The inaugural 2016 AdventureNEXT Balkans conference will be held at the Inex Gorica Hotel in Ohrid, Macedonia.

Ohrid is a city in the south-western part of the Republic of Macedonia onto the north-eastern shore of Lake Ohrid. Unique in many ways, the city and the lake are one of only 28 sites that are part of UNESCO’s World Heritage that are both Cultural and Natural sites. The lake itself is among the oldest and deepest in Europe. Although it is one of the oldest settlements in Macedonia, whose origin dates back to the antique period, the city is modern and developed and is the among the most famous destinations in Macedonia.

Most international travelers will fly into Skopje International Airport (SKP), a three-hour drive from Ohrid.

In addition, there is the smaller local Ohrid Airport, which is roughly 10 km (6 miles) to Inex Gorica, the AdventureNEXT venue. Taxis are available for approximately $15 USD.

Reservations for complimentary transfers have now closed. If you were not able to complete your airport transfer request, please make one of the following arrangements for transfers to and from Ohrid.

1. Shuttle to Skopje + Bus To Ohrid

The airport has a regular shuttle service to Skopje center, time along with flights. Passengers can ask for the schedule at the information desk at the airport. The ticket costs about 3 euros. Access shuttle service.

After arriving in Skopje center, passengers can get to the bus station and board one of the available buses to Ohrid. The shuttle driver can share the information about a possible stop near the bus station. Buses to Ohrid operate all week. One way tickets cost from 7.5 to 8.5 euros.

Access bus website (in Macedonian; Google Translate required).

2. Taxi from the airport to Ohrid

There are available taxis at the airport that can take passengers directly to Ohrid. Prices vary and can be negotiated with drivers but before doing this, get information from the desk about the usual fare.

3. Car Rentals

A number of car rental companies operate at the airport. Read more.

The Agency for Promotion and Support of Tourism in Macedonia has secured several accommodation options in Ohrid, all within a 15 – 20 minute walk of the AdventureNEXT conference venue, Inex Gorica, at a discounted rate for AdventureNEXT delegates. Breakfast is included at each of the hotels. Please call or email the hotel to book your accommodations and mention AdventureNEXT Balkans to receive the discount. Please note, the hotels have blocked the rooms, so you cannot book online – you can only book by emailing or calling the hotel directly and mentioning AdventureNEXT Balkans. If you have accommodation questions, please contact us. The hosted international tour operators and journalists will be accommodated in the locally owned villas and hotels in Ohrid; ATTA team will be contacting each hosted delegate in March to proceed with their accommodation booking.

Booking Adventures

The Balkans are offering some incredible adventures around this inaugural regional conference for adventure travel.

Pre-Adventures: All AdventureNEXT delegates and guests are invited to enjoy one of the Pre Adventures for a nominal fee. Buyers, Travel Advisors and Media only are eligible for the limited amount of hosted spots.

Day of Adventure: All registered delegates are invited to participate on the Day of Adventure, Tuesday, May 10, free of charge. DOA booking portal will be available about 45 days prior to AdventureNEXT Balkans.

Post-Adventures: All AdventureNEXT delegates and guests are invited to enjoy one of the Post Adventures for a nominal fee. Buyers, Travel Advisors and Media only are eligible for the limited amount of hosted spots.

View AdventureNEXT Adventures

The month of May is characterized by rising daily high temperatures, with daily highs increasing from 18°C (65°F) to 22°C (72°F) over the course of the month, rarely exceeding 26°C (79°F) or dropping below 14°C (57°F).

Daily low temperatures range from 7°C (44°F) to 10°C (55°F), only occasionally falling below 4°C (39°F) or exceeding 13°C (54°F).

ATTIRE
As with all ATTA events, the attire for AdventureNEXT Balkans is ‘Adventure Casual’. Adventure Casual means jeans or pants with a shirt or fleece. On occasion you may see a sport jacket or very casual dress. An additional layer is recommended for possible cooler evenings as well as rain gear for possible rainy days.

CONNECTIVITY
All hotels offer wireless internet connectivity. There will be free WiFi internet access during AdventureNEXT at Inex Gorica.

ELECTRICITY
Electricity in Macedonia is 220 Volts – two round pin plugs are used.

If your device plug has a different shape, you will need to bring a plug adapter. If your device does not accept 220 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter.

Entry Visa Requirements
Nationals from neighboring countries to Macedonia, the EU, the US, Australia, Iceland, Israel, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland and others do not need visas at present for stays less than 90 days within a six-month period. Nationals of Japan, Montenegro and Turkey can enter visa-free for up to 60 days in a six-month period. For current information on which nationals do require visas, visit here.

Entry Requirements for Schengen Visa Holders
EU member countries and signatories of the Schengen Agreement can enter Macedonia with a valid ID card. Visitors from non-EU / Schengen countries with a permanent stay in an EU member country or signatory country of the Schengen Agreement can stay in Macedonia for up to fifteen days upon every entry, and no longer than three months within a six-month period. For up-do-date information on requirements for Schengen Visa holders, visit here.

Types of Macedonian Entry Visas
Macedonia offers short-stay visas (up to 90 days) and long-stay visas. Requirements and instructions on how to obtain these visas.

Macedonian Embassies Abroad and Foreign Embassies in Macedonia
View Macedonian embassies abroad. Most neighboring countries, China, EU countries, Japan, Russian Federation, Turkey, US, and others are also represented by embassies and consulates in Skopje.

Passport Requirements
All travelers will need a passport that is valid for at least 90 days following your scheduled departure date from Macedonia, and at least two blank visa pages.

Macedonian Currency
The Macedonian denar is the currency of Macedonia. The currency code for denars is MKD and the currency symbol is ден. Denars come in 10-, 50-, 100-, 500-, 1000- and 5000-denar notes, and coins of one, two, five, 10 and 50 denars.

Exchange Rates
The denar has a fixed rate of exchange with the Euro at 1 Euro = 61.5 denars. View currency exchange rates.

Money Issues
Denars are the preferred — and often only accepted — currency, but for larger purchases (hotels, long taxi rides, etc), Euros are generally accepted. ATMs are common throughout the country and exchange offices in Macedonia work commission-free. Major credit cards are commonly accepted in bigger cities and towns throughout Macedonia, but always bring cash for rural villages and smaller towns.

Be sure to visit an exchange office to change any extra denars back to your preferred currency before leaving Macedonia.

Macedonian Tax Information
Macedonia has a general Value Added Tax (VAT) rate of 18% and a preferred rate of 5% on food. VAT is included in the marked price of items.

Accommodations are also required to charge travelers a tourist tax at the rate of 40MKD per person, per night. This amount is typically included in the advertised rates for accommodation.