BALKANIA
Balkan Association for Alternative Tourism
[email protected] + 389 2 32 23 101 + 389 78 33 71 71
vsr
[email protected] www.balkania-associatiom.org
Vlado Srbinovski Fabio Cotifava
President Honor President
BALKANIA is an association for Balkan Alternative tourism which consists of eight member countries from the Balkans and Italy. Its activities include realisation of projects from the domain of tourism in order to promote the entire Balkan region as a tourist destination. In addition, its purpose is to restore the positive image of the Balkans in the public eye and promote its exceptional natural, historical, cultural and anthropological heritage. The name of the association, BALKANIA, sounds like a name of a new imaginary land on the territories represented by the hospitality of their population. In fact, one of the objectives of the project as a whole is to create a virtual geographic region that includes the territories and regions which are today identified with the term BALKANS. The efforts of the association are aimed at channelling its energy to all forms that are the alternative to mass tourism, and which are in terms of the development of macro sectors identified as natural tourism, rural tourism and cultural tourism. Heed office is in Skopje- Macedonia . In Sofija there already is office of Balkanija .Opening of new offices in other region centres is expected soon - Belgrade and Atina. BALKANIA is estabilished on 24 .03.2009 in Skopje, in agreement with the macedonian laws. It is formed under initiative of few groups of partners relevant in tourism, from Macedonia, Bulgaria and Italy
With members from Bulgaria, Serbia, Monte Negro , Albania, Bosna and Hercegovina ,Grece , Kosovo and Macedonia . The honour president is from Italy Mr. Fabio Cotifava , and the President n duty is from Macedonia Mr. Vlado Srbinovski . The places in the Leaderboard are filled by competent representatives of every contry-member. All of the establishers are from Macedonia, because it is rightfull by the laws of the country. Most of the members are in the field of tourism, but there are also other profiles connected and interested in joining our work. Between the members there are many municipalities, five high education institutions – University of Tourism and Management Skopje, State Faculty of Economy from Macedonia, Faculty of Geography and Tourism Sofija from Bulgaria, Faculty of Tourism in Kotor, Montenegro and Faculty of Economy from Korca, Albania; collaboration with educational institutions is important for Balkania because development in education is a priority to all of the countries of the Balkan and there is a lot that an NGO like us could do to improve the situation. Also our members are many municipalities from the region, many other NGO, associations for rural development, stakeholders of tour operators agencies and hotels, associations of mountaineers, speleologists, tour guides and similar, foundations like “Slow food”, two tourism chambers including all of their members (124 and 80), as well as many persons involved in the tourism development. Besides already accomplished projects, Balkania is now oriented in editing tour guide about Macedonia like the one already published in Italian, but in other languages. We are also working on collecting data for publishing a tour guide for the Balkans, which is planned to be ready in 2012. On the same database we will make software with which tourist could easily plan their tours on the Balkans, and it would be also used by tour operators for eased working on this area. One of our constant duties is being part of international tourism and ecotourism fairs, because that way we provide visibility for our members we are representing, and we open doors for them to expand and collaborate with new partners. Also, they can always be in contact with any subject we introduce during that kind of manifestation. With our partners from Italy we are working on continued marketing campaign and activities to promote the Balkans position on the Italian market. One of the activities in this context was the mentioned tour guide on 240 pages on Italian language. It is already one of the main tools for the tour operators that are interested in creating tours for Macedonia, and that is why we distribute it for free. About are future activities, in May this year we applied to an EU programme for project financing with a project containing activities for integration, which is our primary area of interest and action. The project now is in process of evaluation by the commission, and if the answer is affirmative, we will be working with teams from 3 other countries – Italia, Bulgaria and Serbia, with a budget of 500.000 euro, on developing a tourist railway line between these countries (Balkan Express). We have also worked on few smaller intern projects, and also applied with projects for strengthening the over border communications for that kind of EU funds, which are also in process of evaluation and are waiting for approval. Balkania attended many conferences and meetings:
- Conference for sport and culture dialog “Sport for all” which was organized by ISCA, held in Skopje and 8 countries took participation.
- PREPARE 2010 – Conference for rural tourism development in Ohrid.
- PREPARE 2011 – Conference for rural tourism development in Zlatibor Serbia.
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- TAIEK – Workshop on rural development organized by Commission of EU and our Ministry of Economy.
