Village Travel Bot, an interactive Telegram chatbot developed by AO “InnoVillage” with support from the European Union, offers tourists a fresh way to experience the authentic charm of Moldova’s rural communities. Officially launched on August 28, 2024, this innovative bot currently features five pilot villages in Moldova, each showcasing unique local experiences—from exploring natural wonders to traditional carpet weaving.
Accessible via https://t.me/VillageTravel_bot, Village Travel Bot highlights that Moldova has more to offer beyond its capital city, Chisinau, and its famous wine tasting. The captivating stories and rich traditions of Moldova’s villages are just as appealing to young Moldovans and international travelers alike. Village Travel Bot ensures that venturing into the countryside provides a memorable and one-of-a-kind travel experience.
Acting as both a personal travel assistant and a local guide, the bot engages users in friendly conversations to help them discover hidden gems and recommends places to visit based on individual interests and preferences. It also assists in customizing travel itineraries, connecting users with local businesses, and making it easy to book accommodations and activities. With fascinating facts, engaging stories, and multimedia content about the first 50 featured sights, users can dive into the cultural heritage of villages like Butuceni, Milești, Selemet, Puhăceni, and Gura Bîcului.
Tatiana Arcan, Project Manager and Co-Founder of InnoVillage, describes Village Travel Bot as a digital ambassador for Moldova’s rural areas.
“This bot helps uncover new destinations and educates users about the rich cultural heritage of these villages,” says Arcan. “Our goal is to contribute to the economic growth of rural communities and offer visitors a truly unforgettable experience in Moldova.”
Local communities recognize the potential impact of this project in revitalizing the economic and social landscape of Moldova’s villages. Ana Plămădeală, Director of the Cultural Center in Puhăceni, sees Village Travel Bot as a valuable platform to showcase local history and traditions in a modern, engaging way.
“We’re excited to be part of this innovative initiative, which supports local tourism and boosts our community’s economic and social development. It’s inspiring to see how modern technology can bring traditional values to life for a new generation of tourists,” says Plămădeală.
Village Travel Bot is part of the European Union’s broader efforts to foster digital innovation in Eastern Partnership countries, supported by the annual EaP Civic Tech Hackathons organized by the EU-funded Eastern Partnership Civil Society Facility project. For more information about Village Travel Bot, visit www.villagetravel.md or contact Tatiana Arcan, Project Manager at AO “InnoVillage,” at [email protected].