Foreign tourists in January–May rose by 23.6% — North Macedonia positions itself as an attractive destination
Data published on August 9, 2026 record a sizeable increase in arrivals during the first five months of the year.
Published on August 9, 2026, official figures show that the number of foreign tourists in North Macedonia during the first five months of 2026 rose by 23.6% compared with the same period a year earlier.
The jump in arrivals has been described by local industry actors as a sign that North Macedonia is gaining traction as an attractive travel destination in the region. Hoteliers and tour operators report stronger bookings for city breaks, cultural sites and outdoor attractions during the spring season.
Drivers behind the increase
Industry observers point to a mix of factors that helped produce the rise: intensified promotion in key source markets, expanded flight connections to major airports, and improved accommodation capacity in both urban and rural areas. Seasonal events and festivals this spring also boosted short stays, while demand for outdoor and nature-based trips increased.
Despite the positive trend, stakeholders warn that sustaining growth will require investment in infrastructure, better year-round product development and targeted marketing to extend the tourist season beyond summer months. They highlight opportunities in rural tourism, cultural heritage sites and adventure tourism as areas for diversification.
Tourism officials say the early-2026 performance offers momentum heading into the remainder of the year, but stress the need for coordinated public‑private measures to convert the spring uptick into long-term gains for the sector and the wider economy.
Photo: press material from the event
