We are pleased to inform the public, scientific and professional community, rural households, and all stakeholders in rural development about the new publication: “AGRO-ECOTOURISM: THEORETICAL AND SCIENTIFIC APPROACH, PRACTICAL STEPS AND EXAMPLES OF AGRO-ECOTOURISM – A Model for Sustainable Rural Development and Integration of Agriculture, Tourism, and Nature”.
The publication was prepared within the framework of the project “Reviving Tradition and Preserving Nature”, funded by the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia and the Development Fund under the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia.
This edition serves as an informative and educational foundation, as well as a practical and strategic tool for the development of rural communities. Special attention is dedicated to the economic empowerment of women and youth as carriers of new ideas, entrepreneurial initiatives, and innovative approaches to rural development.
This is the first publication of its kind, fully tailored to the national and rural specifics of Macedonia. Spanning a total of 240 pages, it covers the theoretical foundations of agro-ecotourism, legal and administrative procedures, practical steps for starting a business, as well as economic projections for rural households, entrepreneurs, tourism professionals, and local authorities.
The publication is structured into several thematic sections:
- Theoretical and Scientific Overview, defining rural tourism, ecotourism, and agritourism, and explaining the difference between mass tourism and alternative tourism. Particular focus is placed on the sustainable use of natural resources and the application of good agricultural practices in crop production and livestock farming.
- Legal and Administrative Framework, providing a systematized overview of national legislation regarding the registration, categorization, and standardization of rural hospitality facilities, the trade of traditional food, and the protection of agricultural and food products through PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), PGI (Protected Geographical Indication), and TSG (Traditional Speciality Guaranteed).
- Practical Steps and Business Planning, covering resource self-assessment, risk management, pricing policy determination, visitor profiling, and planning a sustainable agro-ecotourism offer.
- Case Studies and Practical Tools, featuring successful examples from Macedonia - including “Pirustija Nedanoski” and “Spirit of Prespa” - as well as the international concept of diffuse hospitality, Albergo Diffuso. Practical templates and financial frameworks for various types of agricultural holdings are also included.
In the context of depopulation, limited employment opportunities, and low incomes for small family farms, this publication offers a scientific and expert contribution toward diversifying the rural economy and generating additional sources of income.
It is intended for:
- Rural households and farmers seeking to improve their capacity and develop a tourism offer;
- Civil society organizations and local self-governments working on local economic and rural development;
- The professional community, tourism workers, and entrepreneurs in the field of alternative tourism.
As an educational, informative, and practical resource, the publication represents an important foundation for the sustainable development of rural areas, based on linking traditional agriculture, tourism, local culture, and nature protection.
Note: The publication is not intended for commercial sale. Any interested person can collect a free copy at the premises of the Institute of Agriculture – Skopje, in the Department of Agribusiness, Economics, and Rural Development.
