Tourism
The legislative framework on Moldovan Republic tourism consists of Law No. 352-XVI, as of November 24, 2006 on the management and development of tourism in the Republic of Moldova and the Civil Code, Chapter XIX: travel arrangement and holiday packages [art.1592-1627], which is based on the European Union Directive No. 2015/2302 on package travel and linked travel arrangements.
According to the Law on the management and development of tourism in the Moldovan Republic and the Civil Code, tourism activities are carried out by tour operators and travel agencies.
The law establishes the requirements travel agencies must comply with: provide the services as is established in the contract; provide the full information about the program, consular procedures, tourists’ rights and obligations, insurance conditions and liabilities; provide complete information about the destination: legal acts; customs and local particularities; keep the confidentiality of the names and addresses of their clients; ensure the sustainable exploitation and conservation of tourism heritage; ensure the protection of the environment etc.
Also, the law stipulates the obligations of concluding travel packageagreements according to the approved model.
Generally, agreements must be concluded in a written form, but if the law requires it, they must be concluded in an authentic form (in case of periodic accommodation). Upon the concluding of agreements, travelers must receive at least one copy, in addition to the standard form. The standard form is stipulated in annex No. 8 of Law No. 1125-XV as of June 13, 2002 for the implementation of the Civil Code in the Republic of Moldova.
According to the new rules, any economic operator is allowed to practice tourism without license. Accommodation providers have the right to obtain the classification certificate, which is issued by the Public Services Agency, in order to obtain the decision on granting or not granting the category.
Economic operators must notify local public administration authorities and the Public Services Agency regarding initiation of the tourism activities.