around 65% of them come to the republic for tourism, 27% - for work and 8% - for other purpose. Most of tourists are from Romania, Ukraine, Russia, Italy and Turkey.