Dibër: Trails & Tradition

Final Technical Performance Report

March 2020

1. PROJECT SUMMARY

Program Name: Dibër: Trails & Tradition (D2T) Activity Start Date and March 24, 2017 – March 23, 2020 End Date: Name of Implementing Albanian Local Capacity Development Foundation (ALCDF) Partner: Cooperative Agreement Award Number: AID-182-A-17-00002 Geographic Coverage (cities and or countries) Diber Municipality, Albania

Reporting Period: March 28, 2017, to March 27, 2020

2. ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

ALCDF Albanian Local Capacity Development Foundation AOR Agreement Officer Representative BoD Board of Directors B2B Business to Business CNVP Connecting Natural Values and People D2T Diber: Trails and Tradition ERC Environmental Review Checklist FTE Full Time Employee FUA-s Forest Users’ Associations Forum Forumi Dibra Turistike LAG Local Action Group LC Local Coordinator ICT Information Communication Technology MoU Memorandum of Understanding MT Management Team NTFP Non-Timber Forest Products PC Project Coordinator PCV Peace Corps Volunteer PM Project Manager PPP Private Public Partnership R Results SO Strategic Objective TAP Tourism Action Plan TIC Tourism Information Center USAID United States Agency for International Development TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Project Summary 2

2. Acronyms and Abbreviations 2

3. Introduction 4

3.1 Project Management 5 3.1.1 Institutionalization: Project Partners’ cooperation 5 4.1.1 Planning and Management 5 4.1.2 Cooperation, coordination with Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) 6 4.1 3 Communication system 6 4.1.4 Monitoring and Evaluation System 7 3.2 Implementation Plan Details 8 SO1: Enabling Environment 8 SO2: Workforce Capabilities 21 SO3: Integrated Product Development 25 4. Summary of the Key Achievements and Indicator Performance 30

4.1 Key Achievements 30 Key achievements - SO1 Enabling Environment: 30 Key Achievements - SO2 Workforce Capabilities: 32 Key Achievements - SO 3 Integrated Product Development: 32 4.2 Indicator Performance 33 5. Success story 34

5.1 Youth employment through tourism activities 34 5.2 TIC a sustainable set up for tourism development for the region 35 5.3 Harvest Festival Working Group 35 6. Implementation Challenges 36

7. Collaborating, Learning and Adapting 36

8. Looking Ahead 36

3 3. INTRODUCTION

ALCDF is pleased to present the final technical performance report for the USAID-funded reference AID-182-A-17-00002.

This document, Dibër: Trails & Tradition (D2T) project’s final technical performance report for the project period March 24th, 2017 to March 23rd, 2020, presents the activities, achievements, and challenges of the project during the project period.

In March 27, 2017, USAID/Albania awarded Albanian Local Capacity Development Foundation (ALCDF) the Dibër: Trails & Tradition (D2T) Cooperative Agreement, under Tourism APS.

The project area was in the Diber Municipality, located in northeastern Albania. Project duration was 36 months.

The D2T project’s overall goal is twofold, to increase employment, particularly among youth and women; and to increase the incomes of Diber families involved in the tourism supply chain. The project has three strategic objectives under which all its activities are organized.

The objectives are:

SO1: to strengthen the enabling environment for tourism development in the Diber Municipality through improved governance, planning, public services, private sector opportunities and partnerships, marketing and ICT infrastructures. SO2: to increase the workforce capabilities of the rural tourism sector, through increased awareness of integrated, agro-tourism; improved quality and technical skills of producers and suppliers of agritourism products and services; and the creation of an internship program for the future labor pool of youth and volunteers. SO3: to design, develop and promote integrated agritourism products, using data informed tools and participatory approaches to assure ownership and to serve as models for the future. The project partners for implementation of the D2T project are the Municipality of Diber, Connecting Natural Values and People (CNVP), and the Local Action Group (LAG) “Dibra Turistike.” ALCDF has a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with each partner where all duties and responsibilities are defined per each partner’s project activities. As per the contract, ALCDF must submit a quarterly progress report and annual report. This final report covers three annual reports, and it describes the activity progress compared with the work plan. Activity Implementation Progress 3.1 Project Management

3.1.1 Institutionalization: Project Partners’ cooperation

The responsible authorities of ALCDF, CNVP, LAG “Dibra Turistike” and Diber Municipality signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for D2T project. The project partners have held several consultation meetings for clarification of their tasks, responsibilities and duties on project activities and their financial contribution. The MoU was signed in May 2017. Annual meetings for sharing information to partners and stakeholders about project activities progress were organized at the end of each calendar year. Furthermore, the sustainability of the entire project intervention was ensured with the signing of a PPP agreement between Diber Municipality (public) and LAG “Dibra Turistike (private) and have TIC operation and functional in its full capacity and providing touristic services all year.

4.1.1 Planning and Management

The D2T team was focused on a wide range of planning activities for the full three years of the project. Some of the key activities are listed below:

The international expert from Kreider Consulting firm was contracted by the D2T project on development and set up an efficient and effective Project Cycle Management (PCM) system. The D2T project team in close cooperation with external expertise has developed the PCM system with templates, formats, indicators and a reporting system from the beginning of the project, and its improved functionality of project implementations and management.

Formal workshops for the annual work plans were conducted at the beginning of each year with the D2T team, TIC staff, a team from partner organization CNVP, and a PCV. During the workshops the main activities and timeframe were agreed and presented in the respective annual plan documents which were approved by USAID.

Monthly regular meetings with AOR from USAID and the D2T team were conducted during the project period. Progress of project activities and other project management issues were discussed in these meetings.

Regular USAID monitoring field visits (more than nine) were conducted as well. During the visits, the representatives of USAID monitored the progress of activities, the process of refurbishment of the touristic specialty accommodations and investment of touristic rural village models, Tourist Information Center and hiking trails, etc. During these visits, meetings with beneficiaries, partners and stakeholders were organized. The monitoring site visits were concluded with a close out meeting where feedback and recommendations were provided.

Two post-award surveys were held by USAID’s RFMC in order to audit all expenditures and procedures of the D2T project. The post award survey reports were received, and correction actions were taken accordingly.

5 Bimonthly team meetings of the ALCDF team were organized. During these meetings, the D2T team updated ALCDF staff members about their progress on project activities and received feedback.

Additionally, the MT (Management Team) of the D2T project organized monthly budget meetings to discuss the previous months’ expenditures as well as forecasting for the upcoming months.

4.1.2 Cooperation, coordination with Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs)

D2T project built good cooperation with PCV-s in the area. One of the PCVs was closely involved at the TIC office and with D2T project activities. She was part of the D2T team meetings and support and contributed to different project activities, including report/case study/success story writing and marketing/ICT platform content improvement.

The D2T project took the advantage of having the PCV part of the team and her skills and capacities were effectively used during implementation of project activities. She completed her service in June 2019 in Peshkopi and after that a service contract was signed with the RPCV (returned peace corps volunteer) to provide services till the end of the project mainly related to the platform visitdiber.com content improvement. ALCDF and LAG Diber Turistike applied to request another Peace Corps Volunteer. The request was not approved for the round of 2019, but we are still negotiating to have a peace corps volunteer in 2020. This person will be attached to Tourism Information Centre.

4.1 3 Communication system

Launching event

The launching event was organized in Peshkopi at Center for Education and Communication (CEC) conference room on July 17th, 2017. More than 80 participants from the private sector, local government institutions, civil society organizations and local media joined the event. The activity was congratulated from the Deputy Director of USAID’s Technical Support Office for Europe & Eurasia, Robert Camilleri, the Mayor of Diber Muharrem Rama and the Project Manager Lindita Manga. The project values, partners, funds, objectives and activities were presented through this event. The participants discussed and received information also through questions and discussion sessions, and project leaflets and fact sheets. Press releases were shared with media representatives and the information was spread through USAID/Albania’s social media and project partners’ webpages, local newspapers, local media and portals.

A range of D2T communication tools, approaches, and materials were utilized in the different promotion activities of the project.

Internal Communication actions

For internal purposes, the primary communication methods utilized by the D2T consulting groups were e-mails, skype and face-to-face meetings. D2T consultant members included: - Kreider Consulting (KC) – in supporting the project team for the internship program development, touristic product development and marketing and promotion. - Advanced Studies Center (ASC)- in preparing marketing and promotion context for visitdiber.com features. - Destination Management Organization (DMO) – in preparing the Tourism Strategy and Action Plan for Diber Municipality - Connecting Natural Values & People (CNVP) – sub-contracted to deliver the training as defined under the workforce capability, mainly in B2B linkages and training and seminars for agro-producers part of the value chain of tourism. - Iprint – development of web platform visitdiber.com - Two experts (individuals) were contracted to develop the business plans for each of the specialty accommodation supported and provided them with a good plan to successfully run their businesses.

“The above were contracted at various times during the project to meet needs and successful implementation of the D2T project.”

In 2019, after a bidding process Farruku shpk was selected for the refurbishment work in the guest houses and hiking trails, and “Shehi Dede shpk” was contracted for doing the construction work in the rural village models. Monitoring of work was a combination of internal monitoring based on the agreed Environmental Review Checklist (ERC) approved, and externally from licensed supervisors as per the Albanian Legislation requirements.

ALCDF staff collaborated closely with all consultants and shared information, provided feedback and comments on relevant issues, and communicated regularly. All contracts have been regularly monitored for compliance and assuring good and timely deliverables.

