Republic of North Macedonia
NORTH MACEDONIA, officially the Republic of North Macedonia, is a country in Southeast Europe. North Macedonia is bordered by Kosovo to the northwest, Serbia to the north, Bulgaria to the east, Greece to the south, and Albania to the west.
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GOOD TRAVEL BUSINESSES
Discover accommodations, restaurants, shops and activities that are committed to sustainability. Their efforts are summarised in a SCORECARD (click on the picture). For the Good Travel Seal, the higher the number of stars or the level (level 3 is the highest), the more aspects of sustainability are checked by an independent auditor.
GOOD PRACTICE STORIES
Get inspired with stories from places and people that are acting for a fair and responsible tourism
Apodi
The proposal of the Pedagogical Tourism project is to promote environmental awareness among students through pedagogical practices in tourism, providing a direct interaction with the theme of tourism in schools, as well as working on Environmental Education in a continuous and permanent manner, as stipulated by the PNEA – National Policy for Environmental Education (law 9795/1999). Additionally, it aims to stimulate Environmental Education as a cross-cutting theme through a comprehensive set of actions, as it cannot be addressed in isolation. Sensitization provides the locals with knowledge and a sense of belonging to the tourist attractions in the area.
Bom Jardim da Serra
When tourism began to be developed in Bom Jardim da Serra, two accommodation projects were pioneers in structuring this sector: the Santa Rita farm and the Serra do Rio do Rastro Ecoresort. Structured in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the hotels in the mountains began to gain prominence and contribute to the development of a new local economic activity, further boosting the region. In that cycle, other economic segments feared that new ventures would displace labor, especially in fruit growing. The local community was not fully convinced of the benefits of tourism for the city, however, over time, there was a gradual change in perception. The great challenge of the projects was aimed at consolidating the city as a destination sought after by tourists, requiring great efforts from entrepreneurs for proper management, integration for the search for financing alternatives and other adaptations to market fluctuations, especially in the periods of seasonality.
Bombinhas
The Sea School is a program of the Municipal Department of Education of Bombinhas, aimed at public school students, during after-school hours. Since 2017, the ecological and tourist aspects of Bombinhas have been explored as part of the pedagogical proposal of the Sea School. Children and teenagers, from the fifth year of elementary school on, participate in a broad, creative, and engaged training, which includes the main local socioeconomic aspects, including artisanal fishing, mariculture, and tourism. This is stitched with ancestral knowledge through the presence of masters in various arts and crafts, such as the making of fish nets and baskets, and gastronomy. Swimming classes, environmental education, and alternative income generation complete the teaching-learning process focused on sustainability.
Itá
Navegantes
São Miguel do Gostoso
Tibau do Sul
Urubici
Sustainability
Sustainability has gained increasing importance in the Republic of North Macedonia as the nation struggles with environmental and economic challenges. is implementing initiatives in waste management and recycling to reduce its environmental footprint. Preservation of its unique natural assets, such as the Ohrid Lake region, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a priority, with a focus on responsible tourism practices and conservation.
Travel tips from our editors
Getting around
Getting around the Republic of North Macedonia is facilitated by its relatively compact size and transportation options. Buses are a reliable and affordable means of intercity travel, connecting major towns and regions. The train network connects key cities, offering a unique way to experience the country’s landscapes. Additionally, walking is an enjoyable way to explore city centers and historic sites.
Tourism & People
Whether you’re hiking in the pristine landscapes of Galichica National Park or savoring traditional dishes in a local village, the genuine hospitality of North Macedonians adds depth and authenticity to the tourism experience. Visitors are able to explore the country’s rich cultural heritage in cities like Skopje and Ohrid, where ancient architecture and UNESCO-listed sites abound.
Nature & Wildlife
North Macedonia’s mountainous northwestern regions feature extensive forests with diverse vegetation. These forests provide habitats for a variety of wildlife, including bears, lynxes, and numerous bird species, particularly around lakes Ohrid and Prespa. The country’s commitment to conservation, notably in Shar Mountains and Mavrovo National Park, safeguards its rich biodiversity and pristine landscapes, making it an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
Sustainability Recognitions
Brazil has 9 destinations featured in the Top 100 Sustainable Destinations 2021.
Other sustainability certifications can be seen here (English) and here (Portuguese).
Fernanda Rodak | Page Editor
“Brazil is a worldwide known hotspot for biodiversity as well as home to a multitude of cultural expressions. The natural and cultural heritage and immense variety of tourism experiences in the country are valuable assets for its competitiveness. Yet, as we envision a post Covid-19 era, sustainability in tourism becomes crucial to build resilience and guarantee the long-lasting health of Brazil’s ecosystems and well-being of the hosting communities. This would also ensure an active contribution of the country’s tourism sector to the Sustainable Development Goals.”
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