- Also Balkania initiates and supports many activities of this type on local level. Among our members there are some municipalities from Macedonia that are very interested and have the potential for developing rural and agricultural tourism. For example, Berovo is a municipality in Eastern Macedonia with highest concentration of oxygen on the Balkans and with highest insolation level also (286 days per year). Than we have Staro Nagoricane where Kokino old observatory 4000 years , and Sv. Gjorgija (11 century) are located. Also, municipality of Demir Hisar, where Babino is located, has great natural and cultural value and a plan for its valorisation in rural tourism, which includes our project. Balkania has the capacity for even bigger projects:
We have applied in IPA overborder collaboration funds with partners from Albania, for grants that are approved for this kind of projects. In this project Balkania will stand for functional leader for Municipality of Debar from Macedonian, and Municipality of Peskopeja from Albanian side, in a project for alternative tourism development in the border region and collaboration between municipalities. Also we’ve applied with UCODEP (Italian NGO) and another NGO from Bodrum, Turkey, on a project for connecting and valorisation of the cultural heritage of Skupi (the ancient city near Skopje) and the heritage of Bodrum, using the experiences and guidance of Italy. Balkania is a association and it exists a short period of almost two years. It has been established in Macedonia and the main office is in Skopje and that is the reason why most of its activities and results by now are pointed in Macedonia. By this time we’ve made great structure of people and contacts, and are still working on getting Balkania affirmed as a brand, which we have achieved on some level, so we get higher appreciation and credibility when working with new partners and other subjects in tourism. We have intensive collaboration with the National Agency for Promotion and Support of Tourism in Macedonia, Ministry of Economy, other NGO and associations, and we took part in many local projects, activities and happenings. For example, we took place in few promotions of traditional national food in Berovo and Jance together with Slow Food, and we will next appear on a fair of Slow Food in Torino, Italy. We also have long collaboration history with association of craftsmen Denica (120 craftsman members) and we take part in organizing many of their Bazaars – manifestatios for promoting their crafts. This autumn we will have three program activities on event like this, organized by the national association of craftsman. We collaborate and support hiking, mount biking and associations for extreme sports as ones particularly important for shaping the inner alternative tourism movements. Mong our primary goals is to develop a structure standing for rural tourism. On Balkania’s initiation an Association for Alternative Tourism was formed, and now we will be partners on connecting subjects in local nets and clusters, because that is the only way the small subjects could promote themselves on the tourism market. REALIZATION OF EVENTS LAST 18 MONTH
– Mount cycling – marathon – Popova Shapka – Mavrovo,
Promotion mountain bike alternative tourism as value added product which preserve natural and ecological conditions of this region Results: 86 km path was settled up and declared to the national classification of mountain bike destinations 274 bikers participated and finish the marathon in Sarski vodi Positive interviews
1 Balkan Forum for Alternative tourism
Objectives: development and integration of alternative tourism on Balkan through mutual projects implementation
Results: Conclusions was accepted, 2 international projects agreed, 125 participators exchange positive practices, wide discussion lead to the opinion that only alternative tourism could give the Balkans chance to survive and in the same time let to keep in good condition nature and traditionalvalues and cultural heritage. Balkan Forum for Alternative tourism
Berovo’s potentials as a tourism destination – Forum
Objectives: Promotion of Berovo’s potentials as a Eko - tourism destination.Results: Accommodation and hospitality capacities were presented, local authorities show their willing to support the alternative tourism,67 participators from Macedonia and Bulgaria, possibilities for the mutual cross-boarding co-operation was presented, potential partners has been Matched, the issue of unfinished cross-boarding point Klepalo was presented and decision for lobbing was made. Mediums find out new destination and promotion has been starte
Municipality Berovo and Hotel Manastir members of Balkanija
Support and contribution in promotion of the region and traditional food