Visibility actions

D2T relied on social and local media and ALCDF’s website to communicate for external purposes. All information for D2T projects was announced on the ALCDF website and ALCDF’s Facebook page posted photos and information regarding all D2T activities and events. The “D2T, Facebook page “visitdibra” was very active, frequently posting photos, videos, and information about all D2T project activities, forum member activities as well as promoting tourist destinations and natural resources in Dibër. The D2T project has a close cooperation with local media to promote D2T activities that includes “Dibra Express”, “Ketu Mblidhen Dibranet”, “Tvd News”, and the newspaper of “Rruga e Arberit”.

The basic visibility materials for the D2T project were developed and printed in accordance with USAID’s branding and marking requirements. The visibility products for each activity included posters, banners, placards, files, press releases, fact sheets, and PowerPoint presentations, all in both English and Albanian. They were prepared according to the USAID requirements, and all of them were cleared by the AOR and USAID/Albania Development Outreach and Communication Officer.

4.1.4 Monitoring and Evaluation System

The Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (MEP) was a living document, designed to ensure accountability and learning, and used to facilitate and promote evidence-based decision-making. The design of the MEP is founded upon lessons learned from the M&E system and key recommendations from D2T project management.

7 A monitoring activity system was developed by D2T team and external experts for the PCM. A special document was prepared, and it was modified and updated accordingly with definitions for targeted indicators after the completion of the D2T baseline and needs assessment studies. The findings of this study were distributed through the D2T project activities and partners.

Several formats and team processes were created to improve and systematize the measuring and collection of output data.

Regular USAID monitoring field visits (more than nine) were organized. During the visits, the representatives of USAID monitored the process of refurbishment in the touristic specialty accommodations, touristic village models, Tourist Information Center and trails, etc. They also met and talked with project beneficiaries and partners. The site visits were concluded with close out meetings where feedback was provided, and recommendations were given. ALCDF team implemented follow up action plans in order to reflect all recommendations and make project improvements. An interesting element was sharing in the Forum “Dibra Turistike” of these finding and recommendations and stimulate discussions to improve learning and make strategic decisions for increasing impact of project intervention.

3.2 Implementation Plan Details

The D2T project activity plan was developed per each strategic objective and there are many expected results and activities to produce those results. This report describes base activities and results per each activity within each strategic objective.

SO1: Enabling Environment

SO1. R1. A self-governing cross-sector institution (Forumi Dibra Turistike) was established to effectively plan, learn, coordinate, and promote (and potentially advocate for) tourism in the Dibër Municipality.

R1A1 Public Awareness campaign/meetings.

A public awareness campaign was organized at the beginning of the project, in order to create a common understanding of tourism potentials in the area, project goals, objectives and activities and stimulate commitment and engagement of potential actors with an interest and influence in the tourism development of the area.

There were 19 awareness meetings organized with 215 participants. These included 13 meetings for 15 Administrative Units, (with representatives of village leaders, farmers, public servants, producer groups, Forest Users’ Associations (FUAs) and 6 meetings for thematic groups, such as public institutions, guest house and hotel owners, agro producers and other producers groups, transportation, local guides, civil society, and others.

Key achievement of this activity related with increasing interest of the local actors on tourism development and awareness activities. The participants were all local actors and stakeholders of tourism product chain. Furthermore, a database with contacts of tourism local actors was created and used for other project activities’ purposes.

R1A2 Forum establishment meetings.

A self-governing cross-sector structure “Forumi Dibra Turistike” (distinctly different from the Association LAG Dibra Turistike) was established and functions as an advisory and advocacy body for tourism policy in the region. The forum has 25 members coming from representations of local government unit, civil society organizations, hotel industry, guesthouses, tour guides, transportation, vocational schools, handicrafts, SPA enterprises, shops and souvenirs and local media. Initial meetings were organized to establish the “Forumi Dibra Turistike” and the participants agreed to be part of the forum and signed the letter of initiatives for their memberships. Furthermore, the members defined the vision, mission, objectives and structure of the forum and approved its bylaws/statute, which has selected and approved the forum structure, working groups, and bylaws. Key achievement relates to the establishment of the cross-sector stakeholder Forum with the representation of local businesses, government and non-governmental organizations, and community members. This Forum has demonstrated robust participation by 25 signed members (60% private sector; 20% women). Internal regulations have also been developed and have become operational. Three working groups within the Forum are created and were highly involved during all project activities.

A great contribution of the Forum was the participation in the development of Tourism Action Plan for Diber Municipality, product development, marketing & ICT, and lobbying and advocacy for tourism policies and strategies.

R1.A3 Quarterly Forum meetings:

Regularly quarterly Forum meetings were conducted during the project period. The meetings served as a learning platform, networking, and coordination with project activities. The topics discussed varied from touristic product development, ICT, and marketing, data reviews, and reflection on learning to deepen awareness and understanding of tourism potentials, resources and development strategies and policies.

These meetings also contributed to the development of the TAP (Tourism Action Plan), preparation of the web portal visitdiber.com so called from the Forum “ICT-D2T model” while also advocating and lobbying for tourism purposes to Local Government and other decision makers. Furthermore, quarterly forum meetings were used to discuss different topics and issues of concerns, sharing of knowledge and skills in the tourism sector such as basic concepts of tourism and agro-tourism; learning experiences; and marketing issues.

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Fig 1. “Dibra Turistike” Forum

Forum members participated, discussed and reflected upon project activities, media campaign, tourism development issues, study tours, shared their lessons learned and reflected on how best apply these experiences.

The forum created a good image and reputation to local community and local public and non- public institutions. The last quarterly forum organized each December aimed at celebrating the achievements of the year with local authorities and stakeholders. This event was used to award significant achievements of the project such as: certification of Local Guides, B2B linkages, project promotion in local and national media, TV spots and documentary etc.

Success story: Forum members were involved in protecting tourism stakeholders’ interests and promoting tourism destinations in the Diber area. They lobbied and advocated against the privatization of the Spa enterprise and protested the HEC concession at the natural monument of Sopanika water spring. Also, three TV documentaries were broadcasted on national Klan TV in the famous documentary show “Histori Shqiptare” where activities such as cherry festival, touristic potential of glacial lakes of Kacni-Lure, and tours and itineraries in Grama were promoted.

In 2019, the new Mayor of Diber Municipality showed interest in joining and becoming an active member of the Forum, and he believes this Forum will serve as a good model structure of a future DMO at Municipality level. This was a very optimistic sign that despite an election and turnover of Mayors, it demonstrates the strength of the Forum as an institution and the cultural shift in awareness of local people that tourism is an important economic driver.

R1.A4: Coaching and technical expertise for partner beneficiary Dibra Turistike

Regular coaching sessions were conducted for “Dibra Turistike” staff. The coaching sessions were focused on the job training as per the job descriptions of LAG “Dibra Turistike” Local Coordinator (LC), cost share requirements, detailed project activities, and communication plans. The LC is the Executive Director of the beneficiary partner and the Manager of the TIC. The D2T management team was involved in the entire process along with representatives of LAG “Dibra Turistike” in order to adapt to the new work approach and procedures. The LC is part of the D2T staff meetings, planning workshops, monitoring system, procurement procedures, and communication system, and he also works closely with the PC who coaches and mentors him. Workshops and coaching sessions were conducted on TIC functions and operations and there were facilitated by ALCDF and external expert Kreider’s Consulting. New ideas and concepts were identified for the future operation and sustainability of the LAG “Dibra Turistike”. All these ideas have become part of the operation manual of the TIC, and the draft sustainability plan of the LAG “Dibra Turistike”.

Key achievement is the increased capacities of the staff and members of LAG “Dibra Turistike” on project cycle management and operational of Tourism Information Center. Furthermore, LAG “Dibra Turistike” has a sustainability plan and it has capacities to apply for other funds and projects.

2. R2. A Tourism Action Plan (TAP) for the Dibër Municipality was developed in a participatory manner with focus on tradition, natural assets, the agriculture sector, sustainability, gender, and environmental compliance.

R2. A1: Prepare baseline and needs assessment study.

The baseline study document was prepared by the external expertise of Advanced Study Center (ASC). This document was shared with the D2T team, TIC staff, and other stakeholders involved in the study process for comments and input. The main data, findings, and information of the baseline survey are related to tourism potentials in the economic development, employment especially women and youth, where visitors come from, and reasons why visitors come to Diber. Furthermore, the baseline study document was part of the need’s assessment for training and capacity building. The findings of the survey were used by DMO experts to identify potential tourism trends, products, and workforce in the Dibër area for the TAP process. Also, data on the nationality of tourists to Diber was used by the marketing and ICT experts to contact their respective Embassies and to draft the D2T marketing plan. The D2T team used the baseline survey for preparing the training program series.

The key challenge faced during this activity was the delay with the written report. The ASC experts had difficulties with the statistical survey data analysis, the charts and graphs, and cross checking the data. The PCV and D2T team was very active to keep the process on track and provided inputs and recommendations for ASC experts.

R2. A2: Developing and approving a Tourism Action Plan (TAP).

TAP for Dibër Municipality was developed and approved by Municipal Council. The process of developing of TAP was facilitated and advised by external expertise of DMO-Korca. Diber is the first municipality in Albania to have a TAP document developed and approved. The DMO experts, in close cooperation with the D2T team conducted a participatory approach during all steps of the TAP process. Several meetings and workshops were conducted with Forum members, Municipality staff, local stakeholders and citizens to mobilize, identify, analyze and prioritize the draft TAP documents as a unique mechanism for tourism development in the Diber region. Furthermore, in close cooperation with representatives of USAID and Sweden Embassy consultation and dissemination meetings were held with line Ministries of “Tourism and the Environment”, and “Agriculture and Rural Development” in order to be in line with the policies of the National Tourism Strategy, the “100 Villages” program, and the tourism legal framework.

