The Republic of Moldova is becoming increasingly visible on the European tourism map, proving that a small destination can offer big experiences.
Between September 11–15, 2025, our country hosted an unusual adventure — “Let’s Get Lost”, a campaign created in partnership between Invest Moldova Agency and Wizz Air, which brought 137 participants from Italy to Moldova — journalists, influencers, and winners of the international Let’s Get Lost contest.
An experience that began with the unknown
Without knowing the final destination, passengers boarded a surprise Wizz Air flight displayed on the departures board as “UNKNOWN.” The only clue they had was the temperature at the destination: 22–26°C.
When the plane landed in Chișinău, emotion turned into an authentic discovery of a country they knew almost nothing about. Over four days, they explored underground wine cellars, traditional villages in Orheiul Vechi, prepared Moldovan pies, tasted local wines, and discovered the warm and sincere energy of the people.
“I was surprised by the similarities with Italy — in the landscape and in the culture. Moldova is a place where traditions and cuisines of different peoples blend harmoniously.”
— Graziano Mancuso, influencer Voyavels
A campaign with remarkable impact in Italy
Just a few weeks after launch, the “Let’s Get Lost” campaign generated over 80.3 million online impressions and 27 articles in the Italian press — including Vanity Fair, La Stampa, and Il Foglio — all with positive sentiment and a total audience of over 80 million readers.
On social media, participant-generated content recorded over 27 million interactions, and they published more than 800 videos and photos on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, turning Moldova into a viral topic among Italian travel communities.
“The partnership with Wizz Air allowed us to reach exactly where Moldova’s voice needs to be heard — in large, competitive markets where authenticity becomes a strength. Italy is an emotional market, and through this campaign we showed that Moldova is not an unknown place, but a discovery worth experiencing.”
— Natalia Bejan, Director of Invest Moldova Agency.
Authentic experiences, deep connections
The experiences offered to visitors were designed to foster an authentic connection with Moldova's spirit through a harmonious balance of tradition, gastronomy, and local culture. The program included diverse activities — from a traditional cooking lesson and weaving and crafts workshops, to kayaking on the Dniester River and attending the VinOpera show at Castel Mimi, where art, wine, and music blended into a memorable event.
“I was impressed by the nature in Butuceni, VinOpera, and the Cricova cellars. I absolutely loved the pies, baba neagră, and the eggplant stew.” — Valentina Ottavani, influencer Valentina Fashion Travel Hair
How Italians saw Moldova
Italian visitors appreciated the authentic atmosphere of the Republic of Moldova, especially the hospitality of the locals and the balance of dynamism and calm in the capital. Chișinău struck them as a clean, well-organized, and green city, with many parks and relaxation areas. Its architecture, combining elements from the Soviet period with modern accents, drew attention through the natural contrast between old and new. Many also mentioned the lively nightlife, which they found a pleasant surprise that complements the image of a young and open city.
“An excellent destination for wine lovers and an authentic alternative to crowded tourist destinations.”
— Valentina Dirindin, Vanity Fair Italia
Partners and international recognition
The “Let’s Get Lost” campaign was carried out by Invest Moldova Agency in collaboration with Wizz Air and supported by the National Tourism Office of the Republic of Moldova, the Ministry of Culture, the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund, Mastercard, Chișinău International Airport, Rădăcini Wines, the National Office of Vine and Wine, the National Association for Inbound and Domestic Tourism, and the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History.
Through this collaboration, Moldova joined the countries that previously hosted the campaign — the U.A.E., Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, and Spain — strengthening its place on the map of authentic European destinations.
A story of curiosity and discovery
The “Let’s Get Lost” story is about curiosity, discovery, and how a small country wins hearts through authenticity and hospitality.
“I was impressed by the green landscapes and the peacefulness of the places. I liked it so much that I’ve already booked a new visit.” — Giovanni Pecoraro, Wizz Air winner
For many, Let’s Get Lost was not just a campaign, but an experience that changed their perception of Moldova — described by the Italian press as an authentic alternative to crowded destinations, a country that welcomes tourists with sincerity, and a discovery that challenges prejudices about Eastern Europe.