Valorization of the Pelister National Park (Macedonia) for hiking, sport, education and recreational tourism

Pelister National Park is the oldest Park inMacedonia and it's established in 1948. The Park has an abundance of natural and anthropogenic geographical features.Mountaineering, alongside with sports, education and recreational tourism are the leading attractions for the tourists in the Park, which is evident from the system of trails suitable for these activities. The Park has great potential to harmonize the needs of different users. The article is based on empirical research and a review of relevant literature. The empirical research was conducted on a sample of 124 respondentsin order to show the potential for the development of mountain, sport, educational and recreational tourism. The research includes interviews with climbers ? presidents of mountaineering organizations in Bitola and the management team of Pelister. Through the research we value the elements referring to attracting visitors to sports and recreation, as well as the elements of influence and management of natural resources in the PelisterNational Park. The results showed that National Parkis mostly practiced for mountaineering and climbing. From sports activitiesthe ones that dominated are skiing, Nordic running and cycling. Also the Park is a place for education and place with potential of developing health tourism.