Target Communications, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Macedonia, CHERPLAN, South East Europe, and the European Union all collaborated on this project. 

The vision for the future of the Town of Bitola and the area of the Old Bitola Bazaar is designed to promote and highlight the outstanding universal value and extraordinary significance of the Old Bitola Town as a place of national and spiritual identity, the benefit of future generations, and the strategic potential for improving the local community and welfare of all its citizens.

The plan consists of background research, management and implementation, and monitoring of the implementation of the plan, which is intended to nurture significant difference to urban sustainability. The plan is being implemented by the Ministry of Culture under the project “Strengthening Cultural Heritage Through Environmental Planning and Management CHERPLAN”, supported by UNESCO and financed by IPA funds of the European Union. By using data collected rom applicable policy documents, analysis, reports, and numerous bibliographic units, the Strategic Management Plan for Environmental Protection (SMPEP) aims to restore the Old Bazaar to its former glory, once again promoting its value as a tourist attraction and pillar of the local cultural heritage. 

Analysis shows that the Bazaar stretches over an area of nearly 12 hectares, contains 731 stores and 30 streets. However, the region lacks diversity and exclusivity when it comes to crafts and culture, evidenced by the fact that nearly 90% of ventures are trade, catering or housing oriented. Approximately 4% of the stores are out of function. 

Another issue that the Plan focuses on is the worsening outlook in terms of tourism and visits, mainly manifested through the lack of parking areas, non-compliance with established traffic regime, and uncontrolled reconstruction of objects. However, by implementing the SMPEP, Bitola and the Old Bazaar can return to restoring the old and traditional facades, revive the original crafts of the city, and seize the opportunity of becoming a part of the UNESCO list. Following through on goals such as raising awareness of younger generations will also be crucial. 

Target Communications is fully engaged in not only the preservation, but also the development of the Macedonian culture and tradition. We understand that projects related to this require extensive work and adequate funding, which is why proper planning and strategic management are essential components. Lastly, consulting with relevant organizations, institutions and companies that show interest in restoring, maintaining and advancing the Macedonian cause has been a recurring and important part of our body of work, and we plan on continuing down the same path with the same level of dedication and focus.