Promotion of traditional Macedonian dish - Oreov Lad, SkopjeObjectives: Promotion of authentic Macedonian dish – King Marko periodResults: 15 different dishes from authentic products from the King Marko period were prepared, presented and served. 12 participants attended the short 1 day course. 80 guests enjoy the food and the manifestation. Promotion of traditional Macedonian dish - Jance “Hotel Tuto “
Objectives: Promotion of traditional local dish. Gastronomic tourism as part of alternative tourism
Results: 20 different local dishes from local products were prepared, presented and served.60 guests enjoy the food and the manifestation. Promotion of traditional local dish – from : Mavrovo – Rostushe
Christmas Bazaar – 2010 Skopje
Traditions taking care Objectives: to help in preserving and taking care of traditional crafts, promoting the potentials of handcrafts maker in souvenir selling, also promotion of traditional Macedonian dishResults: 54 participators from Denica, 7 different stands with traditional food, more then 5000 visitors, positive reportages on TV and newspapers
8 March Bazaar – Women – is the bastion of tradition
Objectives: Promotion of traditional handcrafts as the best gift. Handcrafts as souvenirs is also the self employment opportunity
Results: 20 stands, more then 5000 visitors, good sales were achieved
Vevcani carnival
Objectives: promotion the Vevcani carnival as part of alternative tourism and organizing Bazaar with traditional handcrafts
Results: more then 2000 visitor from Macedonia and abroad, 15 handcrafts makers present and their production, presence of diplomatic, mediums and governmental bodies
Ohrid International Tourism Fair Objectives:
As partner, Balkania had responsibility to organize Forum for alternative tourism and B2B meetings within the frame of Ohrid Tourism Fair
Results: new Macedonian strategy for tourism development was presented as well as supportive package like subventions for the foreign tourists. B2B
matches were made between Macedonian hoteliers and Bulgarian, Serbian and Italian tour operators. Guests has quick tour over South-East Macedonia with Balkania’s guides. Padova International Moto-bike Fair
Objectives: Promotion of Macedonia as tourist destinationResults: 3-day on central stand, lot of interested public, more then 500 promotion brochures were given, interview with TV and magazine’s journalists
Traditional receipts exchange - cereal
Objectives: Promotion of traditional Macedonian cereal dishes prepared on the traditional way. The First phase of selection of the best authentic receipt for the protection by Slow Food convinium
Results: 12 participants have attended in 1 day seminar for the traditional Macedonian cereal dishes, 48 guests enjoy the food and the manifestation. Traditional receipts exchange - nettle
Objectives: Preservation of treasure of old receipts from our grandparents and sharing them with young generation of cooks
Results: More then 50 different home cooked dishes were prepared, presented and served. 72 guests enjoy the food and the manifestation. Student made presentation of the project, Slow food and Balkania present opportunities for this kind of food as separate section of alternative tourism
FESTIVAL NA LEBOT
Skopje - Oreov Lad
Objectives: Promotion of traditional local dish. Gastronomic tourism as part of alternative tourism
Results: 35 different local dishes from local products were prepared, presented and served. 130 guests enjoy the food and the manifestation. Slow food and Balkania present opportunities for this kind of food as separate section of alternative tourism
Promotion of Malesevo Traditional dish - Berovo
Objectives: Promotion of traditional local dish. Slow food and Balkania present opportunities for this kind of food as separate section of alternative tourism
Mainz : Tourism and Crafts Fair - Germany
Objectives: Promotion of Macedonia as tourist destinationResults: 3 -day on mutual Balkan stand, lot of interested public, more then 200 promotion brochures were given, presentation of MacedonIan naitional drink – rakija, and traditional handcraft
Promotion of Macedonian tourist guide on Italian language
Objectives: Creation of new tool for the Italian tour operators in order to enlarge number of Italian tourists as well as to introduce Macedonian tourism potentials in front of Italian tourist service providers.Results: The first Tourist guide for Macedonia on Italian language was promoted. Big interest from Ministry of Economy, Agency for support and promotion of tourism, mediums, general public. This Guide was delivered free of charge to all and every Italian tour operator and agency.Decision for the starting of Balkan tourist guide on Italian language were made as well as to translate this guide to other European languages such as Holland (embassy is ready to participate in translation). Sponsor from Italy interested in investments to Macedonia