On August 31st, 2018, the Municipal council of Diber approved the TAP. It was a part of the local strategic documents of the municipality, and it was reflected in their budget plan and projects for future implementation.

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The key achievement of this activity was the significant contributions of the Forum members for developing the vision and identifying the tourism products of the Diber region that were presented in the TAP. It was the first time for Diber to have identified, planned, and promoted the investments for the tourism sector. Also, the contributions of the Ministry of Tourism & Environment were supportive and promotive because they saw the TAP process as a model for other municipalities in Albania.

Diber Municipality and its staff have highly appreciated the quality of TAP document and the entire participatory process for its development. It is the first Municipality to base tourism development of the area in a strategic document and when allocating budget for tourism activities each year. During the preparation for 2020 annual budget plans, in fulfilment of TAP document priorities Municipality of Diber allocated and is investing in asphalting of road Radomira (touristic village in Korabi), reconstruction of “Skanderbeg” museum in Sina village, and it has allocated a special budget line for tourism activities and cost-sharing in tourism initiatives as referred in the TAP document.

3. R3. A local government service provision for tourism development, the operation of a quality Tourist Information Center (TIC), is improved via the formation of a public-private partnership and increased staff capacities for the management and operation of the TIC, quality customer service and market information.

R3.A0 Set up Tourist Information Center (TIC)

Tourist Information Center was renovated, and it is functional. The show room at the Center of Education and Communication (QEK) situated in the center of Peshkopi with a great view of the main boulevard. The municipality allocated a space of about 110-meters square, and the D2T project completed the renovation work and provided furniture and equipment. The D2T project staff organized an opening day and inauguration. The USAID/Albania Country Representative; Head of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, and Diber Mayor attended the inauguration ceremony of the Tourist Information Center. The inauguration ceremony was attended by more than 108 participants including the residents of Peshkopi, municipality staff, Forum members, as well as representatives from the Prefecture, the Regional Council, the Education Directorate, media and other institutions. Key achievement is a renovated and equipped Tourism Information Center that will provide local information, collect data on travelers, market and promote tourist destinations, and engage the local community. The setup of this Tourist Information Center makes it attractive and valuable to both the local community and the incoming tourists. TIC is open from 8 am to 8 pm during the touristic season (April to October) and from 8 am to 4 pm during non-touristic season (November to March). The staff of the organization LAG “Dibra Turistike” and tourism municipal staff are working every day in the office. The team is joined by volunteers and interns. The tasks of each team member and office operation is regulated from the PPP signed between Municipality of Diber and the organization, and TIC Operational Manual developed in the framework of D2T project. TIC is equiped with qualified personnel who have the right skills on communication and customer service, basic knowledge on tourism products, knowledge about marketing and tourism markets for Diber and the region, and speak foreign languages responding to tourists’ requests.

R3. A1: Create a PPP agreement.

The PPP agreement between the Municipality and LAG “Dibra Turistike” for operation and maintenance of the TIC was signed. ALCDF facilitated and negotiated the process of the PPP agreement between the Municipality and LAG “Dibra Turistike” through the D2T staff and attorney expert. After the comments for the MoU draft, both parties approved and signed the agreement on 10 June 2019. The challenges facing implementation of this activity include the lack of an Albanian legal framework and experience in developing a suitable agreement for such partnerships. In practice, the PPP model in Albania is only for concession-type agreements. The expert found an effective legal Partnership Agreement model between the Municipality and LAG “Dibra Turistike” for the management and operation of the TIC based on the legal frame of function of Local Government in Albania.

13 A key achievement for this activity is that the PPP agreement, signed by both parties, is for five years operation and function of TIC office. The new model for the functionality of the TIC office was created and it can be shared with other municipalities in Albania.

R3. A2. Project Coordinator (PC) conducts organizational and TIC staff capacity assessments. After initial assessments during the first year of the project, the team and individual staff are supported and coached regularly (see R3A4.)

R3. A3. Staff hired and oriented to new job descriptions for the TIC, including working hours D2T project through the PC organized regular coaching sessions for the TIC staff in order to help them become familiarized with the job descriptions and the process of the work, including maintaining open business hours five days/week. The program of the TIC office in quarterly, monthly and annual basis were prepared and all TIC staff were made aware of their role, functions, and work time. Also, the operational manual for the TIC office was prepared. The documents included rules and regulations of daily operation of the office, using the equipment, management of the office and expenditures for the TIC office that covered the personnel, consumables, etc., and some ideas for income generation through TIC services. All documents were developed by external experts and the D2T team; and, they are being shared, discussed and implemented by the TIC staff.

A key achievement of this activity was that three permanent TIC staff increased their skills and abilities for their positions at the TIC office through improving the performance of customer services and operations, and management of the office. Also, the documents of operational manual and business plan for the TIC were prepared in a participatory way with the staff and based on TIC operational needs.

The future challenge is ensuring the financial sustainability of TIC. The financial sustainability plan of TIC is developed and it provides the forecasted annual expenditures and incomes and minimum costs for the running of the office. TIC challenge is to really make this plan operational, in selling the tours and touristic products, and make sure to generate revenues for its sustainability. TIC personnel was coached on implementation of this activity including the forecasting of expenditures and in regards to legal framework on fiscal obligations and procedures. The PPP agreement signed between Diber Municipality and LAG “Dibra Turistike” creates an opportunity to register the TIC services under LAG “Dibra Turistike” and ensure that taxes and fiscal obligations are applied according the NPOs Albanian fiscal rules and law.

R3. A4. TIC staff will be coached and supported “on-the-job” regularly by ALCDF through intensive capacity development, which includes the use of self and customer survey data and reflection; Staff will be trained on technical responsibilities (e.g.: ICT, bookings, data collection, and reporting and marketing) via contract consultants as determined by ALCDF.

This activity is closely related to R3. A2. and R3. A3. as described above. TIC meetings are how the TIC staff learns about the project and how they're coached. They also learnt about the tourism sector, customer services, operations and ICT skills necessary for an effective TIC for the region.

Capacity development of the TIC staff was “learning by doing” approach through project time frame. The library was built, and knowledge was transferred through all capacity development project activities. The approach allowed all external experts to transfer their practical knowledge to the TIC staff for marketing and software development (under R5), TAP development under (R2), TIC operation manual (under R3), festival organization (under R4), internship approach and management (under R9), and so forth. The office library is being updated with new materials and curricula. All the training curricula been transferred TIC staff and will be used from the team for the on-going work in supporting the sector actors.

The D2T team used the method of “on the job coaching” for all project management issues. The TIC staff was involved with the planning process and all other D2T project activities. Also, the PCV supported and coached the TIC staff on database data entry and customer service.

Key achievement of this activity is related to the best performance of the TIC staff services for visitors and their capacities are increased. Furthermore, during the best practice competitions of 61 Municipalities for local economic development, the TIC Diber model was ranked as second on a national level. The presentation of the model was done by Municipality staff.

R3. A5: Design an internship and volunteer program This is covered in the activities under Result 9 (R9).

R3. A6: TIC develops and implements internships for youth volunteers This is covered by activities under Result 9 (R9).

R3. A7: TIC staff coached in festival management; ALCDF prepares a Handbook; TIC staff supports Diber’s local cultural and agricultural festival organizers.

Two working groups for the organization of festivals, a “festival working group” at the municipality level, and a “festival working group” composed of representatives of NGO (Non- Government Organization) and the private sector are active in Diber. Also, the Handbook for Festival Management and annual festival calendar were developed, and they were used by the working groups. The annual festival calendar was prepared, and 8 local festivals were organized during three years of the project period. The TIC staff and the D2T team, together with the working groups were the main organizers of the annual festivals. Harvest Festival: The Festival is organized in October. Celebration of the harvest is becoming a tradition for farmers and other local businesses. Photo exhibitions, book fair, open cinema and karaoke, mini fairs with traditional food and artisans, kid’s activities, hiking tours, and a big fair created an atmosphere of autumn celebration. It was estimated from photos and staff participation that more than 10,000 visitors each year attended this event, including visitors from Tirana and North Macedonia, who were able to sample and purchase local products. There were more than 230 farmers, agro-producers, women and handicrafts producer groups that participated in the fair who were able to sell all their products and increase revenues.

