BALKANIA is an association for Balkan Alternative Tourism and its activities include realization of projects in the field of alternative tourism which enable the promotion of Macedonia and the entire Balkan region as an attractive tourist destination with exceptional natural, historical, cultural and anthropological heritage. In addition to that it focuses on projects and activities that help develop human capacity in the field of tourism.
The association is channelling its energy to all forms that are the alternative to mass tourism, and which are focused towards the development of macro sectors identified as: Natural tourism, Rural tourism, Cultural tourism, Sport Tourism and Sustainable Tourism.
BALKANIA initiates and supports many tourism activities on local level. Among the members we include many municipalities from the Republic of Macedonia that have the potential for developing rural and sustainable tourism.
BALKANIA has an intensive collaboration with relevant tourism stakeholders such as the National Agency for Promotion and Support of Tourism in Macedonia, the Ministry of Economy, entrepreneurs in the tourism sector and NGOs.
BALKANIA took part in many local projects, activities and events such as:
- Balkan Forum for Alternative tourism ( participants from 8 countries) in Skopje and Berovo
Objectives: development and integration of alternative tourism in the Balkans through mutual project Implementation. Discussion of the potential of alternative tourism for employment of young people.
- National Award for BALKANIA - success in tourism THE WORLD OF SUCCESS „GOLDEN MASK” – 2010 Award for success in tourism (national level )
- “Eco – Etno village Babino “ -Project to develop an eco-etno village
- Balkan – Unique Tourist destination Development of cultural tourism - Conference and Fair in Veliko Trnovo - Bulgaria
- “Discover the Balkan with us”- Photo Book: Photo Guide presenting Balkan countries' cultural heritage sites protected by UNESCO.
- BALKAN VISION SUMMIT – for Sustainable Development: Preparatory meeting in Bitola for the "First Balkan Summit 2014 for Sustainable Development".
-Macedonian Slow Food network:Youth food network & National Slow food network .
-„BALKAN FLAVORS” - 29-30 May 2015-Sofia, Bulgaria. Balkania has organised the event „BALKAN FLAVORS” for presentation of the tourism offer of the Balkans through gastronomy. The event was organised as part of the „Festival of elite wines”.
Balkania played an important role in the creation of several convivia of Slow Food and in creating the national network of Slow Food, especially the Youth Movement - youth network which includes several young members from Balkania.
Projects funded with support from the European Commission, Balkania as coordinator:
- Strengthening the Capacities of BALKANIA to Promote Agritorism
- ALBERGO DIFUSSO - Learning about new forms of sustainable tourism
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ECVET ENS 2.0–Erasmus+ KA2 No: 2016 -1-MK01-KA202-021665
Project title: Recognition and validation of learning outcomes and qualifications in nature-based and rural tourism sector in the framework of the European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET) EU Credit System and Education for professional figures of rural tourism sector :
- Nature- and Rural Tourism Guide,
- Rural and Agro-Tourism Accommodation Manager.
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Traditional food - for better education and job opportunities (TradiFlavours)
Erasmus + KA2 No: 2018-1-MK01-KA204-047143 Main priority of the Tradiflavors project is to create new opportunities for the adults by creating interactive training for gaining high quality skills and competences according to adult learners needs (especially adults with fewer opportunities, low-skilled or low qualified adults), but also relevant to labor market's requirements and contemporary living.
Other current projects where Balkania is partner:
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INNOViMENTOR
Generating SME product and process innovation with a new tourism mobility model, stakeholder alliances and skills alliances to facilitate the market uptake of local enterprises in remote and sparsely populated areas.
INTEREG - IPA Cross Border programme “Balkan -Mediteranean “
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Backing Regional Tourism Potential
Prizren region –from Kosovo and Polog Region – from Macedonia. IPA Cross Border Cooperation Macedonia - Kosovo
Website: www.balkania-association.com
