The role of ecotourism in management of protected areas in Serbia and North Macedonia

In recent decades, there has been a change in people's interest in traveling, by demanding more variety in needs, types, and patterns of travel. Special-interest form of tourism such as ecotourism is now more putting on a journey emphasis on environmental and social aspects. The concept of ecotourism travel includes programs that minimize the negative aspects of mass tourism on the environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local community. Destinations of ecotourism are due to its natural value placed under the umbrella of protection, and tourism that is organized in them is sustainable and strictly controlled. Integrated management of the mentioned destinations is of great importance for their proper development and exploitation of unique natural values that they have, while preserving them for future generations. The paper will also present examples of good practice of managing the protected areas in the territory of Serbia and North Macedonia, as well as the involvement of the local population through the promotion of tourist offer