More than 300 participants, representatives of 65 global tour operators, along with 25 specialized media outlets are part of the regional conference on adventure tourism, organized by the Agency for Tourism Support and Promotion in Ohrid.
"The fact that such a conference is held in Ohrid only confirms that Macedonia has an offer in the field of adventure tourism. Positive experiences will turn into promotional materials at tourism fairs abroad", said Agency director Lela Krstevska at the event opening on Tuesday.
UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) representative Marjan Hribar highlighted Macedonia's potential in adventure tourism, saluting the Government's commitment in developing tourism as one of the leading economic sector and promoter of regional development.
"Macedonia has many comparative advantages when it comes to adventure tourism, which is currently one of the leading global tourism trends", added Hribar.
Tatjana Anic of "Explore Serbia" said the Ohrid conference represented an excellent opportunity for global promotion of the Balkans as one of the more interesting destinations for this type of tourism.
"The region's natural resources are exceptional. This type of tourism does not require any special infrastructure conditions, which is favorable when attracting tourists who are interested primarily in nature. What is required is organization, promotion and training of specialized guides", said Anic.
Studies by institutions in charge of promoting tourism development on the Balkans highlight the need to overcome administrative difficulties for joint offer of regional states for tourists from Western Europe and the United States.
"Research has shown that individual countries cannot attract sufficient number of tourists, but a joint offer can. Activities should focus on facilitating administrative procedures for crossing borders, as well as simplified procedures over use of healthcare services", said Veneta Andonova of the American University in Bulgaria.
During their stay in Macedonia, conference participants have a chance to paraglide, ride horses and donkeys, hike, kayak in wild waters, ride mountain bikes etc.