Challenges of Tourism and Business Logistics in the 21st Century
Faculty of Tourism and Business logistics, Goce Delcev University, Stip, North Macedonia
The intellectual property and copyright of the original content in all scientific contributions within the published paper shall remain with the authors. The authors grant ISCTBL permission to publish the paper. All authors agree to publish the paper under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0).
GREEN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT – BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES
Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) integrates environmental considerations with traditional supply chain management practices. The necessity of implementing green practices in supply chain has become increasingly evident in today’s world, where environmental challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and pollution are intensifying. Green practices in the supply chains can reduce environmental impact, improve resource efficiency and cost savings, enhance company reputation, ensure regulatory compliance, and strengthen long-term resilience. Considering this the aim of the paper is to examine the theoretical foundations for GSCM, highlighting its role in promoting environmental sustainability and improving operational efficiency.
supply chain, green practices, green supply chain management, environmental challenges
Copyright (c) 2026 Aneta Risteska Jankuloska; Tatjana Spaseska; Emilija Gjorgjioska, Dragica Odzaklieska
DIGITALIZATION OF BORDER PROCEDURES: IMPLICATIONS OF THE ENTRY/EXIT SYSTEM WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE SCHENGEN BORDER CODE
The paper aims to analyse the role and impact of the Entry/Exit System (EES) on border management, with a particular focus on its implications within the framework of the Schengen Border Code. The introduction of EES represents a significant step toward the digitalization of border control procedures in the European Union (EU), replacing the traditional passport stamping with an automated system for recording entries and exits, including biometric data. The paper explores how this transformation affects the efficiency of border control, waiting time, and passenger flows, all of which are critical factors for the tourism industry and logistics operations. Furthermore, it addresses the legal and operational challenges associated with aligning EES with the existing regulatory framework, as well as issues related to data protection and risk management. Based on analysis of secondary legislation and relevant EU policies, the paper concludes that EES has the potential to enhance both security and efficiency in border management. However, its successful implementation depends on technical readiness, inter-institutional coordination, and user acceptance. In this context, the paper emphasizes the need for a balanced approach between security objectives and the facilitation of international mobility.
Business logistics and Business administration
Copyright (c) 2026 Ivica Josifovic, Igor Kambovski
GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH: A QUANTITATIVE SOCIAL SCIENCE PERSPECTIVE
Generative artificial intelligence is increasingly transforming scientific research by supporting idea generation, methodological design, literature search, data interpretation, and academic writing. This study examines the use, perceived benefits, and limitations of generative AI tools in scientific research from a quantitative social science perspective. Based on Innovation Center University of Niš survey data collected from 100 respondents, the findings indicate that a substantial majority of participants have already used generative AI tools in their research activities. Specifically, 82% of respondents reported previous use of generative AI, while 18% had not used such tools. Among users, the most frequently reported reasons for using generative AI included searching the literature with similar methodological frameworks, generating initial research ideas, identifying possible shortcomings and corrections, and obtaining consultative support in methodological decision-making. Respondents who had not used generative AI most often cited insufficient reliability, ethical concerns, limited competence in using AI tools, and the absence of perceived need at the current stage of research. The results further suggest that researchers generally perceive generative AI as a tool that can contribute to the efficiency of scientific work. On a five-point scale, the majority of respondents expressed moderate to high agreement with the statement that generative AI can improve research efficiency. In terms of the methodological framework, the greatest perceived benefits were identified in selecting specific methods and instruments for research implementation, generating research writing ideas, defining research objectives, and formulating hypotheses. These findings indicate that generative AI is not primarily viewed as a replacement for researchers, but as an auxiliary tool that can enhance productivity, support methodological reasoning, and improve the organization of research tasks. The study contributes to the emerging discussion on the responsible integration of generative AI in scientific research, particularly within the social sciences. It highlights both the practical potential of AI-assisted research and the need for methodological literacy, ethical awareness, and critical evaluation of AI-generated outputs. The paper concludes that generative AI can significantly support scientific research when used transparently, critically, and in accordance with established academic standards.
