Building on the initiative launched in Ohrid, the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science and with the support of the “Education for Employment – E4E@mk” project, continued its activities aimed at promoting the hospitality and tourism sector in other regions as well. In this context, the focus shifted to Bitola, where, through the organization of the Hospitality and Tourism Association and with Hotel Molika on Pelister as host, a one-day event was held to introduce primary school students from Bitola to career opportunities in tourism.

In the picturesque setting of Hotel Molika, located in the heart of Pelister National Park, more than 50 ninth-grade students from several primary schools in the municipalities of Bitola, Novaci, and Mogila had a unique opportunity to experience tourism from the inside. The goal of the event was the same as that of the initiative held at the Regional Center in Ohrid—to stimulate young people’s interest in enrolling in vocational schools specializing in hospitality and tourism, while also challenging stereotypes about working in this sector.

Hotel Molika, one of the most authentic mountain hotels in the country, proved to be an ideal location for such a promotion. Students were introduced to all aspects of hotel operations—from the reception and accommodation facilities to the kitchen and restaurant. A particularly strong impression on the young participants was made by the testimonies of employees who have built their careers in the hotel. The event was opened by Nikolche Karovski, Coordinator for the Development of Tourism and Hospitality at ESM Molika. In an open discussion with the students about the myths that tourism is a difficult and unpromising sector, he emphasized that although the work is dynamic and sometimes demanding, it offers great opportunities for rapid career advancement, work in a multicultural environment, and creative expression. Bitola, as a city rich in cultural and historical heritage, has enormous tourism potential, which requires qualified, professional, and motivated workforce.

The event also included discussions about the specific educational profiles in the tourism and hospitality sector that students can choose, through presentations delivered by SOU “Taki Daskalo” Bitola and the Regional Vocational Education and Training Center “Vancho Pitosheski” in Ohrid. The Work-Based Learning Coordinator from SOU “Taki Daskalo” emphasized that the curricula have been modernized, the number of enrolled students has been increasing in recent years, and practical training is increasingly conducted in real working environments, precisely in hotels and restaurants such as Molika. In the first and second years, the curriculum focuses more on general education subjects, while in the third and fourth years, vocational subjects become more prominent, accompanied by one to two days of practical training with employers. Students also had the opportunity to hear the experience of a fourth-year student from the Regional Center “Vancho Pitosheski”, who explained how dual education functions—combining classroom learning with work-based training with employers—allowing students to gain practical skills and work experience already in the second year of their studies.

Representatives of the Economic Chamber emphasized that such visits are essential because they connect theory with practice. As in the Ohrid region, employers in Bitola are also facing a shortage of skilled labor. Many young people remain uncertain about their career choices or leave the country to seek opportunities abroad. For this reason, the message from Hotel Molika was clear: tourism in Bitola and on Pelister has a future. What is needed are young people who, with their knowledge, energy, and love for the region, will help provide top-quality services and attract visitors from around the world.