Rosoman, 13 April 2023 (MIA) – We see rural, adventure, wine and alternative tourism as an exceptional opportunity, because we have a lot to offer. North Macedonia has no sea, but it has beautiful lakes and mountains, as well as cultural and historic heritage, which make the country a destination worth visiting, said Deputy Prime Minister in charge of economic affairs Fatmir Bytyqi at an event Thursday, during which the successful projects supported by the LRCP were presented.

Deputy PM Bytyqi said the Government will always support initiatives that aim to make Macedonian tourism potential internationally competitive, in order to attract as many tourists as possible and promote the country as an attractive destination.

The LRCP consists of three components: technical assistance for tourism development, strengthening destination management and enabling environment, and investing in tourist destinations.

“I am especially pleased that these projects significantly contribute to our local tourism and the overall economy of North Macedonia by boosting tourism, which leads to the creation of new jobs. As part of the LRCP project, 19 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises were supported in order to help them improve their infrastructure and diversify the services they can offer to tourists,” said Bytyqi.

Bytyqi noted that apart from micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, assistance has been provided to 20 associations and 20 municipalities as well, with projects which, he said, are creating new perspectives on how North Macedonia’s tourism should be developed.

“The benefits for the Macedonian economy from the investments realized as part of the LRCP are numerous. The number of tourists, both domestic and international, has increased, which has led to more jobs, new opportunities for development and additional income for our economy,” said Bytyqi.

At the event, the Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to North Macedonia, Julian Vassallo, expressed his satisfaction with the visit to the Tikveš region and noted the EU’s contribution to the development of North Macedonia’s tourism sector.

“The EU aids in the development of quality wine and the sustainability of the tourism sector,” said Vassallo, adding that the EU has provided EUR 18 million for 57 projects in ten destinations in the country.