ANTRIM calls on the Moldovan authorities not to increase the VAT rate for the HoReCa industry and to support this sector that contributes to regional development and job creation, especially in rural areas
In particular, the National Inbound and Domestic Tourism Association (ANTRIM) noted that it represents 130 economic entities in this field, which directly contribute to the economic development of cities and villages throughout the country. Its members include rural guesthouses, hotels, travel agencies, wineries, restaurants, and other operators who daily support Moldova's image as a sustainable tourist destination. As noted by ANTRIM, although the industry is seeing a gradual increase in the number of tourists, the economic situation remains unstable. Accommodation facilities continue to experience low occupancy rates during the cold season, against the backdrop of pronounced seasonality in tourist demand, rising operating costs, and current tax pressure. In this context, recent announcements by the authorities of their intention to increase the VAT rate for the HoReCa sector from 8% to 18% represent an additional, difficult burden. This decision will inevitably lead to higher prices for local and foreign consumers, a decline in Moldova's competitiveness compared to other destinations in the region, and significant financial pressure on small and medium-sized enterprises, especially in rural areas, where tourism and HoReCa activities are often the main stable source of income and employment. ANTRIM notes that many EU countries apply reduced VAT rates to the hospitality sector precisely to support the competitiveness and attractiveness of destinations. For example, Romania applies a reduced rate of 9% for accommodation and catering services, Greece 13%, Spain 10%, and Italy 10% for hotel and restaurant services. These fiscal measures are aimed at stimulating consumption, investment, and formalization of the economy in the tourism sector. In addition, a possible adjustment of the VAT rate in Moldova this year is no longer feasible from an operational and contractual point of view. Tour operators have already concluded contracts with HoReCa companies for the spring, summer, and fall seasons at pre-agreed and accepted rates. Changing taxation at this stage would make it impossible to adjust prices without contractual risks, financial losses, cancellations, or deterioration of foreign trade relations. In the context of regional competition, such instability would directly affect the confidence of international partners and the predictability of Moldova as a tourist destination. ANTRIM asks the authorities to reconsider the intention to increase VAT for the HoReCa sector and to maintain the current VAT rate to support a sector that actively contributes to regional development and job creation, especially in rural areas. ANTRIM emphasized that it remains open to constructive dialogue based on data and economic arguments, with the aim of jointly identifying sustainable solutions to increase budget revenues by reducing tax evasion and improving tax compliance, rather than through measures that could negatively affect the sector, responsibly and proudly promoting Moldova at the international level. // 24.02.2026 — InfoMarket.
