Small fish farms - factor for rural tourism development in the Republic of Macedonia with a focus on the Ohrid region

Purpose – The aim of the paper is to investigate and demonstrate the importance of the development of rural tourism, the development of cultivating, reproduction and nutrition of the fish in small fish farms (aquaculture) in Macedonia, as a new segment in the tourist offer that promotes it. The case study looks at the private fish farm ,,Paradise Valley", located in foothills of Mount Galicica in the locality Rashanec in Openica village, municipality of Ohrid, Macedonia. Methodology – In the research following methods are applied: surveys, interviews, comparative method, qualitative method, quantitative method, statistical method, method of observation, SWOT analysis as an auxiliary method. Findings – results show that the set target of labor is justified. By analyzing of results of the survey concludes that there is a connection between the development of rural tourism and other factors involved in that (contact with travel agencies, contact with educators on rural tourism as well as correlation with IPARD funds). Contribution – The paper has contributed on theoretical and practical aspects. New in the paper is that it is proven that fish farm "Paradise Valley" as a small fish farm, is a successful example of the development of fishing and rural tourism. Ohrid trout as a relict and endemic species of fish can be grown in small fish farms like this.