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- “Oda Dibrane” Folk Festival: The festival is organized in October or November, and 15 artistic groups participate from Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. The festival is held over the course of three days, and more than 2,000 people each year attended the festival. - Summer Festival: This is a traditional festival for the Diber region organized on 13 and 14 March. Many activities are organized in Peshkopi and the surrounding areas such as folk dancing, circus performances, singing, a fair with local products, painting and exhibitions, summer dress parade, cleaning campaign, and picnic. All activities for the summer festival were initiated and coordinated by the TIC office. The PCV in close cooperation with VET school “Nazmi Rushiti” provided support with the traditional food and eggs exhibitions corner and hosted a children’s arts and craft corner that also included face painting. - “Shen Gjergji”: It is held on May 6th and is organized by the Municipality and the “Festival working group”. There is a folk concert by the Diber artistic group and a parade with traditional dresses and flags along the main boulevard of the city. More than 2,000 people each year attended the artistic performance on the boulevard. - “Shen Kolli”: It is held on May 20th, in Lura and Selishta. The Municipality supported the marketing and promotion of the festivals in both Administrative Units. It is more than a community festival, and more than 3,000 visitors (mostly residents) participated in the celebration and at a picnic in Prati Mountain and Lura pastures. - Cherry Festival: It is most held the first week of June, depending on the seasonal harvest. The main goal is to celebrate and promote cherry production, community involvement, and Diber region touristic potentials. It serves as the official opening for the touristic season in Diber. The Cherry Festival brings more than 1,000 visitors from all over Diber. Farmers showcase different cherry varieties and cherry products like juice, canned cherries, jam, honey with cherry flowers, and more in booths that were decorated using a rural style. Several handicrafts produced by female artisans are also on display. An interesting entertainment program is organized with performances by youth dancing and circus groups, which create a very nice atmosphere for the visitors and tourists. Also, sports’ groups perform during this event and the Cherry Kids corner offers face painting, crafts, and a special costume parade. - Drini River Festival: It also part of the annual festival calendar for the Diber Municipality, held on first weekend of July. Drini Festival aims at promoting river tourism on the Black Drini River. It is organized with camping, rafting, and other river activities in the villages of Muhurr, Katund i Ri, Selane and Topojan. More than 1000 visitors each year join Drini Festival events. - Pasture Festival in Sllatine village, is a traditional festival in Grama Pasture. Sllatina villagers come to pasture and celebrate in a traditional way with dancing, horse racing competitions, a football match, and other artistic programs. More than 2000 visitors from village residents who live abroad and in Tirana came for the celebration. Also, other guests and visitors join this festival. It is held on July 6th, in Grama pasture. The organizers prepared the announcement, posters, banners, invitations and marketing campaign for “Welcome to Diber to celebrate”. The organizers include ALCDF, Municipality of Diber, World Vision, Agritra-Vision, CNVP, and VET school “Nazmi Rushiti” together with Demir Gashi school and the Youth Board. Local PCVs have also joined the working groups.

The key achievements of this activity were that the members of the working group practiced their skills in festival organizing, and the community became more interested in events that are celebratory in nature. Eight local festivals were organized, and more than 20,000 visitors joined these events. The local festivals are a great way to promote tourism in the Diber region, and to attract visitors to Diber. A key challenge was forecasting the budget of the municipality for these events. The Municipality forecasted a budget only for the “Oda Dibrane” festival. The festival working group lobbied and invited the Mayor to be a member of the group and allocate a small budget for festivals in order to ensure sustainability and continuation after the project donor finishes. The Mayor was very committed in supporting festivals and he will be a member of the working group. He promised that next year’s budget would have more funds available for festivals.

R3A8: D2T project staff hosted an exhibition table at three tourism conventions (e.g.: Tirana, Skopje, Pristina) materials produced; staff learned. Three fairs and exhibitions for tourism development and promotion of Diber tourism and economic resources were supported by participation of Diber actors in Tirana, and Ohrid in North Macedonia. The first event was the “Mediterranean Tourism Fair” in Tirana, organized on April 6th and 7th 2018. The Diber Municipality had a booth with different tourism and agritourism promotional materials such as traditional dresses, food, and printed materials. The TIC and Municipality staff were part of the personnel in the booth for two days of the event and met many stakeholders from the Mediterranean countries, touristic agencies, business sectors, and governmental and non- governmental organizations. The second event was the fair of “Diber and Mat days” in Tirana. The event was part of an annual promotional event of the Diber and Mat regions that was held in Tirana’s New Bazaar. This event promoted all Diber and Mat products, culture and tourism. More than 75 agro-producers, handicrafts, agro-processors, women producers’ groups, hotels and guest houses, tour guides, artistic groups, and 4 municipalities participated in the event. For two days on June 8 and 9, 2018, many visitors from Tirana and foreigners who reside in Tirana visited and purchased Diber products, experienced the traditional artistic concerts, and got information and contacts of tourist operators and businesses. The third event was in Ohrid of North Macedonia. D2T project beneficiaries such as the TIC office staff, and ten special accommodations owners participated in a cross-border tourism fair/exhibition in Ohrid, organized by EU Delegations in both countries (North Macedonia and Albania). The D2T participants group provided support for logistical issues, transportation, and other promotions and facilities for the Diber booth. This fair was to promote the cooperation of the cross-border area and more than 30 programs from Albania and North Macedonia participated. The D2T project supported the TIC staff for the organization of the booths, material promotions, and participation of the Diber Municipality at this event. The D2T project provided support for the

17 Municipality of Diber staff on organization and participation in this event. Also, the D2T project had a booth for project promotion. The D2T team was part of the working group of the event organizers. Key achievement is in promoting the Diber area in fairs for a broader audience. Diber is showcased at tourism exhibitions. The quality of the booth/showcase is substantially improved. Furthermore, during exhibitions the participants have new and improved promotional materials and photos. They also created direct contacts and relationships with other business in the tourism product chain. We can mention Travel Albanian magazine who has added Diber tours and itineraries in its new touristic brochure for Albania. Further more direct cooperation agreements between national touristic agencies and local touristic operators are signed such as with “Explore Albanian” and “Union of tourism” agencies in Albania, Balkanica agency in Macedonia and Peaks of Ballkan and “Explore Sharri” agencies from Kosovo.

4. R4. Business to business linkages and partnerships among and between touristic suppliers and agriculture and handicraft producers will be created or increased.

R4A1: Awareness meetings conducted by CNVP with identified producer/farmers, producer groups, small businesses in 10 potential touristic villages, target 15 per meeting, half-day. R4A2: Assessment of potential producers offering products; database of agriculture and handicraft producers; and assessment of capacity development needs of producers by CNVP. R4A3: Assessment of potential buyers and needs (restaurants, hotels, specialty accommodations, shops) by CNVP; add to database.

These three activities were simultaneously implemented because they were complementary to each other. CNVP was responsible for implementing these activities. The target groups were sellers/potential producers (i.e., farmers; producer groups, especially women groups; small businesses; etc.) and buyers/potential clients (e.g., restaurants, hotels, specialty accommodations, shops, etc.).

Ten awareness meetings were organized at the village level, 205 participants (out of them more than 50% were businesses and producers’ group) joined and 12% of participants were women and 50% were youth. The villages with the most touristic potential were selected by CNVP advisors in compliance with the findings from the baseline survey and TAP process. The meetings emphasized the message that it is essential to use environmentally friendly products that meet the required standards.

A baseline database of potential agro- producers offering products to potential buyers and suppliers was developed. A database with 165 suppliers and buyers (90 suppliers and 75 buyers) was developed through an interview process. More than 165 interviews were conducted by the CNVP advisors. Individual meetings and interviews were conducted with the potential agro-tourist actors (i.e., suppliers and consumers) in order to understand possibilities for improvement and potential support towards business development.

Key achievement is the increased awareness of 205 business owners, who are producers. They now understand the potential value of agritourism and new markets for their business. Furthermore, the buyer-seller database with 165 businesses was created. This database is used for other D2T project activities, e.g.: providing training services based on the needs of this target group, for database listings and B2B (see below), and for participation in agro-tourism festivals and events.

R4A4: Trainings on standards, marketing, quality and quantity of products for producers. R4A5: Training and modeling for different packaging for better promoting of local products to the tourism sector; capacity development and support for up to 10 variations of producer groups (150 participants). R4.A6: Business to Business (B2B): coach and prepare producers for Harvest Festival where B2B meetings are organized.

Business to Business (B2B) is a crucial D2T activity. CNVP partner organization was responsible for this activity and their advisors facilitated networking and partnership engagements through: 1) Seminar with agritourism stakeholder value chain actors; 2) Direct meetings and technical assistance, as requested, with representatives of hotels, restaurants, guesthouses, etc., with agro- producers for finalizing B2B MOU agreements; 3) Coach and prepare producers for the Harvest Festival where B2B meetings were organized; 4) Templates for agreements were created and disseminated. The D2T team in close cooperation with CNVP advisors organized 9 seminars with potential agro- tourism producers and suppliers in order that the producers understand the potential value of agritourism and new markets. The seminars were organized at the TIC office, as well as in Peshkopi, Maqellare, Arras, Sllove and Kala e Dodes and about 165 participants attended the seminars. The focus of the seminars was bringing together different stakeholders interested in agro-tourism development for tourism related purposes. The participants were agro producers, Kop Fruit Diber, farmers and ranchers, managers of hotels, municipality staff, specialty accommodations, women’s group of Jufka, honey producers, fruit producers, non-timber forest products (NTFP) producers, and family farmers harvesting herbs, etc. CNVP organized training sessions for 10 different farmer groups, reaching more than 150 participants. The first day focused on standards, marketing, quality and quantity of products for producers, and the second day focused on packaging. The practical visits enabled participants to see different examples of products already in the market and reflect on opportunities and the support needed to add value to their own products and create more income for the families. During the training session, special attention was put as well on establishing a space for product promotion, especially in the guest houses and TIC office where there have been tourists coming. The focus was on promotion of handicrafts.

The B2B seminars facilitated the collaboration between different producers and suppliers on the agritourism value chain. Following this process, preparation of the B2B model agreements is being developed and will be shared with the team and as well piloted with the sellers and buyers at the local level. Individual meetings were held with the businesses (more than 10 businesses) in order to reflect on their actual situation and how they could improve their businesses to become more oriented to tourists. This is important in order to help them understand how to share their visions and implement contracting.