КУЛТУРАТА ВО ДОКУМЕНТИТЕ ОД СТРАТЕГИСКИ КАРАКТЕР
Во трудот се анализира содржината на Националната стратегија за развој на културата 2026 - 2030, како документ што нуди опсежна и темелна анализа за состојбата на културата во РС Македонија. Преку критички и аналитисчки осврт се разгледуваат институционалната поставеност и функционалноста на културниот систем, моделите на финансирање, рационализацијата на установите и процесот на децентрализација. Посебно внимание е посветено на заштитата на културното наследство, интегрираната заштита, дигитализацијата, недостигот од стручен кадар и потребата од расчистување на долгогодишната документациска проблематика. Трудот ги обработува и можностите за економско активирање на културното наследство преку туризмот, концесиите, јавно-приватните партнерства и културните и креативните индустрии. Воедно, се отвораат прашањата за даночната политика, инвестициите, законската регулатива и улогата на македонскиот јазик како дел од културниот и идентитетскиот континуитет на државата. Оттогаш до денес речиси ништо не е направено по ова прашање. Увидите извршени од Националниот конзерваторски центар во последниве години констатираат забрзана деградација токму на тие објекти, кои предолго биле оставени на листа на чекање. Кај голем дел од нив состојбата е значително влошена, а некои дури ги изгубиле и својствата за евидентирано културно наследство. Дополнителен проблем претставува и ретката населеност во руралните средини каде што најчесто се наоѓаат овие објекти. Само со јасно согледување на оваа состојба ќе може да се утврдат приоритетите за заштита и соодветно да се планира буџетот за културното наследство во Министерството за култура и туризам.
Copyright (c) 2026 Aleksandar Jordanoski
ДИГИТАЛИЗАЦИЈАТА И ПАЗАРОТ НА ТРУД ВО ТУРИСТИЧКИОТ СЕКТОР: ЕМПИРИСКА АНАЛИЗА ВО УСЛОВИ НА СОВРЕМЕНИ ПРОМЕНИ
Овој труд ја анализира улогата на дигиталните технологии во трансформацијата на туристичкиот сектор, со посебен фокус на e-commerce како индикатор за степенот на дигитализација. Целта на истражувањето е да се испита поврзаноста помеѓу дигитализацијата, туристичката активност и економските перформанси во туризмот, при што се земаат предвид индикаторите како бројот на ноќевања, туристичките приходи и вработеноста во туристичкиот сектор. Истражувањето се базира на секундарни статистички податоци преземени од базите на Eurostat и UN Tourism, опфаќајќи повеќе европски земји во периодот 2017–2024 година при што за одредени индикатори се користени и најнови достапни податоци за 2025 година. За обработка и анализа на податоците се применуваат дескриптивна статистика, Welch ANOVA, Пирсонова корелациска анализа и повеќекратна линеарна регресија, со цел да се утврдат односите помеѓу дигитализацијата, туристичката активност и економските резултати во туристичкиот сектор. Резултатите од емпириската анализа укажуваат на силна позитивна и статистички значајна поврзаност помеѓу бројот на ноќевања, туристичките приходи и вработеноста во туристичкиот сектор. Регресионата анализа покажува дека бројот на ноќевања има значајно позитивно влијание врз туристичките приходи, што укажува дека туристичката побарувачка претставува клучен фактор за економските перформанси на туристичкиот сектор. Од друга страна, влијанието на дигитализацијата, мерено преку индикаторот e-commerce, се покажува како ограничено и посложено во рамките на анализираниот модел. Трудот придонесува кон научната литература преку емпириска анализа на врската помеѓу дигитализацијата, туристичката активност и економските резултати во туризмот и укажува на значењето на дигиталната трансформација за понатамошниот развој и конкурентност на туристичкиот сектор.
Copyright (c) 2026 Martin Dzambaski, Natasha Miteva, Dushica Popova
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM POTENTIAL IN THE BALKAN REGION, OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
Sustainable tourism represents one of the sectors with high development potential in the Balkan region, contributing to economic growth, cultural heritage preservation and environmental protection. This paper aims to analyze the potential of sustainable tourism in the Balkans through a review of existing regional and international literature, identifying the main opportunities and challenges that affect its development in a dynamic socio-economic and environmental context. The focus is on the role of public policies, the management of tourist destinations and the involvement of local communities in development processes. The methodology used is based on the qualitative analysis of secondary sources, including scientific articles, reports of international organizations and strategic documents of the countries of the region. Through this approach, the paper provides a comprehensive overview of current trends in the development of sustainable tourism, highlighting best practices and successful models implemented in different Balkan countries. The findings show that the region possesses significant natural and cultural resources, including national parks, protected areas, rich historical heritage and cultural diversity, which constitute a strong basis for the development of sustainable tourism. However, the development of this sector faces a number of challenges, such as insufficient tourism infrastructure, lack of institutional coordination, inefficient resource management, and the lack of integrated strategies and cross-border cooperation.
