Pakistani Tourist Potential for the Growth of the Moldavian Tourism Industry and Several Types of Tourism for Moldavians Tourists in Pakistan

Abstract

Tourism is an essential component for the socio-economic development of any country. Pakistan is the fifth most populous country in the world and its population is 241.50 million which is more than half of the European Union’s population. The population of Moldova is 2.5 million. Pakistani tourists have zero shares in Moldova's tourism statistics. Tourism contributes to all the sustainable development goals of the United Nations. The infrastructure of Moldova supports international tourism activities. Moldova and Pakistan must open their diplomatic missions in their respective capitals to boost bilateral tourism. Moldova is required to start the visa-free regime for Pakistani tourists up to nighty days with mandatory requirement of a paid return air ticket for Pakistani tourists. In addition, direct flights between Moldova and Pakistan are necessary to start. The Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) of Pakistan is far below Moldova. There are many forms of tourism that exist in Moldova. For example, rural tourism, cultural tourism, gastronomic tourism, nature tourism, agritourism, river tourism, archaeological tourism, etc. A digital portal in Romanian, English, Urdu languages, and other languages of the world is required to rent accommodations for tourism purposes in Moldova. Pakistanis understand English and Urdu language. Pakneftegaz is ready to voluntarily assist in English and Urdu translation to the Government of Moldova for the development of a tourism digital portal to attract Pakistani tourists to Moldova. Safety and security are the keys to attracting international tourism. Moldova is a safe place for international tourists but safety measures need to adopt in Pakistan. Moldavians are very hospitable. Moldovan cuisine is not as spicy and oily as Pakistani cuisine. Borscht, a soup made from vegetables, meat, and beetroots is a common dish in Moldova. Upper Trajan's Wall is an important part of archaeological tourism in Moldova. The length of the wall is 120 kilometers and, it stretches from the Dniester River to the Prut River. An archaeological site of the Memorial Column is located in the city of Vulcanesti, an autonomous region of Gagauzia, Republic of Moldova. This monument was designed by the architect Bouffeau for the victory of the Russian Army over the Turkish army in the battle of Cahul in 1770 in the city of Vulcanesti. Stephen the Great Central Park is famous for the monument of Stephen the Great and very famous archaeological heritage for international tourism. The great hero of the Moldavian nation and Romanian nation is Stephen the Great. He was great fighter and wise ruler. The monument was designed by architect Alexandru Plămădeală. Low-cost and safe river tourism is another form of international tourist attraction in Moldova. Kayaking tours are offered on multiple water locations in Moldova. Pakistan is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, and multi-linguistic country but the majority of the nation understands the Urdu language. The Pakistani tourism industry is male-dominated. Moldavian women tourists are advised to wear the Pakistani dresses in Pakistan. Mountaineering tourism, cultural tourism, miscellaneous festivals, and Pakistani cuisine can be the centre of attraction. Kabaddi and Polo are a kind of sport and a new sport for the Moldavian tourists. K2 is the second highest mountain and international tourism attraction in the world which is located in Gilgit-Baltistan part of Pakistan. Pakistan has a number of archaeological sites and forts. DOI: https://doi.org/10.53486/dri2024.12; UDC: 338.48(478+549.1); JEL: Z32, L83