Agrotourism "Gjepali" in Shijak, Durres, Albania

    Cooperation in action Albania: Sustainable rural development

    Sandy beaches in the north, rocky shores in the south, mountain areas with traditional villages – with its varied natural and cultivated landscapes, its (agro-)biodiversity, its archaeological and historical sites and its direct links with Europe, Albania has vast potential for the development of environmentally friendly rural tourism.

    The Sustainable Rural Development project works with businesses and the Albanian government to increase competitiveness and incomes in rural areas. The project is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.


    Kayaking at the South Outdoor Festival 2021 in the coastal area of Jale, in the municipality of Himara, Albania
    Kayaking at the South Outdoor Festival 2021 in the coastal area of Jale, in the municipality of Himara, Albania — © GIZ/Armand Habazaj --pageNumber-- of --total--
    Lavender field in Koplik, Shkoder, Albania
    Lavender field in Koplik, Shkoder, Albania — © Claudia Imami --pageNumber-- of --total--
    Traditional southern Albanian dance at the apple festival in Korçë, Albania
    Traditional southern Albanian dance at the apple festival in Korçë, Albania — © GIZ/Enis Abdullahu --pageNumber-- of --total--

    Using biodiversity for income generation

    In order to encourage tourism in rural areas, the project supports outdoor tourism, agro-tourism and tourism focusing on the country's cultural heritage.

    Efforts are also being undertaken to give a stronger role to innovation and knowledge in the tourism industry in rural areas. This requires capacity improvement at government and private institutions – a factor that is also needed in view of Albania's aspiration to join the EU.

    Videos

    Still from the video on the South Outdoor Festival 2023 in Albania

    Looking back at the 2023 South Outdoor Festival in Albania

    During the South Outdoor Festival in Albania, visitors were able to engage in various sports, for example mountain biking, diving and paragliding. There were also live music events and other cultural programmes.

    Still from a video on the Tirana Climbing Project

    Video: Tirana Climbing Project

    A mere 30 minutes from the centre of Tirana, there are four tourist destinations (Bovilla, Brar, Krrabë and Petrelë) offering over 300 new climbing routes of different grades for various ages.

    Project data

    Envisaged duration: 2023 to 2026

    Financial volume: 11.85 million euros

    As at: 18/07/2024