The “Harvest Festival” was an important event for the private sector actors and their cooperation in business relationships. D2T staff cooperated with CNVP, which worked closely with their traditional clients in the forestry and agriculture sectors to improve their products and presentation. More than 150 local clients were instructed and assisted on packaging, product promotion, coaching and networking with tourism suppliers that could purchase their clients’ products. CNVP focused its attention on the private sector’s role within the enabling environment, particularly

19 agriculture and handicraft producers that interface with the tourism sector and business to business exchanges and capacities. Three B2B meeting were organized after the fairs, and 87 participants (farmers, agro-producers, wholesalers, retailers, local institutions representatives, and NPOs) discussed agro business problems and opportunities. A big achievement was the participation in the B2B meeting of wholesalers at the national level who attended the Harvest Festival. The key achievements of these activities were that more than 165 agro-tourism stakeholders in Diber created opportunities for sharing and bringing together different interests in tourism through the various business seminars. After these seminars, business cooperation between local suppliers and buyers was increased, four formalized their businesses (got registered for the first time), and more than (25) non-formalized agreements were realized. Also, more than 150 participants increased their knowledge for standards, marketing, quality and quantity of products for producers, and packaging. Furthermore, more than 150 local business (farmers, agro-producers, handicrafts, etc.) successfully promoted and sold (85%) their products at the Harvest Festival. More than 10 agro- producers intend to create business agreements and linkages with wholesalers from Tirana. A key challenge is the lack of capacities and experience of agreements between stakeholders (suppliers and buyers) because most of the businesses lack good practices for networking and partnership building, and markets (both domestic and national) do not function yet as formalized business entities. While the project achieved incredible progress to improve these business practices, many of market players still create obstacles to reach an agreement. Example, the businesses that participated in the Harvest Festival need to see it as an opportunity for B2B linkages and not just as a street market. It needs additional effort and capacity building for stakeholders on marketing issues and business management.

5. R5. A sustainable marketing plan with an ICT web/social media platform including a business services backbone will be created to promote and support tourism in Diber.

R5A1: Forum establishes the Marketing/ICT Working Group to include Forum and non-forum members, including youth, administrators and teachers from 2-4 secondary schools and universities with ICT/marketing knowledge to assist; ALCDF develops and oversees the scope of work for group and consultants; contract consultants. R5A2: Research by Working Group guided by consultants; Reporting to Forum and Management. R5A3: Workshop conducted by consultant with Marketing/ICT Working Group; design interviews and database for business directory and marketing platform; conduct baselines. R5A4: Marketing plan and ICT/web platform developed by the Working Group of the Forum with consultants and interns and maintained by the TIC and PPP; Integrate relevant business services into all platforms for market intelligence (data). Some business services will be fee based for sustainability; discuss model with Forum and Project Management.

The web platform www.visitdiber.com is online. The above activities are complementary, and they were conducted in parallel. The national (ASC expert) and international (Kreider Consulting firm) experts worked closely on the marketing plan and ICT platform. Numerous meetings and email exchanges with D2T team and experts regarding the survey, marketing plan, working groups, and for other project activity purposes, were held. The working groups for ICT and marketing were established, with Forum and non-forum members. The baseline survey and desk research in relation to trends, legal framework, and best cases for Albania, neighboring countries, and the greater region were prepared. The Forum, staff, and consultants through the TAP process chose Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, and Poland to be the test market countries to focus on for our inaugural year, while developing an overall international marketing plan. The phone conversations and correspondence with four Embassy/Development Agencies (within the targeted countries) regarding outreach to their recreational associations was done, although this phase is still under development with a general direction for test market countries. A workshop was conducted with the Marketing and ICT working group for marketing channels, main marketing actors, marketing tools and branding issues related to a digital marketing strategy and platform, and both experts prepared the marketing plan. Iprint staff, in close cooperation with the D2T team designed and developed the web platform www.visitdiber.com. Kreider Consulting, PCV Michelle Johnson and the TIC staff provided feedback, recommendations, and content for the website. The TIC office worked on business registration for hotels, guest houses, restaurants, bars, artisans and souvenirs, agro-producers, tour guides, tours and trails, etc. The D2T team prepared the USAID format information for the web platform, and the AOR supported the D2T project with information to be on track with USAID requirements. USAID approved the technical part of the web related to security. Key achievement relates to increased capacity and technical skills of TIC staff and ICT working group on operating and working with web platform. A web platform www.visitdiber.com is online and functional with proper information for touristic business and services in Diber. The visitors can make reservations and booking online through this platform. Another way for revenue generation is membership fee of the web platform. “visitdiber” Facebook, Instagram and YouTube are online and functional and followed by national and internationals. The key challenge is related to the development of a sustainable marketing plan with an ICT web/social media platform with a business services backbone. This is the on-going/future challenge for TIC Diber to increase shared information and generate incomes for financial sustainability.

Another challenge is the slow communication between the different contractors considering also the hours change between International and National consultants. Another challenge is related with the domestic service provider’s skills and capacities which created delays on product development.

SO2: Workforce Capabilities

R6. Increased awareness and shared vision of agritourism suppliers through the facilitation of a tourism learning platform and study tours highlighting best practice models.

R6A2: Study Tours within Albania (e.g.: Thethi and Voskopoja) and neighboring country (e.g.: Galacnik in North Macedonia); reports; reflections at learning forum.

Three study visits were organized. More than 72 participants have increased awareness and shared vision of agritourism suppliers through the facilitation of study tours highlighting best practice models in Albania (Voskopoja and Valbona) and neighboring country (Galacnik, Llazaroplje and Vevčani in North Macedonia). The purpose of the study tours was to learn from the experiences of neighboring areas of Albania and North Macedonia with regards to the tourism sector and tourism service development. These regions share a similar nature, hospitality, and culture with Diber, but they have a more developed tourism sector. The participants had opportunities to learn 21 about how these regions manage their TICs, how the guest house owners manage and promote their businesses, how the touristic villages use and manage their touristic destinations, how to protect their natural and cultural heritage, and how visitors book their businesses online.

The key achievements of this activity are the lessons learned by the more than 72 participants on issues such as: how the guest houses protect the traditional characteristics of the buildings; offer traditional food; maintain the house and the outside environment; provide friendly and hospitable services; standardize and provide proper information on signage and maps; and, the role of the municipality in tourism development and how the municipality approaches the planning process and improvements of infrastructure. Furthermore, participants are aware of the best quality of the tourism services and networking are created with other businesses from visited regions.

R7. Increased knowledge and improved services by agritourism supply chain providers through formal skills-based trainings and intensive capacity development services.

R7A1: Develop a formal training program R7A2: Training delivery on “integrated agro-tourism”. R7A3: The trainings sessions and targets are anticipated:

Capacity development process through formal skills-based trainings sessions were conducted for agritourism supply chain providers such as farmers, residents of the two model rural villages, transportation, guest houses and camping sites, hotels and restaurants, artisans, etc. More than 200 representatives of agritourism supply chain providers were trained through the formal training program that was identified through the training needs assessment in the baseline survey. The focus of the training program was to increase knowledge and improve services of the agritourism supply chain providers.

During the three year project, 18 training sessions were held on integrated agro-tourism, customer service, cross-culture, culinary, transportation, catering (1 training session which is followed by individual coaching), handicraft (1 training session which is followed by individual coaching), hospitality, and customer service and energy efficiency (1 training session which is followed by individual coaching). The training was provided by specialized training organizations such as CNVP as a partner organization for capacity building and Agritra-Vision and GLV “Integrimi” which were selected through tender procedure based on the defined ToR-s (check the link for modules of training delivered ( https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1HWqBtk8aizgV1MvwEUxDoEgXIcdIQnAa )

Additional one-day training for agro-tourism was held on 4 April 2019 and it was organized in close cooperation with “Brand Albania” and CBS. The tourism expert held the training session for specialty accommodation businesses on how to manage and market their businesses. The expert also shared the Montenegro experience in agro-tourism.

The key achievement was that more than 200 representatives of agritourism supply chain providers increased their knowledge of improving services through 18 formal skills-based training sessions for topics identified in the training needs assessment. In close cooperation with the USAID Regional Economic Growth project “Brand Albania” and CBS, more than 24 owners of tourism special accommodation businesses gained knowledge and experience on management and marketing of agro-tourism services. Also, the agro-tourism supply chain providers better understood each other’s business products, services and their interests, and created linkages and cooperation. The contracted experts shared their best experiences on agro-tourism in the Balkan region such Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina as well as the Slow food Balkan movement. Also, they provided information on local agritourism providers’ networking opportunities with others at the national and Balkan level.

SO2- R8. Home-grown, qualified group of local tour guides (guiding services) in the Diber Municipality will be available for bookings.

R8A1: Awareness & recruitment campaign R8A2: NATGA and local trainers are contracted by ALCDF, R8A3: Intensive training, offered by NATGA for local guiding services (aka tour guides); two groups of 15, receive three-week training and practice sessions with feedback; additional training days on local resources, culture, cuisine, etc. will be required for final graduation, as agreed in terms of reference with NATGA and student participant agreements.

More than 30 local tour guides (two pools of 15 tour guides) from Diber received training. Two rounds of a four-week training program was completed. The participants gained knowledge on tour guide techniques with a focus on enabling participants to qualify as professional guides. The course was provided by trainers from NATGA (National Association of Touristic Guides in Albania). There were seven training sessions divided into lectures on culture, history, archaeology flora, fauna, geography, traditional culture, economy, governance, and other basic topics related to national and local areas; basic knowledge on theory and practice regarding tour guide techniques; practice coaching and instructions on terrain; and, written and oral exams. At the end of the course, the trained local guides will be certified from NATGA (after receiving a passing score on the written and oral exams) and are ready to receive the license issued from the Ministry of Tourism.

