Ecotourism – Environment Relationship in Contemporary Eastern Europe Countries. Its Facts, Myths and Challenges. The Case of Albania and Macedonia

The purpose of this paper is to critically evaluate the perceptions and intended applications of ecotourism in Eastern Europe. This is placed within the context of past tourism patterns under state socialism, current issues of the transition and restructuring and likely future trends in the region for the tourism generally and environmentally sensitive tourism development in particular. The political and economic changes which have characterized Eastern Europe in generally and Albania and Macedonia in particularly, since 1989 have exerted a number of influences on patterns of international tourism to, within and from the region. Sustainable forms of tourism are a relatively new concept for these countries, although past practices did see the restriction of tourists’ mobility, albeit not necessarily for environmental reasons. These countries are vulnerable to tourism fashion changes, which are themselves sensitive to the instability and myriad problems besetting the region. In spite of this, the region’s cultural and environmental diversity provides the potential for substantial market segmentation. Targeting niche markets- ideally high spending groups with minimal adverse impacts and season- extending activities – should emphasise the significance of “green” forms of tourism. The region’s substantial heritage potential and natural protected areas can be used to considerable educational as well as economic advantage to the region.