On September 27, the Faculty of Food Technology celebrated World Tourism Day by hosting a special event dedicated to the “Hotel Services, Tourism, and Leisure” program. Under the World Tourism Organization’s theme, “Tourism and Peace,” the event brought together top tourism professionals, professors, and students, including those from other study programs, creating a true celebration of the field.
Notable guests, including Sergiu MANEA, Executive Director of the Tourism Industry Association of Moldova, Vladimir URSU, Director of the travel agency “QUALITY TOURS” LLC, journalist and influencer Vitalie GUȚU, and ornithologist Cristina KIFA from the Ecological Society “Biotica,” eagerly shared their expertise and experiences. Emphasizing the importance of peace for tourism development, they provided in-depth insights into the specificities of the tourism industry both locally and internationally.
Vladimir URSU highlighted the operations of travel agencies and the most sought-after destinations for Moldovans for the summer of 2024. Sergiu MANEA outlined the challenges faced by local tourism, Vitalie GUȚU emphasized the role of the media in promoting local tourism, while Cristina KIFA introduced a unique perspective by presenting how tourists can explore and admire birdlife in various regions.
The event encouraged active engagement, as students had the chance to ask questions, share ideas, and present their own examples, sparking lively and productive discussions. It concluded with three guided tours of UTM’s Open-Air Technical Museum, led by second-year students from the “Hotel Services, Tourism, and Leisure” program. These tours offered an ideal way to put their learning into practice, providing hands-on experience for both their peers and the guests.
World Tourism Day, observed each year by 159 member states of the World Tourism Organization, is an opportunity to celebrate the rich diversity of tourism while promoting peace and understanding across nations. Events like these help students sharpen their professional skills and contribute to a more connected global community, one that recognizes the vital role of responsible tourism.
This celebration united a shared passion for tourism, education, and human values, inspiring young people to become ambassadors of quality tourism and peace. It serves as a reminder that every journey offers not just new discoveries but also the chance to build bridges between cultures and contribute to a better world for everyone.