Tourism without Borders

The joint action “”Tourism without borders”” between Municipality of Viti/Vitina, Kosovo, and Municipality of Kriva Palanka, North Macedonia, came as result of direct meetings and discussions between mayors from both municipalities. Both mayors agreed to jointly prepare this action proposal, which will be focused in promoting tourism and natural heritage, considered vital for long term development of both municipalities. Therefore, as such, the main objective of the action aimed at improving current conditions and infrastructure in both municipalities in order to enhance and further promote tourism and natural heritage in two municipalities, but not only.

Subsequently, as result of the action, tourism potentials in both municipalities were enhanced and regional values further promoted.

Municipality of Viti/Vitina is located in South- East of Kosovo, bordering with North Macedonia, with around 50,000 inhabitants. Among many natural resources for development of tourism in the municipality, Morava e Binces/ Binačka Morava river is among few with great potentials for promoting tourism, natural heritage, mountaineering activities, and healthy living in general river runs in the middle of the territory of Viti/Vitina municipality and since forever has been of paramount importance for development of agriculture and providing potable water for famers and citizens of the municipality. In addition to that, lately, the river has been identified as an attractive touristic asset for the municipality given the interest of visitors in visiting the river all the way from its source in the mountains. The whole path (riverbed), of around 10 km, runs through mountains and valley, which makes it especially attractive for lovers of walking in nature, outdoor activities, and researchers interested in natural heritage. Nevertheless, lack of financial resources within the Municipality of Viti/Vitina to invest in the improvement of the infrastructure had prevented full exploration and exploitation of these resources by tourists and visitors.

Furthermore, in addition to natural resources described above, there are other cultural and touristic sites in the municipality, which might be very attractive for tourists and visitors not only from Kosovo but also from Europe, but were not fully exploited by tourists due to lack of expertise and trained staff in the management and provision of tourism services and products. One cultural attraction to mention was the “”Black Maddona”” day in village Letnica on 15 August, where around 10,000 catholic pilgrims, from Kosovo and whole Europe, gather to perform religious rituals.

Municipality of Kriva Palanka is located in North- East of North Macedonia, close to the border with Serbia and Bulgaria, with around 21,000 inhabitants. It is widely known for its natural resources attractive for tourists and visitors. Cross-border region Kosovo -North Macedonia has a great variety of cultural and natural heritage tourism attractions. Unfortunately, all that tourist treasure were abandoned or not well maintained for decades. The region with its stunning landscapes ensured plenty of pleasant moments for road-testing a range of outdoor adventures on a scene that had huge potential largely managed only by enthusiasts.