FERM 2025 | Liliana AGHEORGHICESEI (President of the Suceava SMEs Employers’ Association): “Tourism is not just an industry, but a state of mind that brings people and cultures together”
100 economic opportunities for the development of the Moldova Region on the A7 Highway route
REGIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM MOLDOVA 2025
19th Edition – Vatra Dornei, July 9–13, 2025
Thematic Panel:
Tourism and Destination Development in the Moldova Region
Speaker:
Liliana Agheorghicesei – President of the Suceava SMEs Employers’ Association
Topic of the intervention:
“Authentic Tourism – Building Memorable Experiences and Coordinated Promotion of Romania”
Panel 7 – ,,Tourism and Destination Development in the Moldova Region” was considered by Liliana Agheorghicesei, President of the Suceava SMEs Employers’ Association, as “the most beautiful and most interesting” of all sessions. Speaking to an audience of entrepreneurs, authorities, investors, and specialists, she addressed the role of tourism in economic development, as well as its emotional and cultural dimensions.
Tourism – More Than an Industry
Liliana Agheorghicesei emphasized the complex dimension of tourism, beyond numbers and economic indicators.
“Tourism is, of course, an important component of the national economy, a field through which every country showcases its strengths. However, from my perspective, tourism is first and foremost a state of mind. We don’t travel just to change the place where we sleep or to have another meal. We travel to live an experience, to meet new people, and to understand, even a little, the world around us.”
In her vision, Romania is “a hidden gem in Europe”, with remarkable tourism potential, still insufficiently harnessed. The mission of those active in this sector is to turn every visit into a memorable experience, so that tourists leave with precious memories, not regrets.
From Bookshop to Tourist Complex
Liliana Agheorghicesei recalled her personal journey that led her into the tourism industry. Although her entrepreneurial beginnings had no direct link with this sector, the experiences and projects developed over time created a solid foundation for her subsequent involvement in promoting and leveraging the tourism potential of Bukovina.
“I started with bookstores, office supplies, and stationery, convinced that education is the foundation of any community and that a book is always a form of wealth. Later, I expanded the activity to book publishing. And, as they say that a Bukovinian, when having an extra euro, invests it in tourism, I followed that path too.”
This evolution strengthened her conviction that tourism development must start from local initiatives, each contributing, symbolically, with “a drop” to building Romania’s image and reputation internationally.
Promoting the Country – A Common Mission
Liliana Agheorghicesei issued a call to participants to become true ambassadors of Romania, promoting not only the beauty of landscapes but also the richness of traditions and the hospitality characteristic of the local people.
“The promotion of our country must be an impeccable business card. We want every visitor, when returning home, to say: I will never forget Romania, its remarkable places, and the warm people who welcomed me.”
She also recalled visits to the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, emphasizing that the true value of a destination is not discovered only through tourist attractions but through direct interaction with people and understanding the authenticity of each place.
Challenges in the Field: From Bears to Infrastructure
Liliana Agheorghicesei recounted an unusual incident at her tourist complex in Bukovina, where surveillance cameras captured the appearance of a bear.
“I couldn’t believe it. In the first seconds, it seemed to me that I was seeing a lion or a panther. When I contacted the local authorities, the response I received was: Put up a warning sign. However, I believe these situations must be managed much better and in a coordinated manner, because people must always be more important than animals.”
This episode became a suggestive example of the challenges faced by tourism operators and highlighted the need for more effective collaboration between institutions and the private sector to ensure visitor safety and the sustainable protection of destinations.
A Call for Unity and Action
Liliana Agheorghicesei delivered a motivational message, encouraging collective involvement for the development of tourism in the Moldova Region.
“I wish that, at the next edition, this panel will bring together even more participants. Each of us can contribute, wherever we are, with a ‘drop’ of involvement, so that tomorrow will be better and more beautiful than today.”
Sustainable progress in tourism is built through collaboration, responsibility, and concrete actions, united by a shared vision.
Conclusion
The speech of Liliana Agheorghicesei highlights tourism as a driver of sustainable development, which goes beyond the economic dimension and is connected to authentic experiences, cultural values, and human connections.
Through her personal example, entrepreneurial journey, and community involvement, her message underlines the importance of local initiatives, cooperation between operators and authorities, and a coherent promotion of Romania.
Thus, tourism becomes not just an industry, but a tool through which the country can be discovered, appreciated, and valued both nationally and internationally, contributing to the creation of a strong and memorable image.
