A Showcase of Iter Vitis and Beyond
On April 16, 2025, the city of Skopje welcomed cultural tourism stakeholders and European heritage experts to the “Forum on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe in Function of the Development of Cultural Tourism in Republic of North Macedonia.” Held at Public Room in Skopje, the event was a vibrant platform for discussion, strategy, and cooperation around the development of certified Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, with a particular focus on the Iter Vitis route and its potential in the region.
The forum was opened by Mr. Zoran Ljutkov, Minister of Culture and Tourism of Republic of North Macedonia, together with senior officials from the Ministry, including State Secretary Marija Gjorgova and Deputy Head of European Integration Jovanka Gjorgjeska Kuzmanoska. Their welcoming remarks emphasized the country’s growing commitment to aligning tourism development with cultural heritage preservation, within the framework of the Council of Europe’s Cultural Routes programme.
Panel 1: Iter Vitis – A Model for Wine and Culture-Driven Development
The first panel spotlighted the Iter Vitis Cultural Route, represented by its President, Ms. Emanuela Panke. She presented the federation’s activities across 23 member countries, outlining its mission to protect, promote, and narrate Europe’s viticultural heritage as a vector for sustainable tourism and rural development.
Academic and local stakeholders added layers to this perspective: Prof. Sasho Korunovski (Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality, Ohrid) addressed the role of culture in tourism strategies and heritage protection. Vlatko Sulev, President of the National Association for Incoming Tourism in Macedonia (NAITM), concluded the session with an invitation to further engage cultural routes in the country’s national tourism branding.
Panel 2: Cyril and Methodius Cultural Route – Local Strategies and Historical Depth
The second session turned to the Cyril and Methodius Route, exploring its symbolic and cultural significance for North Macedonia. Contributions came from Dr. Maja Jakimovska-Toshikj (Institute for Macedonian Literature) and Dr. Ordanche Petrov (Institute of Old Slavic Culture), who offered insights into the use of immovable cultural heritage and scholarly heritage as tools for tourist promotion. Representatives from ERAK GROUP and NAITM also participated, helping shape a multi-sectoral vision for developing the route in local contexts.
Panel 3: Roman Emperors and Danube Wine Route – A Cross-Border Opportunity
In the third panel, the focus broadened to another major transnational route: the Roman Emperors and Danube Wine Route. Mr. Danko Ćosić of the Danube Competence Center described the route as a platform for regional tourism innovation and cooperation. He was joined by Prof. Goran Petkovic (Faculty of Economics, Belgrade), who explored evolving trends in cultural tourism consumption and marketing. Archaeologist Goce Pavlovski presented the case of the archaeological site of Stobi, a cornerstone of Republic of North Macedonia’s integration into this route, while Ivana Brdarovska (Heroines of Tourism) provided reflections on the role of community engagement.
A Day of Heritage, Dialogue, and Field Experience
The forum concluded with a joint site visit to the archaeological complex of Stobi, offering attendees a first-hand experience of the cultural assets discussed throughout the day. A networking dinner followed, reinforcing ties among stakeholders and laying the groundwork for future cooperation.
This event was a clear example of how Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, such as Iter Vitis, can serve as strategic instruments to both preserve heritage and generate local value. Republic of North Macedonia’s active involvement affirms its growing role in the cultural tourism landscape of Europe.