sustainable tourism, Balkans, regional development, tourism management
Copyright (c) 2026 Perparim Qahili, Cane Koteski https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
TOURISM AND VALUES IN SCHOOL GEOGRAPHIC EDUCATION
Tourism occupies a key place in contemporary geographic education as an interdisciplinary field in which natural, cultural, social, and economic processes intersect, giving it significant potential for shaping students’ value orientations. In school geography, it functions not only as part of the curriculum content but also as a value based core through which students develop attitudes toward sustainable development, the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, intercultural dialogue, and responsible consumption. This study analyzes the role of tourism as a carrier of educational values and examines how curricula, methodological approaches, and practical activities (excursions, field studies, projects) support the formation of civic, environmental, and cultural values.
tourism; geographic education; geographic values; sustainable development; cultural heritage; civic competences; field activities
Copyright (c) 2026 Gergana Hristova, Rositsa Lazarova
POPOVO – “THE WHITE TOWN”: TOURISM POTENTIAL AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
This study analyzes the tourism potential of the town of Popovo in the context of regional development and sustainable tourism. The cultural-historical, natural and socio-economic resources of the destination are studied. Through SWOT analysis, key advantages and limitations, as well as development opportunities, are identified. The main conclusion is that through strategic branding and integrated tourism products, Popovo can be positioned as an attractive niche destination.
tourism, cultural heritage, sustainable development
Copyright (c) 2026 Emirhan Halmiev, Ivalena Valcheva
ANALYSIS OF THE RESOURCE PROVISION AND TOURIST ATTRACTIVENESS OF THE NATURAL SITES IN THE VARBITSA REGION
The Varbitsa Balkan is part of the Eastern Stara Planina and offers beautiful nature, ancient forests, and water features. Its landscape is characterized by steep slopes, broad saddles, and deeply incised gorges. Varbitsa is a town located in northeastern Bulgaria, north of the Varbitsa Pass in the Stara Planina Mountains. Varbitsa is a small town blessed with magnificent natural resources that are ideal for the development of tourism. The Varbitsa Balkan Mountains boast rich biodiversity, protected within a Natura 2000 site, along with numerous beautiful river rapids, waterfalls, and the historic Varbitsa Pass, all of which are ideal for ecotourism, hiking, and recreation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Emanuil Georgiev, Svetla Stankova, Ivalena Valcheva
Abstract As a tourist resource, the cave combines natural uniqueness with opportunities for sustainable tourism. Access to it is regulated in order to protect the ecosystem, by organizing controlled visits with guides. This allows for the simultaneous promotion of natural heritage and the minimization of anthropogenic pressure. From a scientific point of view, the cave is of interest with the rich variety of speleothems, such as stalactites, stalagmites and other calcite formations. It is also of significant importance as a habitat for protected species of bats, which necessitates the application of assessed measures to comply with and limit the safe impact. From the geomorphological point of view, the cave is distinguished by a complex structure of galleries, halls and underground water bodies. The presence of various speleothems - stalactites, stalagmites and sintered formations - effect for its scientific significance and visual appeal. In conclusion, the cave has significant potential for development as a tourist destination, provided the balance between tourism activity and effective conservation of its natural resources is maintained.
Keywords: “Biserna” cave, tourist destination, bats.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rositsa Lazarova, Leylya Shefka
ЗНАЧЕЊЕТО НА ЧЕШМИТЕ ЗА РАЗВОЈ НА ЛОКАЛНИОТ И ВИКЕНД ТУРИЗМОТ ВО ОПШТИНА ПРИЛЕП
Во научниот труд истражувани се и презентирани се сите постоечки чешми како дел од хидрографските објекти по населени места и градот Прилеп кои се во функција за развој на локалниот и викенд туризмот во сите 58 селски населби и градот Прилеп во истоимената општина. Во научниот труд дадени се две карти за географската положба на ОП. Прилеп во границите на нашата држава и селските населби со нивните атари . Од хидрографските објекти кои постојат како чешми во ОП. Прилеп евидентирани се и табеларно презентирани по населени места и во градот Прилеп. Улогата на чешмите како хидрографски објекти е од огромна важност при посета на селата и градот Прилеп на странските и домашните туристи, вработените во: индустријата, здравството, образованието како децата од градинките, учениците од основните, средните училишта и студентите за развој на локалниот и викенд туризмот во општина Прилеп. Во 2006 година за првпат се изработени туристичка и стопанска карта на градот Прилеп од кои отпечатена е само туристичката карта. За изработката на научниот труд користени се: теренски истражувања, метод на анкетирање, научна и стручна литература, статистички годишници и зборници. На крај се дадени разни анализи, предлози и заклучоци за улогата на чешмите како хидрографски објекти во функција на туризмот и неговиот развој во ОП. Прилеп.
