Applicant: Association for Rural Development LAG Prespa – Resen
Partner: Rural Development Network of North Macedonia
Target group: Domestic and international tourists, adventure and eco-tourism enthusiasts
Location: Prespa region, including Pelister National Park and Galicica National Park
Total budget: MKD 2,304,500
Project Description
The Prespa region is known for its unique nature, rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. However, its potential for eco-tourism and adventure-based activities remains insufficiently developed. Although Prespa’s climate and terrain offer excellent conditions for paragliding, this activity is still underused, while the existing take-off sites at Tomorus on Galicica and Mala Chuka on Pelister are currently neglected and difficult to access.
The project “Prespa LET – Local Eco Tourism on the Rise” aims to improve the infrastructure, arrange and formalise the two paragliding take-off sites, and introduce a new tourism offer: tandem paragliding flights. This will help position Prespa as an attractive destination for active tourism, in line with the principles of eco-tourism.
The rehabilitation of the take-off sites and the installation of weather stations will improve safety and provide real-time weather data. These data will be useful not only for paragliders, but also for farmers and kite-surfing enthusiasts, as kite-surfing is becoming increasingly popular in the region. The project is expected to encourage new economic activities, extend the tourist season and increase local income opportunities.
Main Objective
To introduce a new active tourism offer in Prespa by improving paragliding infrastructure and integrating this activity into the region’s eco-tourism offer.
Key Activities
Infrastructure improvement of the take-off sites
• Cleaning and rehabilitation of the access road to Tomorus
• Cleaning and arrangement of the Mala Chuka take-off site
Improving flying conditions
• Installation of benches and tables at viewpoints
• Installation of two weather stations with publicly accessible data
Development and promotion of a new tourism offer
• Creation of a tandem paragliding tourism offer
• Distribution of the offer to tour operators and promotion through relevant channels
Organisation of a promotional event
• Presentation of the new tourism offer
• Networking with tourism stakeholders
Expected Results
• Strengthened cooperation between project partners, the Municipality of Resen and Pelister and Galicica National Parks
• Two arranged and functional paragliding take-off sites: Tomorus and Mala Chuka
• A new active tourism offer in Prespa developed and promoted
Through this project, Prespa will be positioned as a modern and sustainable destination for adventure tourism, with increased tourist interest, new opportunities for the local economy and greater regional visibility.
