Despite several challenging years since 2020—marked by crises that manifested in various forms and severely impacted the tourism sector due to multiple restrictions—tourism remains an attractive and vital component of international trade. It continues to be a significant source of income for many developing countries.

Following global trends, tourism is seen as a rapidly growing phenomenon and economic sector. Travelers increasingly demand tourism practices that are sustainable and responsibly managed. For the Macedonian tourism industry to harness the economic benefits of this sector, it is essential to align with global trends. These trends emphasize developing green destinations and investing in sustainable tourism, reflecting the evolving preferences of travelers who prioritize practices that positively impact the planet and local communities.

Statistics indicate that the tourism sector is not sufficiently recognized as an economic system in North Macedonia. State-level activities through relevant institutions currently appear to simulate progress, serving as a facade to conceal underlying challenges. The policies for supporting and promoting RN Macedonia as a destination have failed to achieve visibility in the international tourism market. Simultaneously, competing destinations are strengthening their positions and competitiveness, further diminishing our country's competitive capacity and ranking.

This highlights the urgent need to implement tangible policies for supporting and promoting the destination to avoid falling into an entirely subordinate position compared to key competitors.

This analysis of tourism from a business perspective was provided by Ana Tanevska Gjorgjievska, President of the Hospitality and Tourism Association at the Economic Chamber, for Economy and Business magazine. The full analysis is available at the following link: https://ekonomijaibiznis.mk/Magazine.aspx?id=6138.