Tourism, fountains, local tourism, weekend tourism, economy
NEIGHBORS AS TOURISTS: REGIONAL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF NORTH MACEDONIA
This study examines the potential of North Macedonia for regional tourism development through tourism flows from its neighboring countries: Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Kosovo and Serbia. The analysis is conducted in two stages. First, seasonality indices are calculated to assess the concentration and temporal distribution of tourist arrivals from neighboring countries. Second, tourism demand from Albania and Serbia, identified as key markets within the regional tourism framework, is forecasted using the SARIMA model. The findings reveal heterogeneous seasonality patterns across neighboring markets, while the projected increase in tourist arrivals from Albania and Serbia indicates significant potential for strengthening regional tourism cooperation. The study contributes theoretically to the understanding of regional tourism development and provides practical implications for policymakers in designing targeted regional tourism policies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Biljana Petrevska, Mimoza Serafimova, Iva Nikoloska
SOCIAL INFORMATION PROCESSING AND PERSONALITY BEHAVIOR IN NEW SITUATIONS
This paper examines the complex relationship between person, situation, and social information processing in explaining human behavior. What people do depends, to a large extent, on the situation they find themselves in. But while this fact has been discussed and sometimes contested over the past few decades, situations rarely receive the focused scrutiny they deserve. What is known about the socio-psychological characteristics of situations? Are persons, situations, and behaviors so hopelessly intertwined that they can never be separated? How can a situation be defined and what are its characteristics? The key question is: what causes people to behave the way they do? The stakes are high when the protagonists of the “person-situation debate” argue about whether behavior is primarily determined by the individual’s personality traits, or by his/her immediate situation. The very definition of a situation is a "complex issue". One problem concern where to set the boundaries. Among other implications, the debate appears to turn the two major subfields of psychology against each other: personality psychology, which generally emphasizes the influence of the person, and social psychology, which emphasizes the situation. The main idea is that behavior cannot be understood solely through the characteristics of the person, nor solely through the influence of the situation, but through their constant interaction.
ОХРИД И СКОПЈЕ МАКЕДОНСКИ ТУРИСТИЧКИ РИВАЛИ
Туризмот во Охрид и Скопје се практикува еден век. Во трудот се истражуваат Охрид и Скопје два македонски града кои туристички се најразвиени. Главна цел е компаративна анализа на туризмот во двете најпосетени македонски туристички дестинации. Целта е согледување на туристичките сличности, разлики и потенцијали. Во анализите сублимирано изнесени се повеќе карактеристики на туризмот во Охрид и Скопје. Прв сегмент во анализата е појавата на туризмот низ периоди. Втор сегмет се главните туристички мотивски фактори: атрактивни (природни и антропогени), рецептивни (сместувачки и угостителски капацитети) и комуникативни (сообраќајни и други објекти). Трет сегмент е анализа на туристичките движења: број на туристи, ноќевања и просечен престој. На крајот се презентирани заклучни согледувања и препораки за туризмот во Охрди и Скопје. Текстуалниот дел е поткрепен со неколку табели и графикони. Ракописот е концепиран врз основа на литература и статистички податоци.
УЛОГАТА НА МЕНАЏМЕНТОТ НА ЧОВЕЧКИТЕ РЕСУРСИ ВО ОБЕЗБЕДУВАЊЕ КВАЛИТЕТНА РАБОТНА СИЛА ВО УГОСТИТЕЛСТВОТО
Успехот во работењето на угостителските објекти зависи од квалитетот на угостителските работници и од квалитетното извршување на работните задачи. Најдобар начин за обезбедување на квалитетни услуги од страна на вработените е вистински луѓе да бидат распоредени на соодветни работни места. Вработените го претставуваат угостителскиот објект. За правилен избор и распоредување на вработени е задолжен менаџментот на човечките ресурси. Целта на менаџментот на човечките ресурси е обезбедување на работна сила, која е неопходна на угостителскиот објект. Во овој контекст, најголем предизвик на менаџерот за човечки ресурси претставува да пронајде квалитетни работници се со цел да се пополнат слободните работни места. Вообичаениот процес на вработување опфаќа неколку фази: регрутирање, проверка, тестирање, интервјуирање, проверување на препораките, донесување на одлука, ориентација и распоредување. Анализата на работните места е важен аспект од процесот на планирање на човечките ресурси. Тоа подразбира дефинирање на работата во однос на специфичните задачи и одговорности и идентификување на способностите, вештините и квалификациите потребни за успешно извршување на работата.
