ANTRIM Incoming Forum 2026: dialogue, partnerships and new ideas for the development of inbound tourism in Moldova

Yesterday, ANTRIM organized the ANTRIM Incoming Forum 2026, an event dedicated to inbound tourism and to the pathways through which the Republic of Moldova can become a more competitive destination, better connected to external markets and more closely aligned with the needs of local communities. The forum brought together representatives of public authorities, development partners, entrepreneurs, experts, and organizations involved in tourism development.

The event opened with welcome remarks from Cristian Jardan, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Moldova; Stella Jemna, Country Representative for Moldova at UMAEF; Alina Dandara, Head of Cabinet at the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization; and Guido Beltrani, Director of the Swiss Cooperation Office in the Republic of Moldova.

In the opening of the forum, Elena Stepanov, Executive Director of ANTRIM, presented ANTRIM’s activities in the inbound tourism segment and outlined the organization’s key areas of focus: diversifying international markets, implementing promotional campaigns, strengthening partnerships, and supporting initiatives that can increase Moldova’s visibility as a tourism destination.

Culture, communities and local economy: how tourism can drive transformation

The forum’s first session, Culture Transforms, focused on the CAST – Culture trAnSforming communiTies and economies project and on how culture can become a tool for tourism and economic development at the local level.

During the session, participants were introduced to the structure of the CAST project, its partners and objectives, as well as concrete examples of how cultural initiatives can help revitalize communities, support the development of new tourism products, and create opportunities for entrepreneurs and cultural operators. The discussion also highlighted ANTRIM’s role within the project, as well as the next steps for the Republic of Moldova’s involvement in this process.

Clusterul Perla Nistrului: de la cooperare locală la produse turistice comune

Una dintre cele mai aplicate sesiuni ale forumului a fost cea dedicată Clusterului Perla Nistrului. Discuția s-a concentrat pe felul în care poate fi construit un ecosistem turistic regional prin colaborare între autorități locale, organizații de dezvoltare, afaceri din turism și inițiative locale.

În panel s-a vorbit despre:

  • dezvoltarea de trasee și produse turistice comune în regiunea Nistrului;
  • integrarea mai bună a actorilor locali într-o ofertă turistică coerentă;
  • nevoia de capacitate instituțională, finanțare și coordonare pentru ca un cluster să funcționeze pe termen lung;
  • rolul parteneriatelor dintre sectorul public, organizațiile internaționale și mediul privat în susținerea destinațiilor regionale.

Printre speakerii sesiunii s-au numărat reprezentanți ai UNDP, ALDA Moldova, ai administrației publice locale și ai sectorului privat, care au vorbit despre provocările, dar și despre potențialul regiunii de a se dezvolta ca destinație integrată.

Spotlight: Chișinău, sustainable tourism and initiatives supporting local destinations

În cadrul forumului au fost prezentate și câteva inițiative care oferă exemple concrete de intervenție în turismul local și regional.

SUSDEST-NET – Chișinău on the map of sustainable tourism

The session dedicated to the SUSDEST-NET project focused on the steps Chișinău is taking to position itself as a sustainable urban tourism destination. It presented the activities carried out so far, the results achieved to date, and the priorities for the next phase, with a particular emphasis on the role of local public authorities in building a sustainable tourism ecosystem for the capital.

„Busola Eco-Turistică” / LEADER Network

Another presentation focused on the “Eco-Tourism Compass” / LEADER Network initiative, introduced as a support mechanism for entrepreneurs in rural areas. The discussion centered on access to training, mentoring, and funding opportunities for local businesses, as well as on how these tools can contribute to the development of eco-tourism products and help unlock the potential of rural communities.

Efes Moldova “Friendly for Tourism”

The forum also featured the Efes Moldova “Friendly for Tourism” partnership, presented as an example of collaboration between the private sector and the tourism industry. The session highlighted how strategic partnerships can support the development and promotion of Moldova as a destination, create new opportunities for cooperation, and contribute to strengthening tourism products so they become more visible and better positioned on the market.

Digitalizare și AI: cum se schimbă turismul și ce oportunități apar pentru Moldova

One of the forum’s most timely topics was the session dedicated to digitalization and artificial intelligence in tourism. The panel explored the impact of digital technologies on the tourism industry and the opportunities they create for destinations and tourism businesses.

The session focused on:

  • how AI can be integrated into the promotion of tourism destinations;
  • the digitalization of the sector and the role of technology in increasing competitiveness;
  • the use of digital tools in marketing, communication, and interaction with tourists;
  • examples of initiatives that can support the promotion of Moldova Travel and the national tourism offer through digital solutions and innovative experiences.

The panel brought together representatives from the fields of tourism, marketing, education, and innovation, who discussed both the potential of these tools and the need to integrate them strategically into the development of the sector.

Made in Tourism Podcast – the people behind tourism in Moldova

In the second part of the forum, the Made in Tourism Podcast project was also presented, developed by ANTRIM in partnership with Vazy Production. The project aims to bring to the forefront the voices of those shaping Moldova’s tourism sector — entrepreneurs, professionals, destination managers, and experience creators — and to turn their stories into relevant content for the tourism community and for the promotion of the destination.

We would like to thank all speakers, partners, and participants who were part of this edition and who contribute, day by day, to the development of inbound tourism in the Republic of Moldova.

“
Elena Stepanov
Executive Director

ANTRIM Incoming Forum 2026 brought into focus key topics for the future of inbound tourism in the Republic of Moldova: regional cooperation, tourism product development, public-private partnerships, digitalization, sustainable urban tourism, and the role of culture in revitalizing communities.

More than just a discussion platform, the forum served as a space where concrete examples, ongoing projects, and forward-looking ideas were shared on how to build a tourism sector that is more connected, more innovative, and better prepared to unlock Moldova’s full potential.