In the “Tourism, Hotel and Restaurant Business” section, Daniela Zmeu stood out in a highly competitive field, alongside students from Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Slovakia, Hungary, the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka. Out of 65 papers submitted in this category, only 16 advanced to the final stage, selected for their originality and practical relevance. Her paper, titled “Wine tourism as a driver of rural development: an analysis of economic and social benefits,” was developed under the supervision of Associate Professors Rina Țurcan and Alina Strătila. The study takes a close look at wine tourism as a catalyst for rural development in the Republic of Moldova, showing how local winemaking traditions can support job creation, diversify local economies and help preserve cultural heritage.
Reflecting on the experience, Daniela Zmeu described it as more than a competition, but a validation of her efforts and interests. She said her choice of topic was shaped by the importance of the wine sector for Moldova’s economy and its potential to support rural communities. Engaging with the international academic environment, she noted, was both demanding and rewarding, offering a broader perspective on research and strengthening her analytical skills. Looking back, she said: “This award is not just a distinction, it shows that the voice of young researchers from Moldova can be heard internationally. I learned that rigor and the courage to tackle topics that matter for our economy are essential in any top-level competition.”
The academic quality of the work was also highlighted by her supervisors, who pointed to the study’s rigorous approach and its ability to combine up-to-date statistical data with relevant international examples. Its strength lies in turning theoretical concepts into practical insights for the real economy. Daniela’s progress, from an initial idea to a well-developed and competitive research project, reflects consistent work and a clear focus on producing relevant results. Associate Professor Rina Țurcan noted: “We saw a remarkable development. Daniela managed to shape an ambitious idea into a project with strong academic substance. Her result at Black Sea Science shows that FIEB prepares specialists capable of responding to current economic challenges with innovative solutions.”
Associate Professor Alina Strătila also emphasized the student’s commitment, saying: “Beyond the data, Daniela’s success comes from genuine intellectual curiosity and a strong ability to integrate feedback into her work. The result is a study with a clear and practical perspective, one that represents our university with confidence in front of an international jury.”
The recognition of the project is the outcome of sustained effort and solid analytical thinking, allowing it to meet the expectations of an international panel of experts.
Looking ahead, Daniela encourages her peers to believe in their ideas and take part in similar opportunities. She sees international competitions as an important step in personal and professional development, helping students better understand their field and expand their horizons. Her achievement reflects not only her own dedication, but also the capacity of UTM students to perform at a high level internationally and contribute to fields with real social and economic relevance.
Congratulations, Daniela, and best of luck in your future work.
