ALTERNATIVE TYPES OF TOURISM AS THE BASIS OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN OHRID

Abstract

The Ohrid region represents one of the most important tourism destinations in the Republic of N. Macedonia. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site it possesses tourism values that simultaneously create opportunities for economic development and challenges related to heritage preservation and sustainable management. Tourism plays a significant role in the local economy of the Municipality of Ohrid, contributing to employment, regional development, and the diversification of economic activities. However, the rapid growth of tourism, particularly during the summer months, has led to increasing pressures on the environmental, cultural, and social systems. Concerns related to uncontrolled urbanization, traffic congestion, pollution, and overcrowding have raised warnings about the potential inclusion of the Ohrid region on the List of World Heritage in Danger. In this context, sustainable tourism planning and diversification of tourism products represent essential priorities for preserving the Outstanding Universal Value of the region while maintaining its competitiveness as a tourism destination. The aim of this research is to identify and valorize tourism resources within the Municipality of Ohrid that could support the development of alternative and sustainable types of tourism while reducing the spatial and temporal concentration of visitors in the most sensitive tourism sites. The study is the result of the research activities conducted during the preparation of the Strategy for Development of Tourism in the Municipality of Ohrid (2020–2025). A comprehensive methodological approach was applied, including situation analysis, statistical analysis of tourist arrivals and overnight stays, accommodation capacities occupancy rates, and making an inventory and valorization of natural and cultural tourism resources. The results indicate several structural characteristics of tourism development in Ohrid. Tourism activity in the municipality is characterized by strong seasonality, with the highest accommodation occupancy rates recorded during July and August. Additionally, tourism activity is spatially concentrated primarily in the historic city core and the lakeside areas, which contain the majority of the most recognizable cultural and natural attractions. Despite these challenges, the research identified significant opportunities for tourism diversification and spatial redistribution of visitor flows. Several development zones within the municipality possess valuable natural, cultural, and rural resources suitable for alternative tourism development. Rural areas demonstrate considerable potential for agro-tourism, eco-tourism, and gastronomy-based tourism experiences through the use of local farms, traditional food production, forest resources, and authentic rural lifestyles. Cultural and religious heritage assets, including cave churches located along the eastern lakeside cliffs, represent important opportunities for expanding cultural tourism through appropriate conservation and visitor management measures. Furthermore, there are favorable climatic conditions, scenic landscapes, and opportunities for recreation, wellness tourism, and short-stay experiences based on outdoor activities and cultural events. The results suggest that sustainable tourism development in Ohrid requires a balanced strategic approach that combines heritage protection, diversification of tourism products, spatial redistribution of visitor flows, and improved destination management and marketing practices. By promoting underutilized tourism resources and strengthening rural tourism initiatives, the Municipality of Ohrid can reduce overtourism pressures while enhancing visitor experiences and ensuring the long-term sustainability of tourism development.