Village Travel Bot
About this good practice
Moldova’s rural tourism faces challenges like poor infrastructure, seasonality, and reliance on foreign visitors, limiting growth and community income. The Village Travel Bot, a Telegram-based chatbot, addresses these issues by promoting lesser-known villages and cultural sites through personalized recommendations and interactive storytelling. It connects travelers with local guides, artisans, and family-run businesses, enhancing experiences and supporting local economies.
Village Travel Bot revolutionizes rural tourism in Moldova, connecting travelers with hidden treasures and boosting local economies. Available on Telegram, it’s a personal travel guide offering tailored trips, real-time updates, and immersive cultural stories. By linking visitors with local guides, artisans, and family-run businesses, it keeps traditions alive while making every journey unforgettable.
Who Benefits?
• Local communities enjoy increased tourism, leading to economic growth and cultural revival.
• Tourists gain personalized, authentic experiences off the beaten path.
• Local businesses thrive as exposure and demand grow.
This innovative tool is a game-changer for rural tourism in Moldova, making each journey unique while preserving traditions.
Resources needed
The Village Travel Bot, funded by the EU via Hackathonul EaP Civic Tech 2024 (€32,000), was developed by AO "InnoVillage" with A.O. Implicare Plus. A team of 5 experts works with local communities and businesses to boost rural tourism and support Moldova’s economy.
Evidence of success
The Village Travel Bot, launched on August 28, 2024, with EU support, boosts rural tourism in Moldova through personalized experiences. Named Tourism Innovation of the Year at the Moldova Tourism Forum, it gained strong stakeholder interest. Its impact is emerging amid 233,000 Q2 2024 tourist visits.
Potential for learning or transfer
The Village Travel Bot is an innovative tool boosting rural tourism and local economies, making it easily transferable to other regions. It offers personalized travel experiences and connects tourists with local guides, artisans, and businesses, preserving traditions and promoting community involvement. The bot’s accessibility via Telegram makes it usable in areas with basic internet connectivity. Supported by the European Union, it’s a credible model for other regions.
The bot is adaptable and scalable, with its digital nature allowing for replication in regions with rural tourism potential. However, challenges like limited internet access and low digital literacy may affect its effectiveness. Strong local partnerships are also fundamental for its success.
This model can inspire regions seeking to enhance rural tourism, provided they address digital access and local engagement challenges.
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