Co-funded by the European Union

Erasmus+ Project Kick-Off: Moldova’s Pathway to Advanced Tourism Skills

Chișinău, Moldova – 17 May 2025

This week, Moldova proudly hosted the official kick-off meeting of the Erasmus+ project “Moldova’s Pathway to Advanced Tourism Skills (MPATS)” bringing together project partners from Greece, Cyprus, and Italy to support the development of Moldova’s tourism sector through vocational education and training (VET).

 

Over the course of two days, representatives from the Center for Innovation and Policies (CIPM), the VET College of Ecology, the VET Professional School No.2 Chișinău, and international partners—iED (Greece), APRO Formazione (Italy), and BK Plus Europe (Cyprus)—gathered in Chișinău to meet key stakeholders and lay the foundation for the project’s implementation.

 

The agenda included strategic meetings with several of Moldova’s leading institutions in tourism and economic development. These included the Ministry of Culture, which is also responsible for tourism, ANTRIM, the Organization for the Development of the SME Sector (ODA), and the Sector Skills Committee in HORECA, a social partner that brings together representatives of employers and employees in the hospitality sector. These exchanges provided valuable insights into Moldova’s tourism context and ensured that the project’s goals are aligned with national priorities and realities.

 

Beyond discussions of project deliverables and timelines, the highlight of the kick-off was the human connection. As partners presented their institutions and implementation ideas, mutual trust and team spirit began to grow. Cultural events—such as the Wine Vernisaj evening showcasing Moldovan wine and cuisine—offered guests a meaningful experience of Moldova’s hospitality and creativity.

 

MPATS is more than a project—it is a step toward building a stronger tourism sector in Moldova by investing in the skills and potential of the next generation of professionals.
The project’s implementation team left the meeting connected, motivated, and aligned in purpose. With a clear roadmap and growing partnerships, Moldova’s Pathway to Advanced Tourism Skills is ready to make a lasting contribution to the country’s VET tourism system. 
 

ℹ️ Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.