Tourism

Tourism in the Republic of Moldova is regulated by Law No. 352/2006 on the organization and operation of tourism activities, as substantially amended by Law No. 172/2025, and by Chapter XIX of the Civil Code (travel packages and linked travel arrangements, Art. 1592–1627), aligned with EU Directive 2015/2302.

1. Competent authorities

Under the 2025 amendments:

  • The Ministry of Culture develops the national tourism policy.
  • The National Tourism Office is established as a public institution subordinated to the Ministry of Culture, responsible for tourism development, promotion and monitoring.

The Office manages:

  • the Inventory of Economic Operators in Tourism – an official electronic registry of all tourism-related entities;
  • the Tourism Register – a system for centralizing data on national tourism assets;
  • the authorization of certain tourist information and orientation signs.

2. Tourism operators

Tourism activities may be carried out by:

  • tour-operating agencies (organizers) – entities forming and commercializing travel packages;
  • travel agencies – intermediaries selling travel services or packages.

➤ The term “tour operator” has been removed from the law and replaced with “tour-operating agency”.

3. Authorization and notification regime

Under the current legal framework:

  • Tourism operators no longer require a license.
  • Economic operators starting tourism activities must notify the National Tourism Office through the Inventoryand submit annual reports.
  • Tourist accommodation and reception structures (hotels, guesthouses, leisure facilities, balneary services, tourist transport etc.) may operate only with a valid classification certificate.

4. Travel service contracts

Travel service agreements are governed by the Civil Code:

  • written form is mandatory;
  • the standard information form must be attached (Annex No. 8 to Law No. 1125/2002);
  • extensive pre-contractual information duties;
  • consumer remedies for non-performance or improper performance.

5. Operators’ obligations

Tour-operating agencies and travel agencies must:

  • provide complete, accurate, and clear information to travellers;
  • fulfil all contractual obligations;
  • assist travellers in difficulty;
  • compensate damages resulting from non-performance;
  • ensure confidentiality of client data;
  • operate sustainably, preserving tourism heritage and the environment;
  • employ managers holding professional training certificates in tourism (new requirement introduced in 2025).

6. Key new elements introduced in 2025

Law No. 172/2025 brings significant innovations:

  • updated and expanded definitions in the tourism sector.
  • introduction of holiday vouchers;
  • creation and institutionalization of tourist destinations at local, regional, and national level;
  • establishment of Destination Management Organizations (DMOs);
  • regulated criteria, functions, financing and monitoring mechanisms for DMOs;