Capacity Building Academy XIII

ANTRIM - National Inbound and Domestic Tourism Association of Moldova holds a central role in the development of Moldova’s tourism sector, acting as a bridge between service providers, public institutions and international partners. Its work is shaped by the country’s position as an emerging destination that is still building a clear and recognisable image on the global stage. To help the country gain international recognition as a tourist destination and improve the business environment and legal framework for the sector, ANTRIM collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders. 

During the Capacity Building Academy, ANTRIM presented the Descopera platform together with the DescOperă Festival. The platform was developed as a national digital tool that brings together destinations, services and experiences into one accessible space, while the festival represents a concrete cultural event within this framework. The motivation behind the DescOperă Festival is to promote culture and classical music while highlighting the beauty and uniqueness of Moldova’s natural landscapes. The festival combines art, tourism and nature, creating a cultural experience that attracts both local and international visitors. By offering a shared platform, the initiative helps create stronger connections between wineries, guesthouses, tour operators and cultural sites. It allows smaller providers, who may not have the resources for international promotion, to become part of a broader and more visible tourism ecosystem, while supporting local stakeholders in presenting their offers in a more structured and coordinated way. 

The DescOperă Festival includes open air opera performances presented by national and international artists, as well as classical music concerts in the natural setting of Orheiul Vechi. It also features areas with traditional food and local wines, along with stands where local artisans present and sell handmade products, promoting traditional crafts and local culture. The festival also generated economic benefits for the local area by increasing demand for accommodation, food services and local tourism activities, attracting around 4,000 to 5,000 visitors over three days. 

Following the presentation, partners engaged in a discussion on the challenges of maintaining such platforms over time, with attention given to continuous updates, stakeholder involvement and the balance between national coordination and local authenticity.