On 16 April 2026, within the framework of the seminar “The Republic of Moldova in the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe”, Iter Vitis – the Cultural Route of the Council of Europe dedicated to wine heritage – presented its strategic vision, ongoing initiatives, and contribution to sustainable cultural tourism development.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova in cooperation with the Council of Europe, brought together national and international stakeholders to explore how Moldova can strengthen its role within the Cultural Routes Programme and scale its impact through heritage, tourism, and international cooperation .
During the session “Moldova within the Cultural Routes Programme: Achievements and Consolidation”, Iter Vitis highlighted its mission to valorise vitivinicultural heritage across Europe, promoting sustainable tourism, community engagement, and transnational cooperation. The presentation emphasized the importance of wine routes as tools for regional development, identity building, and integration into European cultural networks.
A key moment of the session was the presentation of the Wine Routes of Moldova, delivered by ANTRIM (National Inbound and Domestic Tourism Association of Moldova), a proud member of the Iter Vitis Federation. Since joining Iter Vitis in 2020, Moldova has achieved remarkable progress in developing and positioning its wine tourism offer.
Over the past six years, the Wine Routes of Moldova, through ANTRIM have:
- strengthened the national wine tourism brand and international visibility;
- developed integrated tourism products combining wine, gastronomy, and cultural experiences;
- fostered cooperation between wineries, local communities, and tourism operators;
- contributed to the diversification of tourism flows beyond urban areas;
- aligned with European standards of sustainability and quality in tourism.
This evolution demonstrates how strategic partnerships and international affiliation can accelerate the development of emerging destinations, transforming local potential into structured, market-ready tourism experiences.
The participation of Iter Vitis and its Moldovan members confirms the growing role of Moldova within the Cultural Routes Programme and highlights the country’s potential to become a proactive and innovative partner in the European cultural tourism landscape.