The tourism activity, like any other type of economic activity, is one that consumes human resources, which produces effects with a strong social character. The tourism industry trains a vast human and material potential, with profound implications for the economy, society and international relations. Under these conditions, the economic efficiency of the industry is closely related to its social efficiency. The efforts it engages and the effects it produces in the economy, prove public and private interest in relation to the factors influencing tourism, its leverage effect and particularities of economic legitimacy, which are related to this industry. It is suggestive that the economic and social advantage generated by tourism has led many developing countries, such as the Republic of Moldova, to increase their efforts in the development and consolidation of this branch. Due to the fact that it is necessary to correctly assess the impact caused by tourism on the national economy, through this article, the authors will establish the limits of the research area, identifying the opportunities that can accelerate the development of this branch, as well as the constraints that stop this process. At the same time, the correct quantification of tourism from a statistical point of view will allow the evaluation of the real dimensions of this industry, to establish its impact on the Gross Domestic Product. Based on the above, the respective study supports the scientific approach regarding the role of tourism in the economic and social cohesion on tourist destination countries, which are involved in international tourist flows.