The Historic Cafés Route – Experience Map – Republic of Moldova | Cultural Routes for Cultural Travel
The Experience Map – Republic of Moldova is a strategic pilot initiative designed to support the development of a market niche for Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, with a specific focus on promoting travel and cultural experience programs deeply rooted in local heritage, traditions, and authenticity.
Targeting both European and international tour operators, as well as cultural travellers engaged in the Council of Europe’s certified routes, this initiative seeks to implement the vision set out by the 2019 Sibiu Directive, which advocates for “Cultural Routes for Cultural Travel” — an approach that fosters sustainable tourism, cross-border mobility, intercultural dialogue, and the valorization of Europe’s shared cultural identity.
By interconnecting historic cafés, UNESCO sites, culinary landmarks, and regional heritage attractions, the map positions the Republic of Moldova as a model region for cultural tourism innovation. It aims to boost sustainable travel while encouraging cross-sector collaboration between public authorities, cultural institutions, private tourism businesses, and local communities.
Importantly, the Experience Map also functions as a curated, flexible tool for tour operators, offering a tailored selection of attractions within a limited geographic scope. These can be transformed into bespoke travel packages, adapted to various market segments and client preferences.
Through this program, the Republic of Moldova becomes a living laboratory for experiential tourism — a testing ground for replicable best practices that can be scaled across other Cultural Routes in Europe. Moreover, the initiative supports local economic development, reinforces Moldova’s international image, and enhances the visibility of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe as powerful instruments for cultural diplomacy, heritage preservation, and sustainable tourism.
To ensure the successful implementation of the Historic Cafés Route tourism program in the Republic of Moldova, a collaboration is currently being prepared with StarNet, led by Mr. Alexandru Macedon, and with HiSky, the national airline of the Republic of Moldova.
HCR President Arnold Klingeis and Vice President Alexandros Delithanassis offer the HCR distinction „The Power of Culture“ to Mr. Alexandru Macedon, President of StarNet, host and organizer of the Chișinău Business Forum
His Highness Prince Radu of Romania with President Arnold Günter Klingeis at the Chișinău Economic Forum
For the implementation of this pilot travel program, Historic Cafés Route is deeply grateful for the support provided by the Government of the Republic of Moldova, through the National Office for Tourism.
Valentin Ceban, Director of the National Tourism Office of the Republic of Moldova, with HCR President Arnold Klingeis
These strategic partnerships will play a key role in enhancing international accessibility, destination visibility, and logistical connectivity, contributing to the creation of an integrated tourism offer that connects Moldova to the broader network of Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe.
By aligning public and private efforts, the program seeks to promote Moldova as an emerging destination for cultural travel and experiential tourism, supporting both local economic growth and regional cooperation within the European cultural tourism framework.