Annual meting in Sofija Objectives: promotion of integrative approach in front of Bulgarian tourism stakeholders. Proposal for cross-border co-operationResults: Conclusion – Bulgarian tourism academic public is very interested in co-operation, but tourism providers are not unified and don’t want to integrate between each other, but every one want to co-operate with Balkania. Several new tour groups were agreed to come from Bulgaria to Macedonia to Ohrid Lake. New alternative destinations in Bulgaria were presented. Annual meting in Sofija - Bugarija
Sport and Cultural dialog - International Conference
“ SPORT FOR ALL ” - Participant - 8 countries
FESTIVAL OF ENJOYMENT AND HEALTY LIFE
Mountain : Popova Shapka
„LET’S RIDE TROUGH MOUNTAIN SHARA“- Popova Shapka 2011Objectives: Promotion Sara mountain region as summer tourism destination as well as new mountain bike path. Promotion alternative tourism as value added product which preserve natural and ecological conditions of this region. Results: 86 km path was settled up and declared to the national classification of mountain bike destinations314 bikers participated in Sarski vodi competition, and more then 2000 windings and general public from diplomatic, governmental and medium spheres were actively participated and give Positive interviews
“ LET’S RIDE TROUGH THE MOUNTAIN SH
Initiative to form a regional cluster of tourism Maleshevo
Hotel Monastery – Berovo
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THE WORLD OF SUCCESS - „GOLDEN MASK” – 2009
An Award for successful year in different fields of life
Balkania – Avard for results in tourism in 2010
Skopje Touristic Summer - 2010
Skopje Touristic Summer - 2011
Summer Manifestation “ Skopje Tourist summer “ now is NGO organization
President of “ Skopje tourist summer “ is Mr. Objectives: To promote Macedonian beauties in front of Skopje inhabitants. “Meet Macedonia” – is logo of this project.Results: The project is on going. Interest of public is huge, mediums follow every tour, more then 2000 flyers are delivered, every 3 day – new tour – 28 total, till now about 1300 people take the tours. Pumpkin Day:
Restoran Oreov Lad Skopje
Food prepared by pumpkins
“ PREPARE Gathering “-2010 Ohrid 30 August - 03 September
Conference for rural development organized each year in different country with participants from about 20 countries gather to meet to exchange and learn from each other with common objective; contribute to integrated development of rural areas
In Ohrid has 120 participants from rural - network from 22 countries
Skopje :International conference on green economies –
Economic development in the Balkans through the green economy
SeeNet Program :
Development of cultural tourism Mostar,Sarajevo,Skopje and Toscana Piemonte
Balkania – patispant in project SeeNet Program:
Action plan for crafts and cultural tourism in the Old Bazaar in Skopje
Carneval "BAMBURCI" Ratevo Berovo
Conference : Makedonska Kamenica
Osogovo Mountains Region
Conference of the coordinating body for declaring osovskiot region protected area
Grandmother Day
Matka Picnic - Food prepared according to recipes grandmother
SLOW FOOD "VODNO" in cooperation with the Balkans organized event in honor of her grandmother's day on May 28 at St. Mary Monastery in Matka
CBIB - training projects for IPA cross-border cooperation
Hotel Kontinental - Skopje
Prilep:
Days of crafts -
Topic Crafting and tourism
Fair for handicraft - Budva 2011
Balkania and the association for craft Denica on 5 stands aparticipants of the international fair of souvenirs and handicrafts in 2011 Bechichi
Presented souvenirs, handicrafts and traditional food from Macedonia
Skopje - Macedonia Square restaurant Pelister
Restaurant Pelister March 8 Craft Bazaar -
Organizers W Balkans and Handicrafts Association “ Denica “Star
Skopje - restaurant Pelister
Conference PREPARE GHATERING 2011 Zlatibor Serbia
Partnership for rural Europe
INVESTIGATION THE WAYS OF SUSTAINABLE AND BALANCED RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Visit rural areas in Serbia - as part of the workshop program
PREPARE Participants from rural networks of countries
: Albanija, Belgija, Bosna i Hercegovina, Bugarija, Hrvatska, Republika Cheshka, Estonija, Finska, Ungarija, Island, Latvija, Livanija, Polska, Srbija, Slovenija, Turcija, Makedonija
Eko – Etno willage - Babino
Elaborated project for participation of border cooperation with Greece from the IPA Cross Border Programme for Economic DevelopmentProjekt - BABINO -
BALKANIA – Coorganizer of fair „ Eko Ettno Macedonia „ in traditional AGROFOOD Fair in Skopje 15 -19.november 2011
Organize Slow Food - Conviviums to prezent traditional Macedonian food in 15 stands
Prezentations, Work Shops , Debate, Forum, Interactive preparation of traditional food , and promotion of „Yout -foot mouvment of Macedon
1 International Conference for Regional Development in Western Balkan Skopje 23.11.2011
Second Festival of the bread : 24 december - Skopje
