🧐 On March 26, 2026, a pilot rural tourist route was organized with the purpose of testing and validating a new tourism product developed within the #PeoplePoweredTourism project.

🎯 The project promotes the development of sustainable tourism by valorizing local heritage, engaging the community, and supporting folk artisans and entrepreneurs from the suburbs of #Chisinau, as well as local initiatives that contribute to preserving the identity and cultural specificity of the area.

🌿 The pilot rural route was designed as a model of responsible and participatory tourism, highlighting the authenticity of the Moldovan village and actively involving the local community. Visitors not only discover rural heritage, traditions, and local lifestyles but also interact directly with householders, local producers, and artisans, thereby supporting the rural economy and preserving cultural identity.

🤝 Through this initiative, the “People Powered Tourism” project aims to:

1️⃣ Promote the cultural and natural heritage of rural communities,
2️⃣ Develop authentic tourism experiences in rural areas,
Ensure the direct involvement of local communities in tourism activities,
3️⃣ Support rural economies, local producers, and traditional crafts,
4️⃣ Create sustainable, replicable tourism routes adapted to rural specifics.

The route (including 10 km on foot and 50 km by minibus) gradually highlighted relevant examples of sustainable tourism through direct interaction with local entrepreneurs, artisans, and initiatives that valorize the cultural and gastronomic heritage of the community.

1️⃣ The first stage included a visit to GlassWare Art Studio (city of #Cricova, 122/158 Miorița Street), where participants discovered the art of glass processing and took part in an interactive masterclass, participating in the creation of decorative objects and experimenting with working techniques under the guidance of a master craftsman. This activity highlighted the role of contemporary crafts in preserving local creativity and developing experiential tourism.

2️⃣ The route continued at the agrotourism guesthouse Sus pe Deal in the village of #Goian, an example of authentic rural hospitality, where participants discovered how local resources are used in gastronomy and tourism services, contributing to supporting the community economy and promoting traditional products.

3️⃣ An important component of the route was hiking through the Goian Gorge, an activity that highlighted the natural heritage of the area and demonstrated the potential of active and responsible tourism in harmony with the environment.

4️⃣ The visit to the farm of Mr. Constantin Teodor offered participants the opportunity to learn about the activities specific to a rural household, including raising Mangalița piglets and goats. Direct interaction with the farmer highlighted the importance of local agriculture and its role in developing authentic rural tourism.

5️⃣ The route concluded with a visit to Kazak Club – Horse Riding and Recreational Leisure (village of #Grătieşti), where participants explored horse care activities, contributing to understanding the responsibilities associated with equestrian tourism. Activities included proper feeding and watering of animals, cleaning and brushing their coats, hoof care, and maintaining cleanliness in the stable, highlighting best practices in responsible animal care.

This pilot route represents an important step in developing a sustainable rural tourism product that highlights the cultural heritage of rural areas around Chisinau and directly involves the local community in creating authentic tourism experiences.

Through this route, the #PeoplePoweredTourism project promotes authentic tourism experiences and the involvement of local communities in the development of responsible tourism in Chisinau.

Students from the Faculty of Economic Sciences, Department of Economics, Marketing and Tourism of Moldova State University (USM) participated in the validation of the pilot project.

#PeoplePoweredTourism #SustainableTourism #VisitChisinau #FolkArtisans #Craftsmanship #Culture #History #Heritage #Chisinau590 #MunicipiulChisinau #Goian #Cricova #Grătieşti