Empowering Moldovan agri-tourism through Digital Transformation: the “Tourism Business Booster” project completes a successful journey

In November 2024, The “Tourism Business Booster – Creative Cross-Pollination for Agri-Tourism Business Growth” project successfully addressed key skill gaps faced by Moldovan agri-tourism businesses creating a bridge between business and academia. This initiative has enabled women-led rural businesses and students from the Department of Economics, Marketing, and Tourism of the State University of Moldova to better navigate the digital landscape, enhance visibility, and increase their impact on the tourism sector. 

Implemented over a period of 10 months, the project focused on boosting digital and creative skills through an innovative program of workshops, study visits, mentorship, and collaboration with both local and international creative industries, including Academia sector representatives, including students. Through this approach, traditional agri-tourism practices were combined with fresh digital methods, fostering sustainable growth for women-led tourism businesses. 

As part of its mission, the Tourism Business Booster project provided participants with a transformative journey by addressing four core challenges crucial for digital and business growth. The first challenge, “Choose Your Transformation Pathway: Product Development & Diversification” was led by Polish Marketing Expert Mrs. Joanna Dzik, who highlighted the importance of sustainable tourism development and diversifying tourism offerings. This guidance equipped participants with strategies to broaden their offers, allowing guests to experience a richer range of activities at chosen destinations. The second challenge, “Learn to Tell Your Story: Cultural Elements & Storytelling” was guided by international trainer Mrs. Olga Siekierska. She emphasized how incorporating cultural heritage into storytelling can make tourism offerings more engaging and memorable. This session empowered businesses to create narratives that showcase their unique heritage and connect deeply with visitors. In the third challenge, “Content Creation: Create & Innovate” Polish content creator Karolina Bak, together with local mentors Tatiana Arcan, Tatiana Lupașcu and Denis Rusu, provided practical training on crafting impactful digital content. This training equipped participants with essential skills for engaging audiences across various digital platforms, helping them establish a strong online presence in today’s competitive digital landscape. The final challenge, “Boost Your Business and Career” led by Polish Development Trainers, Agata and Aneta Dzik, brought together insights from previous sessions to offer a holistic approach to business and career growth. This workshop focused on networking, personal branding, and strategic planning, empowering participants to take concrete steps toward strengthening their professional journey and enhancing business impact. 

The project’s activities included 4 specialized workshops, 5 study visits, and 5 content creation visits, all supported by mentorship from both local and international experts. Through digital storytelling, promotional videos, e-catalogs, video guides, digital menus, digital trails, and enhanced social media presence, seven rural businesses were empowered to improve visibility on platforms such as Google Maps, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. These new digital tools have made information more accessible and helped businesses consolidate their promotional efforts, resulting in increased engagement from visitors. Thanks to the program’s strategic support, rural Moldovan businesses are now better positioned to attract visitors and present their offerings on a broader scale. The combination of digital tools and creative content has enabled project beneficiaries to stand out in the agri-tourism sector, paving the way for sustainable growth and long-term success. 

„Throughout the project, significant emphasis was placed on promoting the initiative itself, its goals, and its outcomes. This included opportunities for presentations at conferences in Poland, Czech Republic, and Moldova, as well as radio appearances in both Poland and Moldova. Additionally, intensive efforts were carried out on social media, creating visibility and engagement with a broader audience. The project also provided valuable opportunities to establish partnerships and collaborations across different regions, strengthening the network and impact of the initiative”, said Joanna Dzick, Stowarzyszenie Przedsiębiorcze Radomiank.

„Participation in the Tourism Business Booster project offered the students of the State University of Moldova a valuable experience, bringing them closer to the realities of the tourism industry through practical activities and specialized mentoring. The initiative helped them build digital marketing, research, and creative skills, pushing their limits and enhancing their professional growth, opening doors for future careers”, declared Elena Nirean, Doctor and Associate Professor at State University of Moldova.

„Our participation in the Tourism Business Booster project had a significant impact on the development of Camping pe Toloaca. The activities carried out provided us with new information that contributed to increasing visibility and adapting to guests’ requirements. We learned to use digital technologies to promote our services more efficient”, mentioned Ana Bostescu, founder of Camping „Pe toloaca”.

“We live in a digital era, and through the Tourism Business Booster project, we’ve succeeded in bringing our clients closer to our products. The digital solution created within this project enhances our operational efficiency, and online promotion has helped us reach a broader audience among tourists”, said Marta Gonciari, administrator at Casa Olarului “Vasilii Gonciari”.

As the project reaches its conclusion, participants have expressed optimism for the future, highlighting how these new digital skills will enable them to grow within an increasingly digital economy. This project has set a foundation for ongoing collaboration between Moldova’s tourism and creative industries, with future programs anticipated to build upon these successes. 

“We are proud to reflect on the journey and achievements we’ve shared. Together, we’ve worked to enhance product development and diversification, equipping participants with the skills and tools to thrive in an evolving market. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved, from team members to participants, whose commitment has been instrumental in bringing this project to life”, said Elena Stepanov, Executive Director of ANTRIM. 

The “Tourism Business Booster – creative cross-pollination for agri-tourism business growth” project is implemented by the Radomianki Entrepreneurial Association in partnership with the National Association for Inbound and Domestic Tourism from Moldova, with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Polish Challenge Fund, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.