Skopje, 6 February 2024 (MIA) — The Agency for Promotion and Support of Tourism in the Republic of North Macedonia presented Macedonian tourism potentials at the 27th East Mediterranean International Tourism and Travel Exhibition on Tuesday in Istanbul, Turkey.

"As one of the top five travel exhibitions worldwide, EMITT annually attracts around 40,000 industry professionals and tourists from 100 countries, seeking new and existing travel destinations and travel service companies from around the world. Private sector representatives from Fibula, Badem Tour, DMC Balkans presented tourist programs," the agency said in a press release.

The Turkish tourist market, according to the release, is very important North Macedonia and Turkish tourists are becoming increasingly more interested in Macedonian destinations. In 2023, 21 percent of the total number of foreign tourists were Turkish, totaling 189,974 visits and 268,974 overnight stays.

Agency director Jasmina Leskarovska said that a media campaign promoting Macedonian tourist destinations and tourist products would continue being broadcast in Turkey this year.

"The goal of these activities is to contribute to greater competitiveness and recognition of North Macedonia as an appealing tourist destination as well as to familiarize the wider public with what makes us different, which is reflected through nature, history, culture and cuisine. Trends require the development of rural areas and eco-destinations," Leskarovska noted.

According to the release, the Agency for Promotion and Support of Tourism is planning on strengthening human capacities through trainings on developing sustainable forms of tourism and strengthening capacities for green destinations and their certification. ssh/mr