Booking.com to promote Moldova as European travel hub

Online travel agency Booking.com has partnered with Moldova’s National Tourism Office to promote the country across international markets, officials announced ahead of the Moldova Tourism Forum 2026 in Chisinau.

"Moldova Project" will coordinate external assistance from various international institutions, including the EU

Although the new "Moldova Project" structure, announced by Prime Minister Vasile Tofan, promises more efficient management of major public investments, its success depends on its organizational architecture and genuine cooperation with the ministries. Corneliu Coteț, an expert with EUROPULS Romania, expressed this view during the September 18 edition of the "Paralela 47" program on Radio Moldova.

Moldova sees 25% rise in foreign tourists

The Republic of Moldova is attracting more foreign and domestic tourists. According to the latest World Tourism Barometer, the number of foreign tourists visiting the country in the first six months of this year was 25% higher than during the same period last year. Authorities attribute this growth to authentic experiences, uncrowded destinations, and opportunities to discover Moldovan culture, cuisine, and wines.

Junghietu states Moldova must maintain its strategic gas reserve, as it is not a surplus

The Republic of Moldova's security gas stocks cannot be used to temporarily lower gas prices, as they are the country's strategic reserve for crises and can cover only about ten days of winter consumption. Minister of Energy Dorin Junghietu made this clarification after Vadim Ceban, Acting Chairman of the Management Board of Moldovagaz S.A., proposed using these reserves to mitigate the impact of rising prices on consumers.

Moldova to tax online retail parcels from October 1

Moldovan authorities will enforce a 20% Value Added Tax (VAT) and a 12 MDL (€0.60) processing fee on all imported online retail parcels starting October 1, curbing exemptions for low-cost international platforms.

"Made in Moldova" products: 20 Moldovan companies at the Chestnut Festival in Baia Mare

Over 20 companies from the Republic of Moldova are currently showcasing their products in the Romanian municipality of Baia Mare as part of the fifth edition of the "Republic of Moldova Presents" exhibition. The event opened on Friday, September 18, at the "Lascăr Pană" Sports Hall and runs until September 20, coinciding with the Chestnut Festival.

Moldova's Tourism Forum 2026: Strategies and opportunities

The Moldova Tourism Forum 2026 will address global trends, artificial intelligence, and investment attraction on September 24 in Chișinău. The event will bring together representatives from government authorities, the private sector, and international organizations to discuss, among other topics, ways for the Republic of Moldova to strengthen its position as a tourism destination on the European market.

"Zarea" hotel design competition. Tofan: "It has greater potential"

The "Zarea" Hotel, located in the capital’s historic center near Cathedral Park, is set for modernization. Prime Minister Vasile Tofan says the building has greater potential than is currently being realized and has invited creators to submit ideas for its redevelopment.

The 6,300-lei minimum wage has left a 2.8-billion-lei deficit in the pension fund

The Republic of Moldova's minimum wage of 6,300 lei should be raised to at least 7,300 lei to cover the subsistence minimum for an employee with one child. The National Trade Union Confederation of Moldova (CNSM) warns that the current level is insufficient and creates major imbalances in the state-funded pension system.

Loans are costlier; experts advise waiting

Loans are likely to become more expensive now that the National Bank has increased the base interest rate from 7.50% to 9.0%. This decision is intended to combat inflationary pressures. Ongoing turbulence in energy markets, driven by geopolitical tensions, adds to the uncertainty. As a result, experts are advising Moldovans to consider postponing any plans to take out loans.

Moldova raises 2026 budget to fund public sector one-off aid

Moldova's parliament passed the 2026 state budget revision in the second reading on Thursday, approving one-off financial bonuses of up to 4,000 MDL (€204) for public employees earning under 20,000 MDL monthly.

Moldova aims for world record human grapevine at National Wine Day

Moldova plans to assemble the world’s largest human grapevine on October 3, aiming for a Guinness World Record during the milestone 25th National Wine Day in central Chișinău.