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The key achievement is that in total 30 local tour guides all of the ages between 20 and 35 years old (first and second pool of tour guides) of Diber were certified by NATGA as local tour guides after receiving practical knowledge during the four-week training program series. Ten of them started their profession as tour guides in Diber for different tour agencies and market demands. All of them are part of the NATGA networking system and through it they can take advantage of information and contacts. About 10 (ten) certified Local Guides practiced knowledge and offered guiding services for two touristic seasons. Their income is increased as they are developing a career in tourism which they had not the possibility of before.

R9) Vocational and tangible workplace skills of youth will be increased in Dibër through the development of formal internships and volunteer placements in the integrated tourism sector (connected to SO1R3.) R9A1: Awareness and information meetings with public and non-public officials; recruit educators to join the Forum or work directly with D2T staff in program implementation. R9A2: Contract with consultants to collaboratively design internship program with the project staff (with input and consultation of education sector and project management.) R9A3: Internship Program manual is developed; informational flyer, forms and templates for “learning agreements” and job descriptions for youth placements. R9A4: Youth are recruited, interviewed, and selected, and placement agreements made per the Program Manual by D2T staff and appropriate preceptor (if placement is outside of the project staff or Forum arena) and individual evaluations completed.

These activities are complementary and conducted in parallel. They are all activities related with the D2T Internship Program. Also, they have similarities with R3A5 and R3A6 activities.

The “Internship Program” is focused on the capacity development of the TIC staff to implement this program and adequately mentor youth. D2T successfully implemented a student and volunteer placement or internship program. Thus far, while the internship program has been successful, there have also been opportunities to learn and improve the program. The internship manual was developed and utilized by TIC staff. The TIC staff supervised and followed all steps and procedures of the internship manual. A total of 11 interns were recruited based on the criteria defined in the manual.

Examples of skills gained include interpersonal communication, improved English language capabilities, customer service, Microsoft Office, and research techniques. In the short period the work results of the interns exceeded our expectations. They learned a lot about customer service skills, communication skills with tourists, photography and social media practices, academic and extensive research on the tourism sector. All of them were proud to be a part of the internship program.

The key achievements relate with the approach of the internship. “Learning by doing” is core to the implementation of the program because there is no tradition of internships in the area. The first intern experience at the TIC office was a success and 10 other interns joined and made this program a success. All the interns were self-motivated and had a clear focus on their work. The second achievement relates to an internship practice institutionalized at TIC office. TIC staff developed the internship manual and designed a one-year experience with the internship program through information, recruitment, mentoring, supervising, evaluating and providing final references for the interns. The key challenge is that the internship program is new and therefore, capacity development is high, to understand the “learning by doing” process, and because some of the interested applicants expected to be paid for the internship.

SO3: Integrated Product Development

R10) Identification and development of 5 “day-trip” itineraries

R10A1 Identification and selection-TAP by Forum (SO1R2); Research on routes (public-private road, enterprises, attractions and risks) by Working Group and project staff. R10A2 Workshop/seminar/field trip; Working Group and stakeholders like tour companies, coordinate the routes with public and private entities; Itinerary Plans developed; ALCDF will facilitate research and decision-making processes of the Working Group and train other project staff in tools for planning and decision making. R10A3 ALCDF designs procurement specifications and contracts with necessary vendors and contractors. All branding and marking compliances will be assured by ALCDF R10A4 Brochure/map designed and printed by a professional expert hired by ALCDF. R10A5 Signage will be constructed for directional road signs and attractions; signs installed. R10A6 Promotion of itineraries (SO1R5) R10A7 Activities related to sustainability (e.g.: advertising) There were seven itineraries identified by the D2T project through a participatory workshop of forum members and tour guides, who used the previous experience of the TAP process and tours/itineraries in the area. The itineraries are i) Hiking in Korabi mountain; ii) Explore 17 glacial lakes of Lura and Kacnia; iii) Footsteps of Skanderbeg and Kastriot families; iv) Enjoy the Healing valley (thermal spa and hiking); v) Adventure in Drini canyon; vi) Hiking in Grama pasture; and vii) City tour of Peshkopi. ALCDF designed the procurement specifications for design and publication of brochures and maps, as well as info boards and signs and through an open process invited interested service providers. ALCDF followed the procurement rules defined in its operational policies and manuals.

25 The brochures for each itinerary were designed and printed (1400 leaflets) in both languages (Albanian and English) and distributed for visitors at the TIC. A touristic brochure is also designed and published in 2000 copies and will be sold to tourists. (check the link https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1HWqBtk8aizgV1MvwEUxDoEgXIcdIQnAa)

The TIC promoted the itineraries through local and social media and at local events. The newspaper “Rruga e Arberit”, and D2T’s Facebook page, Dibra Turizem dhe Tradite, and other Facebook pages such as Ketu Mblidhen Dibranet, and Dibraexpress all published the itineraries. And, during local events, promotional campaigns were organized for each itinerary.

The key achievement related to the identification and promotion of 7 itineraries. More than 1400 leaflets were published and several articles and spots promoting itineraries are published on social media as well as national, regional and local media. The interest of visitors was high and all of them are part of visitdiber.com web-platform, and other private agencies showed interest to publish their itineraries. In close cooperation with NATGA, all itineraries were part of the training curricula and practical exercise of the tour guides. The D2T team cooperated with popular TV documentary staff of “Histori Shqiptare” at Klan TV on two documentaries about the 21 glacial lakes of Kacni-Lure and hiking in Grama pasture. The interest of visitors was increased as well as the number of visitors who used these itineraries.

R11) Identification and marking of 5 thematic trails. These will include proper trail, road, and village signage; hiking/biking/caravan maps; and informational booklets; which will be sustainably maintained by TIC.

R11A1 Identification during TAP by Forum (SO1R2); Research on routes (public-private land ownerships, existing trails and roads, attractions and risks) by Working Group and D2T staff. R11A2 Workshop/seminar/field trip; Working Group and stakeholders, like tour companies, coordinate the routes with public and private entities; Trail Plan developed; ALCDF will facilitate research and decision-making processes of the Working Group and train other project staff in tools for planning and decision making. R11A3 ALCDF designs procurement specifications and contracts with necessary vendors and contractors. All branding and marking compliances will be assured by ALCDF. R11A3 Brochure/map designed and printed by a professional expert hired by ALCDF. R11A4 Trail signage and markings installed. R11A6 Promotion of itineraries (SO1R5) R11A7 Activities related to sustainability (e.g.: advertising) The main trails were identified during the TAP process. The Forum and non-forum members identified these 5 thematic trails of “Radomire - Korabi mountain”, “Kastriot village – Gramё pasture”, “Healing Valley” Peshkopi town – Rabdisht pasture; “Setё canyon – Flower Lake of Lura”; “Kёrcisht village – Hinoskë Pasture”. The group of experts developed the maps and the information for each trail component. 1000 brochures were prepared and printed for the five trails and shared on visitdiber.com, and at the U.S. Embassy. These are also part of the marketing and promotion that the itineraries experienced above under R10 and can be accessed in the link https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vQB1guNnfYflLgHKw427GsvuTEu738a3

The civil engineer finalized the technical design and ERC for signing and interventions for small infrastructure of hiking paths per trail, and after approval at USAID, the construction company “Farruku shpk” was selected to mark trails, set up an info point for each trail, and to prepare signing and viewing areas.

The key achievement related to this activity was that 1000 brochures and maps for 5 thematic trails were published and promoted. Also, 8 info points, 107 signs, 110 km of trail markers, one viewing area, and a summit marker at the top of Korab mountain improved the trail infrastructure in Diber. The proudest moment was when the newly designed summit marker was officially placed at the top of mt. Korabi. This marker has become a popular place with hikers to take a photo and that includes, President of Albania.

So3- R12) Cost-share improvements of 10 specialty accommodations: five traditional guest houses plus five other private accommodations (i.e., campgrounds, hostels).

