Skopje, 22 January 2026 (MIA) - Minister of Culture and Tourism Zoran Ljutkov who is heading a Macedonian delegation on a working visit to the Kingdom of Spain, met Thursday in Madrid with the Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Shaikha Al Nowais. At the meeting, they discussed opportunities for the promotion of cooperation and assistance in the process of sustainable tourism development, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said in a press release.

“Minister Ljutkov congratulated Al Nowais on her election as Secretary General, highlighting the key role played by the UNWTO in the promotion of tourism as a driver of sustainable development, economic growth, and international cooperation, especially amidst global challenges for the tourism sector. He stressed that the government has strategically recognized tourism as a significant economic sector, which resulted in its inclusion into the Ministry of Culture, with the goal of establishing a systemic approach and more efficient management of tourism policies. In that context, the Minister informed that work is underway on a new tourism strategy as a key document for further development of the sector,” the Ministry said in a press release.

The meeting stressed the importance of the country’s full-fledged membership into the UNWTO, as well as the possibility for the Organization’s experts to join the processes for the education of tourism workers in order to boost quality and professionalism in the sector. 

Previously, Minister Ljutkov held a working meeting with Fuad Naghiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan. At the meeting, the two expressed readiness to enhance cooperation in tourism as a continuation of the talks launched at the COP29 in Baku.

“The meeting assessed opportunities for the opening of a new tourism market, the signing of a memorandum of understanding, holding B2B meeting, and the promotion of Macedonia’s tourism offer, with an emphasis on cultural, religious, gastronomy and wine tourism, and active tourism,” the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said.

As part of the visit, Minister Ljutkov will attend the opening of the FITUR 2026 international tourism fair on Thursday, which will also be attended by Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia

Photo: Ministry of Culture and Tourism