продуктивни, безбедни услуги, правила, ефикасни услуги
Copyright (c) 2026 Julijana Sazdova, Goran Antonievski
THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND SOCIAL MEDIA ON MOTIVATING YOUNG PEOPLE TO EXPLORE DOMESTIC TOURIST DESTINATIONS
This paper explores the impact of digital transformation and social media, with a particular focus on TikTok and Instagram, on the creation of tourism demand among Generation Z, in North Macedonia. The study analyzes the shift from mass to alternative and rural tourism, while determining the role of short video formats and user-generated content (UGC) in motivating young people to explore domestic touristic destinations. For the purposes of the paper, an online survey was conducted on respondents aged from 18 to 26. The results indicate that visual content, especially short videos, has a dominant influence on travel decisions, while text sources have a significantly smaller role. In addition, the strong influence of digital recommendations and the FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) effect among young people is confirmed. We can conclude that the tourism sector needs to adapt its marketing strategies towards visual and authentic digital content to harness the potential for the development of domestic tourism.
Generation Z, digital transformation, tourism demand, touristic destination
Copyright (c) 2026 Tanja Angelkova Petkova
ФИНАНСИСКИОТ МЕНАЏМЕНТ И ПРИМЕНА НА СООДВЕТНИ ПРОЦЕДУРИ НА ЗА СЛЕДЕЊЕ И КОНТРОЛИРАЊЕ НА ИМПЛЕМЕНТАЦИЈАТА НА АКТИВНОСТИТЕ КОИ ПРОИЗЛЕГУВААТ ОД ФИНАНСИСКИТЕ ОДЛУКИ ВО ТУРИСТИЧКИТЕ ПРЕТПРИЈАТИЈА
Во претпријатијата во областа на туризмот во Република Македонија постојат разлики во однос на тоа дали се применети соодветни процедури за следење и контрола на имплементацијата на активностите што произлегуваат од финансиските одлуки. Присуството на финансискиот менаџмент може да варира во зависност од големината на претпријатието, неговата организациска структура, функцијата што ја извршуваат, нивото на образование на вработените, како и нивното работно искуство.
DTC-SBTC MODEL: OPTIMAL POLICIES, WAGE PREMIUM AND CREDIT RATIONING
In this paper: Financial frictions distort the direction of technical change, credit rationing plus wage premium jointly determines direction of innovation, credit policy is more powerful than subsidies alone. In skill premium vs skill ratio analysis there are multiple equilibria and the dominant stand here is that: Non-monotonic skill demand generates multiple steady states. Multiple equilibria with wage premium and financial frictions there are indeed multiple equilibria but not all of them are stable. And in the skill premium vs skill ratio analysis there are more stable equilibria. Ramsey-Mirrlees-Pigou in DTC-SBTC model analysis showed that taxes (environmental and income) are decreasing skill premium while clean subsidies are increasing inequality. Effect of carbon taxes is ambiguous and optimal subsidy: higher carbon tax lowers optimal clean subsidy, higher financial frictions or worse credit conditions, lower optimal clean subsidy, effects of social preferences are ambiguous. If clean sector creates more jobs government may increase subsidies, if subsidies may benefit skilled workers or capital owners, government may reduce subsidies to limit inequality. Policy tools interact, taxes substitute subsidies, credit frictions weaken them, and inequality reshapes them​.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dushko Josheski, Natasha Miteva, Tatjana Boshkov
STANDARDIZATION AS A FRAMEWORK FOR MODERN RESTAURANT PROCESS OPTIMIZATION
The present study examines standardization as a framework through which restaurant operations achieve consistency, control, and progressive optimization within the contemporary hospitality environment. Restaurant systems function across interconnected phases encompassing procurement, storage, preparation, thermal treatment, and service delivery, each requiring codified procedures capable of preserving operational stability and reducing variability. The investigation employs a qualitative orientation grounded in descriptive, deductive, and comparative analysis, supported by secondary data drawn from peer-reviewed scholarly sources and institutional publications obtained through recognized academic databases. The analytical examination reveals that codified procedures convert fragmented routines into coordinated arrangements where every phase contributes to predictable outcomes. Hazard-control logic embedded within structured workflows transforms food safety governance into a productive force that reinforces operational efficiency. The findings further confirm that internationally recognized schemes such as ISO 9001, ISO 14000, and ISO 22000 furnish restaurants with the structural foundation for quality, environmental, and food safety governance, generating measurable improvements in transparency, accountability, and procedural consistency. The study concludes that procedural optimization arises from systemic alignment among operational routines, control mechanisms, and managerial oversight rather than from isolated interventions. Standardization thereby emerges as a constructive foundation upon which modern restaurant operations can sustain reliability and competitiveness within an increasingly complex hospitality landscape.
