THE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN THE THERMAL MINERAL BATHS OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF DEBAR
Resul HAMITI, Arbesa ÇIKRI KAJA, Merime MUSTAFI
Abstract
This paper deals with the thermal-mineral baths of Debar, their potential, and their role in tourism, as well as the number of visitors who frequent these baths during the year. These baths are located in the western part of the Republic of North Macedonia and are located in the rural settlements of Banjisht and Kosovrast, at an altitude of 880m (in Banjisht) and 590m (in Kosovrast).
The thermal-mineral baths “Capa”, in the villages of Banjisht and Kosovrast, are among the tourist attractions with the greatest potential in the municipality of Debar, playing a primary role in economic development, increasing financial income, employment, and improving the living conditions of society.
Some of the methods used in this paper are descriptive methods, analytical methods, comparative and statistical methods, and graphic and cartographic methods, taking into account the official data of the State Population Statistics Agency of the Republic of North Macedonia, as well as the data obtained in the field.
This paper aims to present the values of these thermal localities, which at the same time represent an important natural resource in terms of attracting local and foreign tourists, as well as to provide an analysis of the factors that influence tourist movement, the dynamics of the number of tourists throughout the years, the benefits,
etc. The high healing quality of thermo-mineral waters is the most important recreational and therapeutic element in these baths, which in combination with elements such as climate, landscape, and biogeographical qualities enable the healing ability that is determined to cure various diseases. The importance of the thermal baths of Debar is also increased by the fact that there are no other thermo-mineral waters in about 100 km (except those of Peshkopia, with poor infrastructure and suboptimal conditions for tourism). This fact presents extraordinary opportunities for the complex urbanism of these baths and maximum benefits from these natural resources. It is also worth emphasizing that suitable prices for rehabilitation and recreation in these hotel facilities play an important role in attracting customers.
Pages:
148 - 154