Ilijevski: Politics is interfering with tourism, Macedonia should turn to Orthodoxy

The President of the Party of Macedonians in Serbia, Goran Ilijevski, stated for Kosovo Online that politics inevitably interferes with tourism and that Macedonia must turn to Orthodoxy, "as a significant Albanization is underway."

He assessed that hosts from North Macedonia treat all tourists from Serbia as if they were their relatives.

"People love to travel to places where they find kindred nations and are warmly received. That describes the Macedonian people, who treat every guest from Serbia as if they were family. There is a significant Albanization occurring, and Macedonia must turn to Orthodoxy, to remain what it truly is, a bastion of Orthodoxy. The Millennium Cross above Skopje is a Balkan icon of Orthodoxy. Guests from Serbia will always be welcome here," Ilijevski emphasized.

He added that Macedonia has much to boast about and offer.

"First and foremost is the traditional tourism around Lake Ohrid. We aim to present a new segment of tourism in Macedonia, which is ecclesiastical-religious tourism, not adequately showcased in Serbia. Macedonia is the cradle of Orthodoxy. Few people know that the shores of Ohrid, with their 365 museums and churches, form the Orthodox hub of Europe. In Skopje, we have the Millennium Cross, the tallest in Europe. The Monastery of Saint Naum dates back to the 9th century, with columns that still bear authentic remnants of the pan-Slavic script, with letters from the Cyrillic alphabet engraved on them," Ilijevski explained.

He emphasized that, besides Ohrid as a classical tourist destination, Macedonia also offers mountain tourism, spa tourism, and medical tourism.

"I didn’t even know where to take the commission that was amazed by all that Macedonia has to offer. From Struga, the Makpetrol Hotels, to Saint Naum, the Island Restaurant, and the Saint Naum complex. Spa tourism is also prominent in Macedonia, as Alexander the Great, even in the 3rd century BC, left his injured soldiers in Macedonian spas. Spa tourism is just at its beginning, with a notable spa that was recently renovated and awarded last year: Car Samuil Spa. This year, we expect to develop new segments of tourism, especially at the Tourism Fair in Novi Sad, where Macedonia will be adequately presented not just as a transit country but as one of friendly, kindred, Orthodox people," Ilijevski concluded.

Last night, the 55th International Tourism Fair in Novi Sad, held in the Great Hall of the "Master" Congress Center, awarded the best for the quality of services, facilities, organization, and institutions in tourism. At the award ceremony, 19 participants from North Macedonia received accolades.

Six medals and diplomas, and consequently a trophy, were awarded to: Makpetrol Hotels in Struga, Hotel Glorius on Veles Lake, and Panorama Krusevo. Three medals, diplomas, and plaques were given to: Ohrid Pearls Filevi, Intermezzo Music Bar Skopje, Two Deer Restaurant Skopje, and Spirit Cafe Bar Skopje, while 12 tourist establishments received individual medals and diplomas.

The International Tourism Fair is held at the Novi Sad Fair from November 28 to 30. The partner country is Hungary, with over 240 exhibitors from 12 countries participating. Exhibitors from North Macedonia include the Makpetrol Hotel Struga and the Agency for Promotion and Support of Tourism.