Ion Ștefanovici, CAPDR: „The Cross-Border Gastronomic Route and the Via Moldavia Architecture: Strengthened Tourism Cooperation in the Carpathians–Prut–Dniester–Danube Delta–Black Sea Area”
100 economic opportunities for the development of the Moldova Region on the A7 Highway route
The Launch of the Romania–Republic of Moldova Cross-Border Gastronomic Route Represents a Significant Step in Strengthening the Regional Tourism Cooperation Framework.
The joint initiative of ADR Nord-Est Romania and the National Tourism Office of the Republic of Moldova demonstrates the capacity of the two countries to develop complementary projects with a direct territorial impact.
CAPDR President Ion Ștefanovici highlighted the strategic importance of this collaboration and how regional complementarity can be transformed into visible and impactful results:
“Today, at Hills & Valley, in the village where the poet Alexandru (Alecu) Donici was born, I felt the energy of a region that reaffirms its identity and strength. Few remember that Donici, a Bessarabian Romanian poet born in the Republic of Moldova, spent much of his life in Iași and Piatra Neamț, and this continuity between the two banks of the Prut is reflected today in the projects we are building.
The Cross-Border Gastronomic Route, launched by ADR Nord-Est and the National Tourism Office of the Republic of Moldova, is a solid project, and Via Moldavia provides the framework in which such initiatives are integrated into a coherent regional architecture connecting the Carpathians, Prut, Dniester, Danube Delta, and Black Sea.
The colors of the costumes, the diversity of traditions, the local products, and the high-quality tourist materials contributed to a memorable atmosphere.
But the people were the defining element.
I met dedicated, sincere, and authentic people, with genuine openness and human qualities that perfectly suit this field. Their energy, relational skills, willingness to collaborate, and the capacity to put their heart into their work transformed the dynamics of the event.
I was very, very pleasantly impressed. The event energized and deeply motivated me.
It was further proof that this region has resources, identity, and people ready to collaborate strategically, with maturity and genuine constructive spirit.
Via Moldavia provides the framework through which regional complementarity is transformed into sustainable and visible results for the entire region.” – Ion Ștefanovici, CAPDR President
The Via Moldavia tourism program, a strategic structure within the CAPDR 2025–2035 Action Plan, supports, integrates, and harmonizes these projects, ensuring coherence between local gastronomy, recreation, culture, hospitality, and regional events. The platform provides a coordination framework where local initiatives are connected to a common vision and a unified tourist space.
Via Moldavia – An Integration Platform for Romania, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine
In the CAPDR 2025–2035 Action Plan, Via Moldavia functions as an integrated platform for identity, culture, and tourism. It is not a fixed route but a strategic infrastructure for three countries.
Natural connectivity with the Odesa region (Ukraine) ensures continuity of the Carpathians – Prut – Dniester – Danube Delta – Black Sea corridor, positioning the platform as a central tool for cross-border and macro-regional cooperation.
Through this structure, Via Moldavia:
- integrates existing projects,
- harmonizes regional actions,
- supports complementary tourism initiatives,
- facilitates unified international promotion,
- connects Romania, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine within a space with a shared tourism identity.
“The Cross-Border Gastronomic Route is a joint initiative of ADR Nord-Est Romania and the National Tourism Office of the Republic of Moldova. Via Moldavia supports and connects such projects with other tourism components in the region, consolidating the complementarity necessary for a coherent tourism offer,” stated Ion Ștefanovici.
“The platform is built for three countries. It creates a stable connection from the Carpathians to the Black Sea, linked to the Odesa region. Within this framework, we harmonize gastronomy, culture, recreation, events, and accommodation to generate direct territorial results,” emphasized the CAPDR president.
The Event – A Demonstration of Regional Coordination
The launch of the route, organized at Hills & Valley, in the birthplace of poet Alexandru Donici, highlighted the region’s capacity to generate cooperation, visibility, and shared energy.
The multicultural atmosphere, efficient organization, participation of tourism actors, and quality presentations confirmed the mobilization potential of the region.
Traditional costumes, well-prepared tourist materials, local products, and gastronomic demonstrations created a comprehensive image of the area’s diversity and authenticity. The event conveyed energy, professionalism, and confidence.
Hills & Valley – A Space of Identity and Symbolism
Choosing Hills & Valley, integrated into the rural landscape of Alexandru Donici village, amplified the cultural message of the event. The space blends tradition with modernity, reflecting the essence of experiential tourism promoted by the route.
Strategic Geographical Framework – Carpathians, Prut, Dniester, Danube Delta, Black Sea
The area defined by the Carpathians – Prut – Dniester – Danube Delta – Black Sea forms a coherent tourist zone with its own identity and international potential. This corridor concentrates:
- major natural resources,
- cultural and ethnographic heritage,
- complementary gastronomies,
- recreational destinations,
- competitive accommodation options,
- multicultural communities,
- traditions and experiences that can be leveraged into a joint offer.
The Danube Delta is the strategic convergence point: nature, biodiversity, fish gastronomy, and international access.
Via Moldavia Northern Route – Connection Across Three Countries
Strategic route: Vatra Dornei – Suceava – Botoșani – Stânca–Costești – Soroca – Dniester Riviera – Ștefan Vodă – Odesa, demonstrating the connectivity function of the platform.
It integrates:
- traditional villages,
- recreational areas,
- high-level accommodation destinations,
- restaurants and guesthouses,
- natural and cultural attractions,
- authentic gastronomic spaces,
- multicultural communities.
It represents a complete axis with tourism and strategic value.
Strategic Conclusion
The Cross-Border Gastronomic Route is an example of a complementary project that naturally aligns with the Via Moldavia architecture.
By integrating and coordinating tourism projects from Romania, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine, a common, competitive, and internationally representative product is being built.
The Carpathians – Prut – Dniester – Danube Delta – Black Sea axis is, beyond a geographic delineation, a unified identity space with real potential for the economic and tourism development of the entire region.
Via Moldavia provides the framework necessary to transform complementarity into sustainable and visible results.
