Regional Tourism Promotion: National Geographic Supplement

RCI has developed a plan for a special supplement to be circulated with the National Geographic Traveler Magazine (NGT).  This supplement would showcase the unique features and characteristics of the Western Balkans countries. 

TOURISM | Main Page

(REGIONAL ITINERARIES ANALYSIS linked at the left)

Regional Tourism Workshops

RCI organizes regional meetings to discuss issues, present solutions for the challenges and share best practices in tourism.

Regional Tourism Information Sharing

To assist and add value to the regional tourism projects and their activities, RCI constantly tries to increase the information sharing and enhances the regional dialogue.

Relevant articles and documents sent biweekly to targeted stakeholders. A list of documents sent so far can be found in this document.

Regional Tourism Products and Routes

RCI has undertaken a regional assessed of sustainable and appealing regional tourist products and routes. The next step will be to develop and promote these with regional partners.

Regional Tourism Portal

The creation of the portal will serve to support regional information sharing, partnerships, and cross border products and services such as Trails, and related promotional activities.

The NGT supplement will include sites and items from the following themes:

1. •Historical / world heritage sites & ruins
   

2. •Unique villages / towns
   

3. •Churches, cathedrals, monasteries & mosques
   

4. •Art & museums
   

5. •Festivals & celebrations
   

6. •Native music / musical instruments
   

7. •Outdoor markets / specialty stores / boutiques
   

8. •Distinctive foods or dishes, cafes & restaurants
   

9. •Unique crafts wood, glass, fabric, etc.
   

10. •Beaches, lakes, parks & gardens
    

11. •Resorts & spas, b&b’s, agri-tourism
    

12. •Outdoor activities (hiking, biking, skiing) outfitters & guides
    

13. •Wildlife birds, fish, animals, etc.
    

This is a co-funding collaboration between RCI and the countries of the region (USAID Missions/Projects, National Tourism Agencies, etc.) The supplement is scheduled for distribution in the Spring of 2010

Authentic Quality Mark

RCI is introducing a Quality Mark within SE Europe, to encourage and guide authentic accommodations such as small hotels and guest houses within each country in the region. The program focuses on improving product quality, business practices, market readiness and profile, and has a major emphasis on responsible tourism. This will support sustainable competitive tourism sectors in each country. The first Quality Mark programs are in Albania and Macedonia. There will be country-specific Authentic Quality Marks all reflecting the same disciplines and standards across the region, providing recognizable and credible endorsements for travelers.