The town of Kresna is situated at the southern end of the gorge. The main means of living for the population in the region is agriculture and cattle breeding. The limited arable land is situated mostly in the valley of the Struma River and its tributaries. Local agriculture consists mainly of vineyards from which several famous brands of wine are produced - Keracuda and Melnishko.
The Kresna Gorge and its surroundings have great potential for the development of village and eco-tourism. The villages in the region have maintained the traditional local architecture and means of living. In the nearby village of Vlahi, locals still breed the disappearing Karakachan dogs, horses and sheep for which the area is known and there are ongoing efforts to turn it into an eco-village.

Tourist routes for entering Pirin National Park start from the town of Kresna and the villages of Senokos, Oshtava and Vlahi. There are numerous mineral springs in the region with healing qualities, but only Gradeshkite Mineral Baths are popular among tourists. The Struma River, flowing through the Kresna Gorge, is the best place in Bulgaria for extreme water sports (such as rafting).

The motorway will pass 30 metres from the school and the outlying homes of Kresna. The construction will undercut and probably ruin the large Melo Sand Hill, which is one of the landmarks of the town. A large portion of the fertile arable land currently used for agriculture in the region of the Struma River will be converted into asphalt. Small family-run businesses along the current road will disappear. No longer will the rapids of the Struma River be suitable for river sports. This section of the river is one of the most visited by rafters and kayakers of all skill levels.