R12A1 Manual (policy, rules, criteria, application, process, etc.) is developed by ALCDF with input from Forum and a simple packet created for dissemination. R12A2 Accommodations identified; Awareness meetings with potential D2T specialty accommodations; businesses apply to D2T project; supported by CNVP. R12A3 D2T Management Team selection decisions; decisions communicated; MOUs with accommodation businesses created by ALCDF. R12A4 General trainings aimed at environmental compliances; and individualized capacity development with selected guesthouses/hostels/campground businesses delivered by CNVP. R12A5 Improvements will be made according to MOUs; CNVP capacity building and advising during the implementation. R12A6 Evaluation and financial oversight/closure by ALCDF. R12A7 Promotion per the marketing platform (SO1R5)

27 The aim of the activity is building on the Diber tradition of visitor hospitality, environmentally compliant hostels, campgrounds, and traditional guest houses. Project resources and cost share focused on ten (10) specialty accommodations through sub-grants. Ten specialty accommodations were selected and the ERC for all of them was developed and approved by USAID. Agreements with all of them were signed and the ERC and technical project became part of the contract agreement between ALCDF and the special touristic accommodation owners. “Farruku shpk” construction company was selected for the doing the investment work for the ten specialty accommodations. The table below provides the information on the specialty accommodation refurbished with USAID support:

Nr Special accommodation & Village/town Notes location Administrative Unit (AU) 1 Guest House “Vladimir Arras village Ready for the new touristic season; The Marku” in Arras Administrative experience of last season was great. Unit (AU) 2 Camping site “Dritan Herra” Shumbat Ready for the new touristic season; The Sllove AU experience of last season was great. 3 Camping site “Ferizate Peshkopi town Ready for the new touristic season; The Kapxhiu” in Peshkopi experience of last season was great. AU 4 Guest House “Haki Goleci” Rabdisht in Ready for the new touristic season; The Melan AU experience of last season was great. 5 Guest House “Hysen Uka” Peshkopi Ready for the new touristic season; The town, experience of last season was great. Peshkopi AU 6 Guest house “Elmira Voka” Vakuf in Ready for the new touristic season; The Kastriot AU experience of last season was great. 7 Camping site “Hasan Hoti” Fushe Lure in Ready for the new touristic season; The Lure AU experience of last season was great. 8 Camping site “Setki Ahmati” Radomire Ready for the touristic season; village, Kala e Dodes AU 9 Guest house and camping site Hinoske Ready for the touristic season; “Hatem Fida” village in Melan AU 10 Camping site “Labinot Murja” Hotesh village Ready for the touristic season; in Luzni AU

Families that offered touristic services were trained on environmental issues through individual meetings by both LC and CNVP. Fourteen (14) specialty accommodations received more than nine days of coaching sessions. Direct coaching meetings focused on: energy efficiency (i.e., how to use thermal insulating materials; construction materials and elements must meet energy efficiency requirements; doors, windows, and, external wall thermodynamics must have optimal characteristics to reduce energy use for heating and cooling to reduce the GHG emissions), waste management, water use and water saving, reliance on green building or green land-use approaches, discharge of domestic sewage to surface, ground water, or publicly-owned treatment facilities, etc.

The key achievements focused on the improvements of accommodation services in Diber with 10 new guest houses s. and camping sites. It is invested about $100,749 ($40,000 from USAID support through D2T and the rest is contribution in from guest house owners)) for the 10 specialty accommodations (5 guest houses and 5 camping sites) on main trails that contribute to the improvement of touristic services, and 10 new businesses for the local people who are direct beneficiaries of newly created jobs. The businesses were open for the tourist season. The families of the special accommodations have increased their capacities through training and coaching sessions for their work related to hospitality, catering, customer services, environmentally friendly energy and energy efficiency, and waste management, which have a direct impact on service improvement. The 10 touristic accommodation units’ models created by D2T inspired the owners to improve and expand their services. All of them possess their individual business plans prepared by D2T and are using them as guide for their business. Also, these business models served as successful replication model for other small entrepreneurs (neighbors who started their business on tourism accommodations services). During the project lifetime, the group of specialty accommodation owners expanded to 21 businesses (11 more refurbished and started running their own specialty accommodation and joined our project activities). They also come to TIC office and ask for advice, assistance and promotion.

R13) The establishment of two model “traditional tourist villages”

R13A1 during TAP process, candidate villages and criteria are established (SO1R2); pre-selection of villages by D2T Management Team. R13A2 Workshop for village development planning with community participation of 35-40 villagers and stakeholders; facilitated by ALCDF; Village Development Plans (VDP) developed and approved by the community, including village and municipality contributions. R13A3 Procurements, cost share MOUs, contracting; work/plan implemented: Two village infrastructures improved (village road, landscaping, waste management, monuments, etc.), by concrete interventions, based on village priority in VDP, and village and municipality contribute 50% of project cost; ALCDF oversee. R13A4 Evaluation and financial oversight/closure by ALCDF. R13A5 Brochure/booklet of Village; 1000 printed. R13A6 Promotion per marketing platform (SO1R5)

The D2T project worked on the creation of two touristic model villages. Small-scale infrastructure improvements in the villages such as better drinking water supply, village trail improvements, repair and maintenance of village temples or monuments and cleaning and management of waste, totaled an investment of $179,024 total, including cost share funds. USAID support is $50,000 and the remaining was mobilized from other stakeholders, in finance and in-kind contribution. Cost share was secured in partnerships with and donations from: The Municipality of Diber, Diber Regional Council, “Miresia” Foundation. Technical design and ERC were prepared and approved

29 by USAID for both villages. The cost share agreement was signed by all the donor partners. “Shehi-Dede” was the contracting company, selected by an open tender process. The work to improve the infrastructure is completed. The first step was to improve the drinking water system in Rabdisht, and to repair the main stone walking paths in Rabdisht and Kёrcisht villages. The streetlights, drainage system, and two public fountains were also completed for both villages. Signs and info boards were installed in both villages, and brochures for tourists were prepared and printed for both villages. Waste management was a crucial issue for the D2T project. Several community meetings were held in both villages and cleaning campaigns were organized. In close cooperation with the contracting company, all waste from the hot spots were transported to Peshkopi landfill, and the villages cleaned and decontaminated. The Municipality signed an agreement with a private business to transport the waste once per week per each village. The waste management plan for each village was prepared in a participatory way and all village residents participated in this process. The D2T team, in close cooperation with municipality staff, the Administrative Unit, the head of the villages, and the village schools worked on increased awareness of waste management rules, separation of organic and non-organic waste, and the transportation calendar and responsibilities. Awareness is an ongoing process by the Municipality and other stakeholders in order that these villages will serve as models in the region. The challenges for both villages are the functionality and maintenance of the waste management systems. The Municipality has an agreement for waste transportation, the Administrative Unit is responsible for small infrastructure maintenance, and the drinking water company has in its inventory the new drinking water pipeline in Rabdisht and is responsible for maintenance and collecting the tariff. Key achievements are the improvements made in the two model villages. Infrastructure in both villages was improved, and a tourist information infrastructure was completed along with info boards, signing, marking trails, info brochures and maps. Waste management, another key achievement, was completed. All waste was removed from the hots spots and transported to a landfill. A waste management plan for both villages was prepared in a participatory way and was approved by the Municipality, which then signed an agreement for waste transportation one time per week.

4. SUMMARY OF THE KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND INDICATOR PERFORMANCE 4.1 Key Achievements

D2T work focused on three Strategic Objective (SO) activities and steps. The progress was made on the “enabling environment” (SO1), “workforce capabilities” (SO2) and “product development” (SO3) which will lead to improved quality tourism services and job creation. The main key achievements are listed below:

Key achievements - SO1 Enabling Environment:

- R1A3) A multi-sector stakeholder forum with local businesses, government and non- governmental organizations, and community members actively orchestrating the economic and policy development of tourism in Diber. This forum demonstrated full participation on all D2T project initiatives and has been institutionalized in Diber’s public and private life. - R1A3) Three working groups with forum and non-forum members are active and contribute on product development, ICT and marketing; they participated on all activities of the TAP process. - R2A1) The baseline survey report was developed. The study report was disseminated among the D2T team, D2T expert group, TIC staff, and other stakeholders. - R2A2 & R2A3) The TAP document was developed and approved by municipal council. The Diber Municipality is the first of 61 Municipalities in Albania that has a TAP document in line with the new legal framework of the tourism and new draft national strategy. The Ministries, municipality staff, public/citizens and municipality council members consulted together on the TAP document. The TAP informs and provides strategic direction, not only to the project, but also for the future growth and development of the tourism sector in Diber. - R3A1) A Tourism Information Center (TIC) was set up with all facilities, and staff are offering better quality touristic services and information. More than 1500 tourists have visited this office during the touristic season. - R3A1) The PPP agreement was signed by the Municipality and LAG “Dibra Turistike, and it is functional for 5 years. USAID publicized this success story during the tourism day. - R3A3) A manual of key policies for operation of the TIC was developed, and the procedures, structures, communication, financial procedures and job descriptions of the staff was adopted with TIC staff. - R3A7) Two “Festival working groups” are active and motivated in planning. The working groups’ capacities are developed, and they will be able to successfully implement the Diber festivals in a sustainable way for years to come. Furthermore, the working group will use the Festival Management Handbook that was developed byD2T project and disseminated with project partners and TIC staff. - R3A7) The annual Calendar of Festivals was approved and announced on social media and D2T partner websites. Also, it was added to the Ministry of Tourism and Environment annual calendar of local festivals in Albania. 8 Local festivals were organized. “Harvest Festival”, “Oda Dibrane folk festival, Summer Festival, Shen Gjergji, Shen Kolli, Cherry festival, Pasture festival and the Drini River Festival. More than 20,000 visitors attended these festivals and spent money locally, bringing income into the local economy. All of them were part of the annual festival calendar, and the D2T team provided technical support to the festival working groups along with municipalities and partners and TIC staff. - R3A8) Three promotion exhibitions had participation by touristic sector stakeholders from Diber. The commitment was high, and it shows another responsibility institutionalized into the public sectors’ duties to support tourism sector. - R4A4) Targeted agro-producers and touristic operators improved performance on product standards, marketing, and quality and quantity, due to increased knowledge through training. - R4A6) Ten (10) agreements between demanders and suppliers for products are signed thanks to B2B meetings organized and coaching provided before and during the Harvest Festival for local producers, wholesalers and end-users. - R5A4) A marketing plan was developed and is being used for internal purposes and planning of TIC. - R5A4) The D2T web platform model www.visitdiber.com website is complete, and promoted tours and trip ideas, and local business in tourism product chain.

31 - R5A4) Social media was created to promote tourism in Diber. For example, there are Facebook pages “visit Diber” and “Diber Tourist Information Center,” Instagram and YouTube “visitdiber” sites.

