Touristic potentials of Struga and the possibilities of sustainable development

Abstract

This paper aims to present the natural potentials, cultural and historical motives, human and economic potentials, 
respectively the current and potential future investments by the domestic and foreign subjects in the region of 
Struga. Natural potentials are of great importance and are determinant for touristic development. The 
attractiveness of a touristic place will be more emphasized and the visitor interest will be greater if natural 
elements are irreplaceable compared to other locations by being typical only to that location. Natural potentials 
that Struga possesses are extraordinary and irreplaceable, such as the beautiful relief, climate, hydrographic 
network with the Lake of Ohrid and the river Black Drin, and the biogeographic motives. There are many cultural 
and historical motives in Struga, especially those in rural areas with great values and opportunities for using. But, 
no evidence has been done by the local and central authorities to process and study these values. In this 
framework, this paper tries to identify this inheritance which is a great asset for touristic development of Struga. 
Considering the fact that Macedonia as a state passed through various difficult processes and situations, foreign 
investments which are real generator of tourism are very few. But in perspective these investments will enable a 
sustainable development of tourism as economic activity, by including Struga in regional and European touristic 
itineraries, and with this to integrate and promote gradually and internationally this region.