Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure of Moldova on a new tourism law in Moldova!
Anna Colta, President of the Union of Business Entities “National Association of Travel Companies of Moldova” (ANAT Union) took part on 1st Martch 2018 in the meetings at the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure of Moldova featuring the Minister, Mr. Chiril Gaburici.
“Tourism is a problem for the Republic of Moldova, and an opportunity for regional and economic development. I firmly believe in the potential of the tourism industry in our country. Tourism causes social and economic progress, regional development and reduction of labor migration. With tourism development, we are promoting the national heritage — culture, history and traditions,” said Minister of Economy and Infrastructure Chiril Gaburici during the meeting with representatives of Moldova tourism industry.
During the meeting, we discussed the initiatives of strategic tourism reform in our country. At the same time, an initiative to create a legal framework for the tourism industry has been launched.
“The tourism industry needs a strategic reform which will be able to create the right environment for the rapid development of this sector. Other countries with a similar history have succeeded. I mean the success story of Georgia and Armenia. As a result of structural reforms and regulatory model reinterpretation in these countries, tourism has increased 10 times in Georgia and 4 times in Armenia, with 3-4% of GDP in these countries. The Republic of Moldova can achieve the same efficiency if we know how to strengthen our efforts, public and private sector, if we make ambitious and strategic decisions, and use available resources effectively,” emphasized the Minister of Economy and Infrastructure.
In this context, Chiril Gaburici noted that the Republic of Moldova is an attractive destination and is one of the safest countries in the world. “The Republic of Moldova has a highly efficient IT environment and a digital environment with the world’s largest access to the Internet and wireless networks. In recent months, our country is listed among the best tourist destinations that are recommended to visit in 2018. I congratulate you on this success,” added the Minister.
President of ANAT Mrs Anna Colta also spoke at the meeting. She noted the role of tourism in Moldova’s economy can be increased via providing favorable environment for businesses. Members of tourism industry welcome Ministry of Economy’s initiative to develop a new law for the tourism industry, and invite all interested parties to participate in a round table conference. Mr Anna Colta emphasized that the businesses should be the main initiators of the new law and that their voices should be heard, since it would be legal entities who would later use this law in their activities.
ANAT President noted the importance of creating a tourism register in accordance with the specification already approved by Government Decision No. 559 of August 14, 2015, on “Automated Information System “Tourism Register”, which must be enlarged and improved! This smart-soft register will free all participants of many bureaucratic procedures, as well as give everybody in the travel industry the opportunity to register, send statistics data, and be discovered without even leaving the office! This tool will simplify the work in tourism and at the same time will make it transparent by removing the businesses from the underground.
The topics touched on during the meeting also included the financial guarantees for tourist companies and tour operators, as well as VAT for excursion programs; they also need to be taken into account, and corresponding annexes should be added to the legislative initiatives.
Other participants also addressed the meeting, and by the end of it all attendees decided that in the next few days special working groups would be gathered to initiate a new law on tourism in Moldova!
ANAT Press Centre
