1 Description Of The Watershed 33 Tourism Strategy and Action Plan for the Prespa Lakes Basin 2012-2016 Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Prespa Lake Basin This publication was produced with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), within the Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Prespa Lakes Basin project. The Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Prespa Lakes Basin project is implemented by UNDP with financial support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Its overall objective is to help the region’s people with long term economic and social development, conserve the rich biodiversity and protect the waters of the Prespa Lakes Basin. ABOUT THE GEF: The Global Environment Facility unites 182 member governments - in partnership with international institutions, nongovern- mental organizations, and the private sector - to address global environmental issues. As an independent financial organi- zation, the GEF provides grants to developing countries and countries with economies in transition for projects related to biodiversity, climate change, international waters, land degradation, the ozone layer, and persistent organic pollutants. These projects benefit the global environment, linking local, national, and global environmental challenges and promoting sustain- able livelihoods. ABOUT UNDP: UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in 177 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations. Disclaimer: The opinions and standpoints expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of UNDP or the GEF. 33 Tourism Strategy and Action Plan for the Prespa Lakes Basin This publication was prepared by Robert Travers and La Paz Group Costa Rica Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................................................... 3 1. Introduction.................................................................................................................................................................................8 PART I – STRATEGY......................................................................................................................................................................11 2. Assessment of tourism demand .............................................................................................................................................12 2.1 Global tourism demand .........................................................................................................................................12 2.2 Tourism demand in the region .............................................................................................................................13 2.3 National tourism performance .............................................................................................................................14 2.3.1 Albania ..................................................................................................................................................... 14 2.3.2 The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia ..................................................................................... 15 2.3.3 Greece ...................................................................................................................................................... 16 2.4 Local tourism performance ..................................................................................................................................18 2.4.1 Albania ..................................................................................................................................................... 18 2.4.2 The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia ..................................................................................... 18 2.4.3 Greece ...................................................................................................................................................... 19 2.4.4 Market segments attracted .................................................................................................................... 19 2.5 Conclusions and key issues arising ......................................................................................................................20 3. Assessment of tourism sustainability and impacts on cultural and natural heritage..................................................22 3.1 Sustainability of tourism in the Prespa basin ......................................................................................................22 3.2 Carrying capacity ...................................................................................................................................................24 3.3 Impacts on cultural and natural heritage ............................................................................................................25 3.3.1 Recommended system for natural heritage management ................................................................. 26 3.3.2 Recommended system for cultural heritage management ............................................................... 27 3.4 Conclusions and recommendations ....................................................................................................................27 4. Vision for tourism development............................................................................................................................................28 4.1 Vision statement .....................................................................................................................................................28 4.2 Main product themes ............................................................................................................................................29 5. Tourism development strategy................................................................................................................................................30 5.1 Flagship products ....................................................................................................................................................30 6. The role of the Prespa Park Management Committee........................................................................................................32 6.1 Opportunities and constraints ..............................................................................................................................33 6.2 Way forward ............................................................................................................................................................33 7. Marketing the trilateral Prespa Park.....................................................................................................................................34 7.1 Current marketing needs .......................................................................................................................................34 7.2 Scale and sustainability ..........................................................................................................................................35 7.3 Examples of trans-boundary tourism marketing ...............................................................................................36 7.4 Marketing objectives for Prespa Park ..................................................................................................................37 7.5 Delivery of marketing ............................................................................................................................................38 33 7.6 Target markets .........................................................................................................................................................38 7.7 Targets for marketing strategy ...............................................................................................................................39 PART II – ACTION PLAN............................................................................................................................................................41 8. Tourism action plan................................................................................................................................................................42 8.1 Management ............................................................................................................................................................42 8.2 Flagship projects – ecotourism .............................................................................................................................44 8.3 Flagship projects - nature ......................................................................................................................................49 8.4 Flagship projects – culture ....................................................................................................................................57 8.5 Activity tourism ......................................................................................................................................................62 8.6 Domestic tourism ..................................................................................................................................................63