Copyright (c) 2026 Antonio Danev, Dushica Popova
POLICIES FOR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF BUSINESS PROCESSES IN DISTRIBUTION SECTOR
Globalization and the intensive exchange of goods and services increase the need for efficient management of business processes in the distribution sector. In this context, digital transformation represents a key factor for improving the efficiency, flexibility, and competitiveness of companies. Warehouse systems are of particular importance, as part of the distribution sector, providing a link between production and final distribution. This paper analyzes policies for the digital transformation of business processes in distribution sector, with a focus on the digitalization and automation of warehouse operations. The research examines the application of automated systems, warehouse management software, systems for tracking inventory and goods flows, as well as the role of artificial intelligence in optimizing logistics processes. Additionally, the importance of third-party logistics is analyzed as a means of reducing costs and operational complexity. The subject of this research focuses on identifying the benefits of effective monitoring of distribution sector elements through digital systems that provide accurate and real-time information on business processes. The results indicate that the implementation of appropriate digital transformation policies contributes to increased efficiency in data processing, better control and accuracy of inventory data, and optimal use of resources. Automation increases productivity and improves space organization, while artificial intelligence enables more accurate demand forecasting and supports decision-making. Therefore, the conclusion of the paper will provide recommendations for improving processes and introducing digitalized operations.
Copyright (c) 2026 Marija Magdincheva-Shopova, Aneta Stojanovska-Stefanova
FROM CLASSICAL TQM TO DIGITAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT:THE IMPACT OF AUTOMATION AND INDUSTRY 4.0 TECHNOLOGIES ON QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN MACEDONIAN COMPANIES
The purpose of this paper is to examine the transformation of Total Quality Management (TQM) practices under conditions of digitalization, automation, and Industry 4.0, with a specific focus on their impact on organizational quality performance, operational efficiency, and competitiveness in Macedonian companies. The study employs a mixed-methods research design, integrating quantitative survey research, structured interviews with managers and quality professionals, and an empirical analysis of key performance indicators (KPIs), including quality level, defect rate, process efficiency, and operational performance. The sample includes companies with different levels of digital maturity, enabling a comparative assessment of traditional and digitally enhanced TQM practices within a dynamic business environment. The findings indicate that digitalization significantly improves the effectiveness of TQM by enabling real-time data collection, enhanced process monitoring, predictive quality control, and data-driven decision-making. Companies with higher levels of digital maturity demonstrate superior quality outcomes, reduced defect rates, and improved operational efficiency. However, the results also identify key challenges in the digital transformation of TQM, including organizational resistance to change, insufficient employee digital skills, and partial or fragmented integration of advanced technologies into existing quality management systems. The research is limited by its focus on a single national context and a relatively constrained sample size, which may limit the generalizability of the results. Future research could extend the analysis to other countries, industries, or longitudinal datasets to further explore the long-term effects of digital TQM transformation. The study offers practical insights for managers and decision-makers on how to modernize TQM through digital technologies, supporting continuous improvement, more efficient resource utilization, and sustainable quality performance. Digitally enabled TQM contributes to sustainable business practices, improved working conditions, enhanced employee involvement, and greater stakeholder satisfaction. This paper provides original empirical evidence on the integration of TQM and digitalization in a developing economy, emphasizing the role of digital maturity and KPI-based evaluation in achieving sustainable quality and competitive advantage.
Total Quality Management (TQM); digitalization; Industry 4.0; key performance indicators (KPIs); operational efficiency; competitiveness.
