Skopje, 18 July 2025 (MIA) -- Minister of Culture and Tourism Zoran Ljutkov participated Friday in Italy's first tourism ministerial forum with the Balkans, titled Bridging Destinations: Italy–The Balkans Tourism Forum, taking place in Rome on July 17-18.

In addition to Ljutkov, tourism ministers from Albania, Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Greece and Montenegro took part in the forum. Alongside Italian businesspeople, the ministers spoke at "panel discussions on creating new tourist offers, products and initiatives to better integrate the Balkan and the Mediterranean tourist spaces," the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said in a press release.

"Tourism is much more than an economy. It is a bridge connecting people, cultures and history. The Balkans have an opportunity to become a united destination offering a unique, authentic and multinational experience," the release quotes Ljutkov as saying at the forum.

Ljutkov proposed that Italy organize educational field trips for Balkan students to help them learn about the region's cultural heritage and deepen the ties between Italy and the Balkan countries.

One of the ideas he presented was for countries to cooperate on a regional project titled "In the Famous Romans' Footsteps." He said it would connect Macedonian archaeological sites with other sites across the Balkans and Italy to draw in Asian, American and Near Eastern tourists.

The culture and tourism minister spoke about several Macedonian tourist destinations, spotlighting the historical attractions of Stobi, Taor and Ohrid. He also mentioned Vevchani and Krushevo as successful examples of sustainable eco-tourism.

"Through vision, respect and creativity, we can turn our cultural heritage into a real driver of sustainable tourism and European connection. Together with Italy, we can build bridges not only between destinations and cultures but also between our nations," Ljutkov said.

The forum was organized by the Italian Ministry of Tourism to boost cooperation with the Balkan countries. mr/