Ion ȘTEFANOVICI, President of CAPDR, at FERM 2025: “Without a clear identity and joint effort, we cannot fully harness Moldova’s true tourism potential.”
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 the Development of Destinations in the Moldova Region
Speaker:
Ion Ștefanovici – President of CAPDR
Topic of the Intervention:
“The Need to Consolidate and Harmonize Regional Efforts for the Sustainable Development of Tourism in the Moldova Region”
Ion Ștefanovici, President of the Center for Analysis and Planning of Regional Development (CAPDR), delivered a profound and pragmatic intervention at the Regional Economic Forum Moldova 2025, focusing on the challenges and opportunities in regional tourism.
In a context where the Moldova Region seeks to strengthen its position on the map of economic and social development, his speech highlighted the urgent need for authentic cooperation between authorities, the business environment, and local communities.
The CAPDR leader emphasized that to fully capitalize on the natural, cultural, and historical wealth of the region, it is essential to overcome fragmented efforts and jointly build a unified tourism development strategy that ensures economic sustainability and international visibility.
A Heartfelt Welcome Message for Participants
“Thank you very much, and allow me once again to warmly welcome you to Vatra Dornei, in the Land of Dorna and the Moldova Region, which is also yours.”
He highlighted the importance of regional identity.
“Here, in this panel, lies the soul of the entire forum. Regional identity weighs more than any figures or data on paper. If we do not have identity, we do not know whose we are.”
The identity of the Moldova Region is shaped across major geographic areas – along the Dniester, the Prut, in the Carpathians, north toward Chernet, south toward Bugeac, and reaching the Black Sea.
“We have a history and a shared collaboration that we must highlight without political interference or interpretations. We remain focused solely on collaboration.”
The Need for a Common Tourism Strategy
Ion Ștefanovici pointed out that tourism, identity, and culture form a unified whole that must be approached with strategic vision and joint projects.
“If we do not have a unified strategy and do not build joint economic and tourist circuits, we risk stagnation,” he warned. “We all agree that economic sustainability depends on these circuits, on creating a coherent offer for tourists.”
He cited the film “The Sun of Moldova,” presented on the first day of the forum, as a cultural product that conveys this identity, but which does not fit all panels since interests differ.
“I cannot present the film to foreign trade participants because it does not interest them. For infrastructure, they want asphalt, roads, bridges, airports.”
Challenges and Lack of Coherence in Tourism Promotion
A central point in his intervention was the lack of coherent promotion and integrated infrastructure in tourism.
“There are cross-border routes and projects – for example, the Ștefanian Route – but where are the information boards? Where are the clearly marked tourist circuits? Tourists, including those from Israel or China, cannot find the necessary information. Where can they eat, where can they visit, how are the sites connected?”
He noted a recurring problem: regional tourism is often subordinated to the interests of large agencies in Bucharest, which sell packages focused on established areas, neglecting Moldova’s destinations.
“Personal interest takes precedence. That is why we must be the ones to sell our own tourism products.”
The Idea of a Digital Platform and an Integrated Offer
Ion Ștefanovici proposed creating a common platform aggregating information about accommodation, events, tourist attractions, and services so that tourists can plan their circuits independently.
“Until we have such a platform and promote it coherently abroad, we remain in a zone of debate and survival.”
“Each of us goes with our own brochure on external visits, but we compete with European capitals or major destinations like Paris or Dubai. We must unite, set aside pride, and cooperate to have the strength of a strong collective destination.”
Local Experiences and Field Visits for Practical Knowledge
In preparation for the third day of the Forum, dedicated to field visits, the CAPDR president explained the importance of participants seeing the region’s potential on site and providing concrete feedback.
“If I want to stay 3–5 nights, I need things to do every day: cycling, spa, gastronomy, nature. That is why I designed tourist circuits in the Dorna Basin, to see and appreciate together. Your feedback is important to correct and improve.”
Ion Ștefanovici admitted that he personally bore costs to see and understand the tourism offer, without having an organized tour provided.
“I went to Purcari, visited, and sought to understand what we can offer together.”
Appeal for Sincerity and Overcoming Local Egoism
In conclusion, the CAPDR president called for transparency and collaboration.
“We no longer have time to hide from each other or be proud. We must discuss honestly what we can do together.”
He also highlighted the lack of functionality of some local destination management organizations (DMOs) and encouraged active participation and involvement in concrete actions.
“We are technical and strategic people. Since we met, we must bring all issues to light and work for solutions.”
Conclusions
Ion Ștefanovici clearly emphasized the significant potential that the Moldova Region holds in tourism, while also highlighting a series of challenges that hinder the sector’s efficient development. The lack of a common and coherent strategy, fragmented promotion, and excessive dependence on external agencies, particularly from major cities, represent major obstacles limiting the region’s attractiveness and competitiveness in the international tourism market.
In this context, the CAPDR president called for sincere and real collaboration among all stakeholders – local and central authorities, the business environment, NGOs, and communities – to build a unified and transparent digital platform offering tourists easy access to information, services, and integrated tourist circuits.
In conclusion, for the Moldova Region to truly capitalize on its tourism potential, a shared vision, well-defined and implemented strategies, and a firm commitment to collaboration and innovation are essential. Only then can regional tourism become a competitive force, capable of attracting tourists from around the world and bringing real long-term benefits to local communities and the regional economy.