МАРКЕТИНГОТ КАКО ФАКТОР ЗА РАЗВОЈ НА РУРАЛНИОТ ТУРИЗАМ
Маркетингот во руралниот туризам претставува стратегиски процес на планирање, промоција и продажба на туристички услуги во рурални средини, со цел развој на локалните заедници и поттикнување одржлив економски раст. Руралниот туризам се заснова на искористување на природните, културните и традиционалните ресурси, кои претставуваат клучна конкурентска предност во однос на урбаните туристички дестинации. Со примена на современи маркетинг-инструменти и јасно дефинирани стратегии, руралните средини можат да создадат препознатлив имиџ, да привлечат различни сегменти туристи и да го зголемат обемот на туристичката понуда. Во рамките на стратегиите на рурален маркетинг се опфатени елементите на туристичката понуда, промотивните активности, истражувањето на пазарот и воспоставувањето комуникација со потенцијални посетители. Дополнително, развојот на дигиталниот маркетинг, социјалните мрежи и специјализираните платформи за сместување и резервација овозможуваат поголема достапност и конкурентност на руралните центри. Со правилно управување, маркетингот во руралниот туризам создава долгорочна вредност, ги поттикнува инвестициите и придонесува за заживување на локалната економија, зачувување на природните ресурси и промовирање на традиционалниот начин на живот.
Copyright (c) 2026 Vladimir Kitanov https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTERREGIONAL COOPERATION AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BETWEEN BULGARIA AND NORTH MACEDONIA
This article is devoted to the opportunities for the development of cross-border cooperation between Bulgaria and North Macedonia from the point of view of the opportunities for better connectivity, development of joint business and formation of common regional economic zones for investments and spatial development of high technologies. In the introductory part, the author presents the state of the border regions of the two countries and the need for their connectivity, as well as the presence of new checkpoints and infrastructure corridors that would support economic interaction. The presentation attempts to outline in practice the process and the need for building an infrastructure network of connections between the settlements on both sides of the border. The demographic potential, the development of the regional economy and the opportunities for innovative enterprises on both sides of the border, as well as the opportunities for tourism, are examined. Corresponding proposals and a framework of opportunities for cooperation and management of the territory on both sides of the countries are made.
Copyright (c) 2025 Challenges of Tourism and Business Logistics in the 21st Century
The number of culinary festivals in individual villages in the region is growing. They promote the culinary traditions of a given settlement, which also contributes to the development of local tourism. In the region, this type of event is held either once or periodically. Culinary festivals are places where traditional dishes are accompanied by music and are performed by local people. The goal is to transfer knowledge from the past to the present and future, and to preserve the traditional taste of food. Each season has its own food and each region its own specificity, which makes it different. Food always leaves unforgettable impressions.
PROVADIA: NEW HORIZONS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ALTERNATIVE TOURISM
Provadia is a city with a rich historical heritage. It is located in Northeastern Bulgaria, about 50 km from the seaside capital of Bulgaria - Varna. Its favorable geographical location, natural features and cultural and historical landmarks provide opportunities for the development of various types of tourism. In the context of the contemporary challenges facing the tourism sector, the city has the potential to establish itself as an attractive destination for cultural, balneological, ecotourism and alternative forms of tourism activity. The key factors for the development of tourism in Provadia, the potential challenges and the prospects for sustainable management of tourism resources are examined. The purpose of this article is to present and promote the opportunities for tourism, attract visitors in order to seek opportunities for the use and development of the tourism resources of the city of Provadia. This article aims to analyze the opportunities for tourism development in Provadia, identify key challenges, and propose strategies for increasing the attractiveness of the city as a tourist destination.
ASSESSMENT OF RESOURCES FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN DULOVO MUNICIPALITY
The approach of developing a tourism strategy for the Municipality of Dulovo involves reaching a consensus among the main stakeholders on its future development, which is a result of efforts of the whole community. It thus becomes a document of partnership, which is a prerequisite for its implementation. To this end, an assessment of the resources available, especially for tourism development is carried out during its development. Based on a systematic and comprehensive analysis of the main resources in the territory, a synthesised profile of the state of the municipality in terms of the main components of development is drawn up. In developing the profile, a comparative approach has been used to illustrate the municipality's place in the Silistra region, as well as a territorial approach, which enables the directions in achieving territorial balance to be outlined.
