ANALYSIS OF THE NUMBER OF OVERNIGHT STAYS AND THE NUMBER OF FOREIGN TOURISTS IN THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA IN THE PERIOD 2006-2015

Abstract

This paper analyzes two aspects of foreign tourists traffic in the Republic of Macedonia. The first aspect deals with the number of foreign tourists’ overnight stays between 2006 and 2015, while the second aspect analyzes the number of tourists who visited Macedonia by countries.
In this paper we will answer the question whether the number of tourists in this period increased, decreased, or maintained the same level, as well as the number of incoming tourists from each country.
Our research is working on the basic assumption that the number of foreign tourists constantly increased in the period, with most of the tourists in Macedonia coming from its neighboring countries, cherishing a tradition of historical links and cultural ties with our country. The analysis will demonstrate whether our assumption proves valid.
The research results will be displayed in tables and graphs to clearly show the fluctuation in the number of overnight stays and the number of tourists by country.
Finally, the research results will be presented.
Key words: foreign tourists, number of foreign tourists, overnight stays of foreign tourists, travel agents.