North Macedonia sees rising Turkish tourism amid expatriate challenges

North Macedonia is seeing a rise in interest from Turkish tourists, driven by cultural proximity, historical Ottoman heritage, and ease of travel. North Macedonian Minister of Culture and Tourism Sedat Süleymani noted that locations like Skopje and Ohrid are becoming popular destinations. He highlighted that a recent cooperation protocol with TÜRKSOY will further promote the country through joint festivals and cultural events.

However, the trend of Turkish citizens moving to Skopje is facing challenges. While the city was previously a popular destination for relocation due to its proximity to Turkey and lower cost of living, some residents are choosing to return to Turkey. Key obstacles include difficulties in obtaining permanent residency and citizenship, as well as a limited job market and smaller consumer base compared to major Turkish cities.