Moldova unveils strategy to promote cultural, rural tourism nationwide - EXCLUSIVE

The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova has highlighted the growing importance of integrating cultural heritage into tourism development as part of its broader strategy to promote cultural and rural tourism nationwide.

The Ministry emphasized that targeted initiatives aim to strengthen local cultural identity, diversify tourism offerings, and enhance the attractiveness of regional destinations for both domestic and international visitors.

This was said by the Ministry of Culture of Moldova in an exclusive interview with CE Report.

According to the Ministry, an informational tour held on 14 December in the Drochia District was organized to promote cultural and rural tourism by combining tangible and intangible cultural heritage into thematic tourism routes. The initiative supported local cultural events, including the winter festival “Caroling from Village to Village,” and fostered interinstitutional cooperation to ensure the sustainable valorization of heritage at the regional level. The tour was organized by the National Tourism Office with the financial support of the Ministry of Culture and contributed to strengthening local cultural identity as a key driver of tourist appeal.

Addressing the preservation of built heritage, the Ministry of Culture noted that while no specific restoration projects are currently being implemented for cultural heritage monuments in the Drochia District, sites such as the Ohanowicz Manor in Mîndîc are included in the official national registers of cultural heritage. As a result, these assets may benefit from national programs for conservation, restoration, and sustainable valorization, subject to the availability of financial resources and initiatives proposed by local authorities or other stakeholders.

The Ministry also underscored its commitment to preserving and promoting living traditions and winter customs as an essential component of Moldova’s national cultural identity and international tourism offer. Through cultural policies, dedicated funding programs, and partnerships with local public authorities, cultural institutions, and civil society organizations, the Ministry supports the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage.

In this context, the Ministry of Culture provides institutional, financial, and logistical support for the National Festival “Caroling from Village to Village,” which celebrates the ancient tradition of caroling passed down through generations. The Ministry also promotes the festival on national and international platforms, encouraging local communities, folk ensembles, and groups of carolers to actively preserve the authenticity of winter traditions.

By including such events in national cultural and tourism calendars, the Ministry contributes to positioning the Republic of Moldova as an authentic tourist destination, appealing to visitors interested in folklore, living traditions, and local cultural experiences. According to the Ministry, winter customs such as caroling are not only cultural expressions to be protected, but also strategic tools for enhancing Moldova’s international image.

This year’s edition of the “Caroling from Village to Village” festival took place on December 14, 2025, in the village of Sofia, Drochia District. The event was organized by the National Center for Traditional Culture in cooperation with the Drochia Department of Culture, the Sofia Village Mayor’s Office, and the National Tourism Office, under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture.

This interview was prepared by Laura Hoffman