Western Macedonia Ready to Implement New Tourism Promo Plan

Sustainability and destination awareness are at the core of the Western Macedonia region’s new tourism promotion development strategy tabled by its governor George Kasapidis.

The new strategy, planned in collaboration with experts and local tourism stakeholders, will be implemented in 2023 and aims to increase awareness of the region, introduce local tourism offerings, boost the number of arrivals and extend the length of stay and spending per visitor.

According to the regional authority, the strategy “lays the foundations for a long-term, rational, environmentally harmonious and sustainable tourism development of the region”.

The main objective of the plan is to ensure the balanced tourism development of Western Macedonia.

Western Macedonia Governor George Kasapidis. Photo source: Western Macedonia Region.

Key ways outlined in the plan to achieve the goal include recommended experiences, multi-day travel programs, seasonal activities, index of activity providers, entrepreneurship support, training and mentoring programs, tourism awards, sharing know-how, organizing a sustainable tourism conference, and conducting a visitor satisfaction survey every two years.

Additionally, the strategy foresees the development of tourist interest projects, online promotion and exposure, branding, website development, developing a smartphone application, collaboration with media and influencers, B2B meetings and marketing actions.

Photo source: Western Macedonia Region.

“The restart of tourism on a global level sends optimistic messages with the Western Macedonia Region introducing itself to the tourist markets as a safe and sustainable destination which can offer unique and authentic experiences to the visitor,” said Kasapidis.

Earlier this week, during a visit to Florina, Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias said promoting the region was a ministry priority. Kikilias met with regional authorities, the mayors of Florina and Prespes, and local tourism stakeholders and producers. He referred to Western Macedonia’s “significant” tourism potential and invited local entrepreneurs to take advantage of RRF funding opportunities to be announced in the upcoming period.