Possibilities for development of agro-tourism and gastronomic tourism in the Republic of Macedonia

Agro-tourism and gastronomic tourism as an integral part of alternative tourism represents a major opportunity to improve the performance of agricultural holdings and the economic prosperity of rural areas in the country. The paper starts from the standpoint that global changes in the world's main development directions initiate new trends in the field of tourism needs, it sets new challenges for the tourism offer , and the trends indicate increasing demand for alternative forms of tourism. In this context, the paper stresses the role of agro-tourism as a form of alternative tourism which contributes farmers to increase their income through various forms of activities. Particular attention is paid to labor contribution, agrotourism to the creation of new or to the generation of added value to the traditional production of food and wine, rural culture, as well as certain activities related to farming. Alternatively, agro-tourism can contribute to the initiation of new businesses that have no direct link to agriculture. This research is mainly perceived that businesses related to agrotourism have aims as: to keep farmers on farms, provide new jobs, improve living standards of the rural population and to increase the volume of economic activity in specific rural areas. Empirical research is based on interviews and focus groups in selected rural areas. Participants in interviews and focus groups from all backgrounds, to one way or another, are related to agro-tourism and gastronomic tourism