Considering tourism as an open communication system is justified and necessary in the conditions of revolutionary transformations in processes, products, relationships, technologies and strategies. The Tourism system acts as an open and complex structure, consisting of many and functionally dissimilar subsystems. These are independent, relatively separate parts with their own structures, their own mission and field of activity. However, the building blocks of this system cannot be considered as autonomous, internally homogeneous parts, united around a single goal. They are opposing subsystems with deeply different interests, often leading to conflicts in terms of goals. Nevertheless, the foundations of the Tourism system are the unity that represents and objectifies it through a fundamental social law - the law of synergy, requiring integration of efforts and one-sidedness of actions (with a direct impact on the final result). The application of this law is possible only through communication. To achieve the effect of synergy in a communication system, it is necessary to direct, distribute and coordinate (unite) the energy, actions and behavior of people in its constituent units. Since all subsystems are interconnected and dependent on each other, the malfunctioning of even the smallest component in any of them can affect the system as a whole. Therefore, the communication performance of each of its units, of each collaborator, is important for the overall success of the organic whole.
ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIS OF THE TOURISM POTENTIAL OF THE BULGARIAN DANUBE MUNICIPALITIES IN THE NORTH-WEST PLANNING REGION
Tourism aims to satisfy certain social, cultural, spiritual, aesthetic, medical, etc. needs. This implies the idea of a conscious choice of tourist routes, of the period and duration of stay of each individual tourist. The aim of this paper is to evaluate and analyze the tourism potential of 13 Danube municipalities located in the North-West planning region of Bulgaria. A tourism portrait of the municipalities of Bregovo, Novo Selo, Vidin, Dimovo, Lom, Valchedrum, Kozloduy, Mizia, Oryahovo, Dolna Mitropolia, Gulyantsi, Nikopol and Belene has been developed, which consistently includes an assessment of the tourist geographic situation, natural and anthropogenic tourism resources, tourism infrastructure, types of tourism offered in the municipality, priorities and guidelines for tourism development. From the point of view of the Bulgarian Danube municipalities, a state strategy is needed that offers the possibility to develop the districts in the north-western planning region by diversifying socio-economic functions, developing the local network, diversifying the tourist offer, developing transport networks. Only then, the region along the river. Danube region will become competitive, attractive, limiting the migration of labour both to other regions of the country and to other countries.
COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF FLOODS IN THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA FOR THE PERIOD 2010-2020
The study presents a classification of floods in the Republic of Bulgaria by various characteristics, analyzing the causes of the floods and their consequences. The main floods studied were those that occurred during the period 2010-2020. Special attention is paid to the strategy for prevention and management of flood risk and interaction between the various executive authorities, as well as the procedure for timely notification of the population in the event of a flood. The implementation of the flood risk management plans for the periods 2017-2021 and 2022-2027 is analyzed, with special attention being paid to specific priority activities. The final part formulates conclusions and recommendations relating to the occurrence, prevention and management options for flood risk in the Republic of Bulgaria.
ФУНКЦОНАЛНАТА ПОДГОТВЕНОСТ НА КУЛТУРНОТО НАСЛЕДСТВО ЗА ТУРИСТЧКА ПРЕЗЕНТАЦИЈА
Македонскиот модел на заштитата на културното наследство изминативе 21 година се заснова на првиот македонски Закон за заштита на културното наследство, со што се создаде автохтон модел на дејствување во преметната област. Oвој правен акт со статус lex generalis понуди квалитативен пристап кон културното наследство во однос на терминолошкото дефнирање на поимите со кои се оперира. Па така, се напушти терминот споменик на културата, што подразбира исклучиво материја, а се воведе терминот културно наследство, создавајќи можност за системно вклучување и на нематеријалните добра. Со ова, колективната меморија како цивилизациската продобивка од претходните генерации доби статус на организирано внимание од државата. Исто така, формирана е и Управата за заштита на културното наследство, орган во состав на Министерството за култура (сега и туризам) за извршување на управно-правните работи, т.е. јавните функции, со што требаше да се што овозможи единствен пристап при спроведување на законските норми на целата територија државата. Но овој модел на институционално дејствување констатира низа слабости, односно непотребни, а во многу случаи и редундандни административни постапки во делот на облигаторната комуникација на релација Министерство за култура и туризам - Управа за заштита на културното наследство - национални и локални установи, како и со имателите на поединечни недвижни културни добра. Практичината примена на овој модел покажа и апсурдни бирократски чекори кои само ја оптоваруваат самата суштина на заштитата на културното наследство, а тоа е зачувување, претставување и пренесување на идните генерации, а со тоа и самата туристичка презентација, толку многу потребна во додадената вредност на Министерството за култура.