Sustainable Gastronomic Tourism in the border region: Challenges and opportunities for Macedonian Municipalities
Sustainable Gastronomic Tourism in the border region: Challenges and opportunities for Macedonian Municipalities

Summary/Abstract: Gastronomic tourism is a rapidly growing form of tourism. Many countries and regions use it to promote more intensive tourism development, while also boosting regional or local economic growth. The Balkan Peninsula countries are rich in authentic flavors, providing a solid foundation for gastronomic tourism development. Specifically, in the border region between North Macedonia and Bulgaria, it shows enormous potential due to similarities in food, culture, traditions and mutual tourism initiatives; however, the challenges are numerous as well. This paper focuses on the challenges and opportunities that North Macedonian municipalities in the border region with Bulgaria face regarding sustainable gastronomic tourism development. Using qualitative content analysis of data collected by interviewing 5 municipalities, this study shows that gastronomic tourism in the border region of North Macedonia is in its “initial developing and challenging” phase. However, the enormous potential for future development, the will for cross-border initiatives, and knowledge-sharing approaches are visible.

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