Nestoroska, Ivanka and Ruzin, Irena (2026) Rethinking Destination Accessibility:The Case of the Pelagonia region. In: SITECON: Shaping Inclusive Tourist Destinations & Societies, Scientific conference SITECON 2026, May, 27,2026, Opatija, Croatia.
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Abstract
Purpose – the paper tends to provoke future reflections, research and discussions on the importance of accessibility as an integral part of the conceptual development of tourist destinations. The aim is to present findings from conducted research related to the accessibility in Pelagonia Region as tourist destination. It discusses the importance of reconceptualization of accessibility and developing a conceptual framework for rethinking destination accessibility. It further emphasizes the importance of cooperation among stakeholders in the process of integration of accessibility into destination development, management and promotion of destinations.
Methodology/Design/Approach – The research employs theoretical and empirical approach, including a combination of desk research, policy analysis, field research of tourism infrastructure and services, interviews with key stakeholders, and questionnaire. The respondents represent accommodation and catering facilities, travel agencies, museums and other cultural institutions and facilities, tourist sites, recreational and locations, non-governmental organizations and representatives of local authorities responsible for tourism development.
Findings – The research indicates that accessibility in Pelagonia Region is still limited and has significant physical, informational and organizational barriers. Although examples of good practice were identified, accessibility is largely addressed through isolated interventions, rather than as an integral component of destination development. The findings point to the need to rethink accessibility as a key component of tourism planning in this region.
Originality of the research – The originality of this research lies in its regional-scale empirical assessment of accessible tourism primarily based on field research. It provides a systematic evaluation of the accessibility of tourist attractions, institutions, tourism facilities and mobility infrastructure across the municipalities in Pelagonia region and identifies regional disparities and accessibility gaps. The research expands the limited knowledge on accessible tourism in North Macedonia by pointing out regional accessibility challenges, thus providing a basis for future tourism research and planning.
Keywords: Accessible Tourism; Sustainable Destination; Development; Pelagonia Region; North Macedonia
| Item Type: | Conference or Workshop Item (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | Scientific Fields (Frascati) > Social Sciences > Economics and Business |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality |
| Depositing User: | Prof. d-r Ivanka Nestoroska |
| Date Deposited: | 10 Sep 2026 16:28 |
| Last Modified: | 10 Sep 2026 16:28 |
| URI: | https://eprints.uklo.edu.mk/id/eprint/11755 |
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