,,Iron Curtain trail “(iron Curtain Trail – ICT ) linking more nationals and cross-border protected areas trought the during eks Iron trail – linking trouht many conties, including and 14 EU members. Trail including monuments, museums other building ho testify for history of dividet Europe. Part of,,Iron Curtain trail “ crossing trought the territory of Macedonia. Enters trought border crossing in Delcevo and crossing in lowland to Pehcevo and Berovo. Rout linking trought fields, meadoms and going in municipality of Stumica, and for end trought Bosilovo goes in Municipality Novo Selo going out of Macedonia on the same name crossing border.

On 09.04.2010 in Meadom Home ,,ASNOM”, municipality of Delcevo it was International Symposium ,, iron Curtain Trail” – developing the potentionals for alternative tourism in Macedonia. This event was organized from Centre for develompend of East planning  region and Centre for developmend of Souteast planning region, cooperation with German tehnical coopereat for regional economic develop( GTZ RED ) and German embassy in Macedonia.On the symposium was 160 participants, concerdet parties mainly members in ministries, municipality, develop oraniezations, turiest associations ang agencies, gurnalists, members og bicycle associations and organizations and others. With purpose for promouting iron Curtain Trail in Macedonia, event continue next day( 10.04.2010 ) with promoting bycicle tour from Berovo to Kolesino.

Mr. Michael Cramer, member of the European Parliament, Brussels, Member of the Committee for transport and tourism (TRAN), and “father” of the Iron Curtain Trail (ICT)

The form of interaction and work process during the conference will require the active participation and contribution of all participants. Through integration and sharing of experience the conference aims at identifying and developing ways for territory-based and regional cooperation and exchange. Apart from joint presentations by experts, there will also be an interactive panel discussion in various thematic areas.

 The following symposium objectives were identified:

   All stakeholders on local, regional and national level from the Macedonia-Bulgaria border region along the Iron Curtain Trail are brought together

   The potential for alternative tourism in Macedonia - Bulgaria border regions are introduced

   Tourism Policy and its impacts on the cross border development and overall economy are discussed

   Ways to actively implement the Iron Curtain Trail into national and local tourism policies: strategies, partners, projects for cross border regional development are clarified

   The interests of the two regions for active participation in ICT development are expressed

The following recommendations and benefits can be drawn from the event:

-     The Iron Curtain Trail through the eastern border of Macedonia is still a recommended draft. It can be expanded and altered to fully accommodate the needs of the cycling tourists from Europe. This must include, among other, adequate and appropriate infrastructure such as bicycle friendly routes and trails, bicycle rent and repair shops along the trail, accommodation and restaurant facilities etc.

-     European cycling tourists are a strong tourist potential. In Germany, for instance, over 2 million citizens undertake longer bicycle travels per year

-     Alternative tourism remains to be one of the most important tourism branches in this part of Macedonia and all involved stakeholders must work jointly to further develop and expand its potentials,

-     The historical and cultural aspects of the ICT must be put in a story package and must be used to further promote the trail through Macedonia

-     It is necessary and very important to promote sound bicycle culture in Macedonia and promote it with such or similar events,

-     The Macedonia’s ministry of economy announced that it will mark the Iron Curtain trail with adequate signs for international users,

-     Bicycle tourism in the last 20 years in Europe is expanding rapidly (over 20% annual growth rate)

-     Bicycle tourists spend more money per day than tourists who travel by car. This provides a huge potential for further development.

-     It is highly recommended to put the Macedonian section of the ICT part on a separate map, which shall include a variety of tourist information,

-     Mutual cross-border projects are supported by the European commission. To this end, the expansion of the ICT can be a good opportunity to apply for funding of international projects. Opening of new border crossings for cyclists and pedestrians at Delcevo, Berovo and Strumica region can be taken into consideration. According to the explanations of Mr. Cramer, the European parliament is prepared to co- finance such projects, 

-     The members of the east and the south-east region of Macedonia and the members of the Blagoevgrad region on the Bulgarian side have signed a memorandum of understanding and cooperation for joint development of the ICT route along the border of both countries,

-     By establishing personal contacts, cyclists can familiarize with the culture and traditions of the local population,

-     The future construction and reconstruction of the local and regional roads must consider the needs of cyclists and cycling tourists

The entire income from cycling tourists remains for the local communities which revitalises the rural areas and offers choices for development of alternative tourism.