FERM 2025 | Marina MIRON (Association for Tourism Development in Moldova): “Tourism is not just about visiting, but about harnessing heritage, promoting local identity, and building a sustainable future for the Republic of Moldova.”
100 economic opportunities for the development of the Moldova Region on the A7 Highway route
MOLDOVA REGIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM 2025
19th Edition – Vatra Dornei, July 9–13, 2025
Thematic Panel:
Tourism and Destination Development in the Moldova Region
Speaker:
Marina Miron – Association for Tourism Development in Moldova (ATDM)
Topic of the intervention:
“Harnessing Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Context of Cross-Border and Regional Tourism Projects in the Republic of Moldova”
Within Panel 7 – Tourism and Destination Development in the Moldova Region, Dr. Marina Miron, representative of the Association for Tourism Development in Moldova (ATDM), highlighted strategic aspects related to cultural heritage and innovation in tourism. Her intervention focused on presenting concrete projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing Moldova’s cultural, gastronomic, and traditional resources, thus contributing to the region’s sustainable development.
Association for Tourism Development in Moldova: Mission and Objectives
Dr. Marina Miron emphasized the commitment of the Association for Tourism Development in Moldova (ATDM) to work closely with local authorities, NGOs, and the business sector in order to strengthen Moldova as a top tourist destination. A central pillar of the association’s activity is cultural heritage research, seen as essential for the sustainable use of tourism resources.
“Harnessing cultural heritage begins with a deep knowledge of it. In partnership with experts and local communities, we develop destinations at local, regional, and national level by creating tourist information centers and promoting gastronomy, crafts, and other cultural elements that diversify the tourist experience.”
1. Rehabilitation of the Lăpușna Princely Court
Dr. Marina Miron presented the rehabilitation of the Lăpușna Princely Court as a landmark project, combining architectural restoration with historical and archaeological research.
“The site underwent archaeological excavations that revealed significant discoveries. We assembled a team of renowned researchers, and the results were published in two reference studies: one dedicated to the medieval town of Lăpușna and a multidisciplinary study on the architecture and technology of the era.”
The intervention transformed the medieval court into a valuable tourist attraction, ready for investment and cultural activities, thus strengthening the region’s historical heritage and tourism potential.
2. Network of Tourist Information Centers
Another flagship project presented by Dr. Marina Miron focused on the creation of a network of tourist information centers in central Moldova, covering the towns of Orhei, Călărași, Rezina, and Șoldănești, in partnership with the city of Galați in Romania.
“We developed common brands and worked closely with local communities to create tourist maps and detailed guides, including eight cultural routes, some of them cross-border. We also produced a professional film promoting this network of tourist information centers.”
The project strengthens access to high-quality tourist information, supports the development of cultural tourism, and promotes cross-border cooperation.
3. LOC FOOD Project: Promoting Moldova’s Gastronomy
Dr. Marina Miron underlined the challenges in promoting authentic Moldovan cuisine, often perceived as simple or influenced by the Soviet period. Through in-depth research, the ATDM team identified over 300 local names, which were later integrated into guaranteed traditional specialties.
“We created the local platter for the Lower Dniester region, which includes five officially registered dishes: mushroom borscht, pike broth, fish stew ‘Lower Dniester style,’ the bride’s pie, and ghițman.”
The project strengthens the gastronomic identity of the region, promotes local culinary heritage, and creates authentic and memorable tourist experiences for visitors.
4. Preserving Traditional Crafts in Southern Moldova
ATDM initiated a comprehensive study of traditional crafts, many on the verge of extinction, and developed a detailed catalog of folk artisans from southern Moldova.
The project includes the inventory of local tourism heritage and its integration into tourist maps and guides, thus facilitating the promotion and preservation of traditional crafts as distinctive elements of regional cultural identity.
Conclusions: Tourism as a Bridge between Past and Future
Marina Miron’s intervention at FERM 2025 highlighted the essential role of tourism in valorizing cultural heritage, gastronomy, and traditional crafts. The projects implemented by ATDM demonstrate that a strategic approach, based on research, partnerships, and community involvement, can transform cultural heritage into a driver of regional development.
By promoting local identity and creating authentic tourist experiences, tourism becomes a tool for economic and cultural sustainability, connecting past with future and positioning Moldova as a competitive and attractive tourist destination at the international level.
