Eco tourism

Alternative forms in tourism are the opposite of what mass tourism offers (sea, sun, sand). Alternative tourism is sometimes identified with the term sustainable tourism all because its primary goal to negatively affect the environment and its population as little as possible. It can be divided into types based on different criteria, for example, according to the area (coastal, mountain, spa, lake, village, city), according to the specific type of trip (ecological, cultural, health, hunting, religious, etc .), etc.

The southeastern part of Macedonia is quite suitable for development of alternative forms of tourism due to its rich natural, cultural and historical heritage. Moreover, the region borders with two countries (Republic of Bulgaria and Republic of Greece) so regional connectivity and integrated management of common natural resources and riches is an opportunity for cooperation and increase of the potentials by learning from each other and providing a variety of travel offers. Alternative tourism is a strategic commitment of Planetum because of its importance for the preservation and promotion of natural resources and rarities, but also the economic situation of the population in the southeastern region of Macedonia. Planetum is the first organization in the region to facilitate training of several catering workers as sommeliers and to develop the first tourist guide for the region around the Belasitsa Mountain across the three sides of the border. Planetum, together with a partner from Bulgaria, developed the website www.belasitsa.com which contains information for potential tourists in the region of Belasica. Together with partners from Bulgaria and Greece, Planetum organised the first youth summer camps for eco-tourism on the three sides of the border.

In March 2017 Planetum officially joined the European Green Belt Network which seeks to conserve and restore the common natural heritage by respecting the economic, social and cultural needs of local communities.