INCREASING TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES FOR CROSSBORDER DESTINATIONS – CASE OF PELAGONIJA REGION

Abstract

Cross-border regions face challenges how to encourage and promote cooperation between the countries to which they belong. In this regard, as most common approach is the use of their potentials in order to improve the overall socio-economic development of the regions. The co-operation marks a number of examples of initiatives that are often within the framework of certain international cross border co-operation programmes. Among the specific goals of the programs, including the promotion of sustainable economic development in cross-border regions, priority is given to encouraging tourism by improving the attractiveness and promoting tourism in the regions. In this context, the opportunities for development of the regions as recognizable tourist destinations are increasing, not only in the cross-border regions but also in the wider regional environment. This approach is with aim to achieve increased competitiveness andincreased employment opportunities of local population.