Tourism-Induced Transformations of Cities: Insights from the Old Bazaar in Skopje, North Macedonia

Abstract

The Old Bazaar in Skopje, North Macedonia, stands as a prominent city landmark, attracting numerous tourists and visitors. Beyond its role as a tourist attraction, it is recognized as a cultural heritage site of significant importance for the country and warrants permanent protection. Given its substantial daily tourism flow, the Old Bazaar serves as a compelling case for in-depth analysis. This paper delves into the transformation of the Old Bazaar resulting from tourism development by interpreting the perceptions of local supply-enablers. Through a series of interviews, data were collected and evaluated using a scale that facilitated the quantification of respondents' perceptions. Additionally, qualitative data was assessed, contributing to the empirical generalization of the findings. The findings underscore a dramatic transformation of the Old Bazaar over the years, primarily attributed to the rapid growth of tourism and extensive commercialization. A singular focus on the economic aspect of the Bazaar's functioning jeopardizes its cultural values. Consequently, the study advocates for the formulation of strategies to sustain tourism while preserving the authentic essence of the Old Bazaar.