EXPLORING THE ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF WINE TOURISM IN EMERGING AND DEVELOPED ECONOMIES

Abstract

Over recent decades, wine tourism underwent accelerated development, evolving into a distinct segment of the tourism industry. As consumer preferences shifted towards authentic, sustainable, and culturally enriched experiences, wine tourism proved wellpositioned for growth. Located at the crossroads of agriculture, the wine industry, heritage, and regional development, it reinforced its role as a strategic tool for enhancing the competitiveness of wine regions, particularly in transitioning economies. This study applied a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative techniques, including comparative analysis, content examination of theoretical models, documentary review, and linear regression. This framework enabled the exploration of correlations between wine tourism performance and macroeconomic indicators. The findings indicated that success in wine tourism was less dependent on GDP per capita and more strongly influenced by factors such as wine heritage, vineyard density, infrastructure quality, branding strategies, and communication effectiveness. Moldova illustrated this dynamic by ranking fifth globally in wine tourism, despite modest macroeconomic performance. The research contributed to consolidating wine tourism as a vector for inclusive and sustainable regional development. It also emphasized the potential of emerging economies to attain international visibility by leveraging cultural assets, innovating tourism offerings, and aligning with global sustainability trends.