Moldova Creates “Pearl of the Dniester” Tourism Cluster

The new tourism cluster will link the banks of the Dniester

A new tourism cluster, ‘The Pearl of the Dniester’, is being established in Moldova, comprising towns and villages located on both banks of the Dniester. In addition to the districts of Ștefan Voda and Căușeni, the cluster also includes Tiraspol, Bendery and the surrounding villages.

Elena Stepanov

Add Logos Press as a preferred source on Google

The focus is on winemaking

It was originally planned to cover a 50-kilometre radius, but its territory has since expanded. The new tourism initiative focuses on winemaking – primarily at the winery in Purkar – as well as on the culture and traditions of the region.

Its creation will contribute to the development and promotion of tourism in the Lower Dniester region. It will also bring together economic stakeholders from both banks to develop integrated tourism products encompassing accommodation, gastronomy, nature, traditions and culture. Elena Stepanov, Executive Director of the Association of Inbound and Domestic Tourism of the Republic of Moldova (ANTRIM), has been appointed head of the cluster, and the association will manage the organisation.

“As there has recently been a rise in the export of tourism services, the authorities are focusing on this market and developing the necessary infrastructure,” explains Elena Stepanov, Executive Director of the Association for Inbound and Domestic Tourism of the Republic of Moldova. “In the villages that form part of the new cluster and through which tourist routes pass, there are functioning cultural centres and museums, where festivals are held that attract tourists. Guest houses are in operation on both banks of the Dniester, and masterclasses are held there.”

According to her, the structure is currently being formalised, and from next year the cluster will begin operating in this capacity, utilising existing tourist routes, including cycling and walking routes on both banks of the Dniester.

The new tourism cluster also includes the universities of Tiraspol and Chișinău. “It is important for us to maintain links with universities in order to prepare students for careers in tourism,” emphasises Elena Stepanov.

This story was translated with the assistance of artificial intelligence.The translation was also reviewed by the Logos Press editorial team.

How did this story make you feel?