Representatives from the Dutch tourism operator TUI met with business and municipal leaders from Ohrid on Tuesday to discuss Macedonia's promotion to Dutch tourists.
Director Arjan Kers said that Macedonia has great potential as a tourist destination and is a "hidden gem that is yet to be presented before the wider European market".
"We are currently working on promoting Macedonia as an exotic destination before the Dutch tourism market. All our positive experiences are presented before our clients and the Dutch tourism agencies", Kers said.
Ohrid is already popular with tourists from the Netherlands, but Macedonia is looking into expanding its offer.
Lila Krstevska, director of the Agency for Promotion and Support of Tourism, said that she spoke with the Dutch representatives about the negative reporting Macedonia has endured over the migrant crisis, but also over the latest opposition protests.
Krstevska pointed out that the migrant camp on the Greek side of the border near Gevgelija is being closed this week.
"In talks with Dutch tourists here we realized that they have not been affected by the protests at all and the political events do not influence their stay. There were certain reservations among tourists when looking into Macedonia as a potential destination, but with intensive campaigning we managed to maintain their interest", said Kers.
Kers added that Macedonia is hosting an annual conference of 60 students from the Netherlands who work on tourism promotion and marketing, and this event will be used to prepare promotional material for the country.
Best three students will be invited back into Macedonia to present their ideas for promoting the country as a tourism destination.