Travel in North Macedonia

North Macedonia’s travel industry continues to develop and expand

Positive growth was recorded across all categories in travel in North Macedonia in 2019 as the country's rising international profile and the expansion of air routes into and out of the country supported further increases in visitor numbers. North Macedonia is slowly but steadily emerging from the shadows of better-known Balkan tourist destinations such as Greece, Croatia and Bulgaria by presenting itself as a charming, safe and interesting option for the budget-minded traveller.

Online bookings surge as offline travel agents become increasingly unviable

Among the most notable trends in North Macedonia’s travel industry in 2019 was the ongoing shift towards online sales in travel intermediaries. With very high internet and smartphone penetration, North Macedonia is a country with fertile ground for the development of online travel intermediaries and this has led to strong growth in the country for major international players such as Hotels.

Wizz Air prospers, with the assistance of the North Macedonian government

The North Macedonian government continues to offer attractive subsidies to airlines willing to establish routes in and out of the country’s two international airports, located in the capital Skopje and the small lakeside resort city of Ohrid. With North Macedonia positioned primarily as an affordable destination that represents excellent value for money, Hungary-based low cost carrier Wizz Air has been the most enthusiastic player in terms of taking advantage of the subsidy system to establish and expand its presence in North Macedonia.

Online group discounts continue to attract more North Macedonians

2019 saw group discounts remain among one of the most popular ways for North Macedonians to purchase travel and tourism products and services. North Macedonia’s largest online group discount platform Grouper.

North Macedonia’s growing reputation set to underpin positive growth

The forecast period is likely to see further improvements in North Macedonia’s travel and tourism industry as the country’s profile and reputation as a charming and economical destination for leisure tourism continues to spread across Europe. With the country also able to rely on steady demand among inbound tourists from other Balkan countries, the spreading word of mouth about the country’s very favourable tourism offer is set to motivate key airline Wizz Air to continue expanding its route networks into and out of Skopje and Ohrid, with the assistance of the North Macedonian government’s subsidy scheme.

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