Key Achievements - SO2 Workforce Capabilities:

- R6A2) Three study tours were organized in Albania and North Macedonia. 72 participants learned from the experiences of tourism business owners, thereby increasing awareness and knowledge of agritourism and economic potential. - R7A3) 215 stakeholders on tourist product chain such as special touristic accommodations owners and managers or personnel of hotels, bar-restaurants, farmers, transportation, agro- producers, etc., received practical knowledge and skills on culinary, hospitality, energy saving, and cross-culture training. - R7A3) 24 specialty touristic accommodations owners and managers received practical knowledge and skills on agro -tourism based on the “Brand Albania” approach. - R8A3) 30 local tour guides (the first and second pool of tour guides) of Diber successfully completed a four-week training program. The participants learned about tour guide techniques with a focus on enabling participants to receive certification as professional guides. - R9A3) Eleven (11) interns participated in the internship program and completed the full internship program. The internship manual was developed, and all instructions, templates, and applications and recruitment process for summer interns used the new tools from the manual. TIC staff gained experience in being intern advisors, supervisors, and mentors.

Key Achievements - SO 3 Integrated Product Development:

- R10A1 –A2) 5-day itineraries for 7 tours were developed, and 1400 leaflets/brochures were printed in both languages and disseminated. - 1400 leaflets for 5-day itineraries were printed and published. - 1000 brochures for 5 trails, in format A2, were printed and published. - 50 maps were designed and printed in plastic material of public places in Diber. - 300 maps for Diber trails, in format A1, were printed and published. - 2000 copies of a touristic brochure for the area is designed and published. - Two documentaries for glacial lakes of Kacni-Lure and Grama pasture itineraries were produced and transmitted in Klan TV by “Histori Shqiptare”. - R11A1-A2-A3) 5 trails were identified, 1000 brochures and maps for 5 thematic trails were published and promoted. Also, 8 info points, 107 signs, 110 km marking trails, one viewing area, and a summit marker at Korab mountain have improved the trail infrastructure in Diber. The proudest moment was when the newly designed summit marker was officially placed at the top of mt. Korabi. This marker has become a popular place with hikers to take a photo and that includes, President Ilir Meta. - R12A2-A5) 10 specialty accommodations are completed and are workable/open for touristic services. The touristic accommodation applications were evaluated through a three-step process, and ten were selected; Documents of ERCs for each proposed accommodation were prepared and approved by USAID. These accommodations improved environmental awareness and they are implementing environmental practices at their businesses such as waste management, energy efficiencies etc. R13A3) Two village models were created and small infrastructure improvements were completed. 4.2 Indicator Performance

Indicator Description & Year 1 Actual/ Year 2 Actual/ Year 3 Actual/ Year 4 Actual/ Target Actual/ unit of Target achieved Target achieved Target achieved Target achieved achieved Project measurement Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 project (total) (total) Individuals Number of 0 0 0 0 300 0 700 980 1000 980 accessing visitors informatio accessing the n about platform; Diber Number of through businesses marketing registered and and ICT promoted platform

Private Individuals 0 0 35 40 70 70 50 55 155 165 sector employed in firms that farms, guest have houses, improved handicraft and manageme other agro nt practices tourism or related fields. technologi (tour guides, es as a farmers, result of producer USG groups) assistance B2B agreements established and operational;

Person Farmers, 0 0 14,880 5,580 8,400 13,160 0 4,560 23,280 23,300 hours of producers training tour guides completed and their in private family trained sector on sustainable productive agro tourism capacity topics and supported issues of by USG interest as assistance identified from the 33 needs assessment

Number of Guest houses 0 0 6 9 15 12 1 1 22 22 specialty and camping accommod grounds ations, owners will be touristic receiving village training and models, financial trails and support for itineraries creating are specialty marketed accommodati receiving on for tourists USG- (number of funded guest houses investment and camping and grounds)) technical assistance for improving and marketing

5. SUCCESS STORY 5.1 Youth employment through tourism activities

A key aspect of the D2T project’s strategic objective was to increase workforce capabilities. This was accomplished through trainings, internships, and study tours. By investing in the community and especially young people, the objective aimed to strengthen the tourism sector by helping Dibrans gain experience and learn new skills in a professional setting. Towards this goal, the D2T project completed successfully training course of local tour guides. There were two “four-week course” sessions were led by trainers from the National Association of Tourist Guides in Albania (NATGA); the objective was prepared trainees to eventually qualify as licensed professional guides.

The group of 30 young people between the ages of 20-32 years were trained as tour guides in Dibër. All of them are now working closely with Diber Tourist Information Center. Most of them are now certified to serve as tour guides. All of them are members of NATGA network associations.

A few are running their own guest houses, hostel and camping site. It’s worth mentioning that this training brought back to Albania a former emigrant, who is now self-employed in the sector. Motivation and commitment of Dibër young people to contribute on tourism development is inspiring.

5.2 TIC a sustainable set up for tourism development for the region

Tourism Information Center was a success story for Sustainability in Diber Tourism! In Diber Municipality, D2T project established a Tourism Information Center (TIC) as a municipal public service, based on new law of Local Government. TIC has become a traditional place of ‘tourism information’ for tourists and the public; as well as, data collection (web analytics; market intelligence), information sharing, and coordination of activities among D2T actors; and the marketing and promotion of Diber tourism to the world. From the beginning of the D2T project the plan was to create a sustainability for operation and continuation of the services, through a public-private-partnership (PPP) structure between Municipality of Diber with LAG “Dibra Turistike” a local NPO in order to manage staff of the TIC, the facility, and the ICT infrastructure.

Now, the Municipality and the civil society group “Dibra Turistike” have signed a 5-year Private Public Partnership (PPP) to take it over. This PPP will help ensure the sustainability of the popular Diber Trails and Tradition project; the TIC's staff will continue to promote tourism in the Diber region and help ever increasing numbers of tourists from Albania and abroad discover the delights of Diber!

5.3 Harvest Festival Working Group

A third component of the D2T project’s strategic objectives was to promote agro-tourism products, and one way this was accomplished is through local festivals. Promoting tourism development in the area creates links between local people and businesses with domestic and foreign visitors, not only through cultural heritage but also with agriculture products, craft groups, and local talents.

Diber: Trails and Tradition (D2T) project supported successfully the local actors to increase the knowledge and skills in organizing events, celebrations and various activities that enhance community engagement and active participation in these activities, which contribute to increasing economic opportunities for the people of Dibra. A successful work was done with festival working group, which was created, comprised of community stakeholders, who then planned and organized the Harvest Festival. The Tourist Information Office (TIC), the Dibra Municipality staff, and other local actors such as NPO, and private sector, and young people and other volunteers join efforts and cooperate on organizations of this event and other local festivals. Now, the festival working group organized 8 local festivals and Harvest festival is biggest and successful harvest festival in Albania. The project supported financially only one of the festivals, as a practice for the group to follow. The group is skilled enough to continue with the organization of festivals after the project ends.

35 6. IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES

The project had a very positive impact and slowly impacted the economic development of the region through creation of employment opportunities in tourism sector and increasing number of tourists’ stays, therefore increasing the income of Dibran families. The project has positively impacted the mentality and lack of appreciation of communities and actors for the economic development engine that tourism could be, particularly for employment in an area with otherwise few alternatives. Still, its implementation has gone through some challenges, including: - Lack of legal framework on the creation and function of Destination Management Organization, which could be the future of the functioning for the Forum “Dibra Turistike”. The enhanced legal framework will ensure the sustainability of the forum. - Lack of municipal budget allocation for tourism activities, however a lot of effort has been made with the respective department within municipality. - Difficulty in coordination and communication between international and national experts. - Lack of collaboration with national and international touristic agencies due to workload, and therefore still Diber is not part of the big integrated touristic products offered from these national or international touristic operators.

7. COLLABORATING, LEARNING AND ADAPTING

D2T has collaborated with project partners and several other entities during the project period. The main achievement is the mobilization of commitment of stakeholders and in close collaboration with Municipality of Diber to ensure the necessary funding for ensuring an integrated investment in the village model established, such as Rabdisht. This is realized also with the support of local stakeholders who played an important role in community such as Head of the villages and Administrators of the Administrative Units.

Through USAID, several meetings were held with CBS, another grantee from “Tourism as a Leading Edge,” to cooperate in online marketing and sales tools. D2T will continue to share information, experiences, and discuss how this partnership will complement D2T activities, especially through the Into Albania website. The collaboration will continue also after the project ends.

8. LOOKING AHEAD

- TIC will continue operation based on the PPP agreement and all the rules and regulations established during the project implementation. - Varies touristic products for Diber are prepared and will be further promoted nationally and internationally, leading to higher number of tourists with a longer stay and as such higher revenues for TIC. - Continuous efforts of Forum lobbying activities and ensure that tourism activities and TIC are part of the annual budgets for Diber Municipality. - TIC staff (LAG Dibra Turistike) will expand the services web platform visitdiber.com is offering and ensure a sustainable revenue stream through online booking and touristic services and products promotion. - TIC staff is part of the new project implemented from ALCDF under IPA CBC North Macedonia and Albania funding. This project will further strengthen the role of TIC and its staff and further improve the tourism facilities and touristic products in Diber Municipality, with focus also in cross border area. - Strengthened networking with national and international touristic agencies to make Diber part of their touristic packages and tours. - Enforce the role of Forum and make sure that meetings are organized periodically as per agreed internal regulation.

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