Macedonia's capital, Skopje, for the first time has surpassed the number of tourists visiting Ohrid, by 55%, according to the State Statistics Office.
The new architecture (bridges, museums, fountains, monuments, sports arenas...) being built around the city has brought in tourists not just from the region, but from allover the world.
Skopje hoteliers have registered 33% increase in bookings by foreigners.
Needless to say, Macedonia's basketball team further put the country on the world map.
Neighbors take notice
Belgrade based newsportal B92 reported the Serbian Government is seriously considering copying some of Skopje's projects, in particularly the "Porta Makedonija".
Zagreb's mayor has visited Skopje and asked whether he could obtain the services of the firm and architects who designed the new Macedonian museum for a similar project in Zagreb.
