DOCSLIB.ORG

Supporting Local Rural Communities Through Tourism in Albania

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Supporting Local Rural Communities Through Tourism in Albania • Training and coaching activities for local stakeholders (Training in the development of tourism products, Background enhancement of local rural heritage, improvement of the quality of services, promotion of tourism activities etc.). Albania has been transformed from one of the poorest countries in Europe to an upper-middle-income country • management and thanks to the implementation of important reforms, heavily supported by international aid. In the last year, Albania’s Strengthening local governance through training activities on tourism planning, promotion to local authorities. government has prioritized job creation and strengthening key sectors, with a strong emphasis on tourism, which is directly responsible for 4.8% of GDP, or as much as 17% if we include both direct and indirect effects (WTTC). Project Brief • Development of an investment attraction strategy, including the organization of a foreign investments forum to attract potential tourism investors. Albania’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty and biodiversity, especially in its coastal and mountain zones, offer Supporting local rural significant tourism potential. However, the country lacks quality tourism infrastructure, good quality of services and • including through the support of local rural festivities. communities through attractive tourism products. The country also suffers from a high youth unemployment rate, poor local governance Enhance the cultural heritage of the community, and a difficulty in attracting foreign investments. The main weaknesses are the lack of capacity and knowledge of • elaboration of visitor surveys, conclusions and tourism in Albania local communities in building and managing tourist attractions, the lack of training of tourism services providers, and Evaluation of the outputs at the end of the project, recommendations. the limited tourism planning and governance capacity of both national and regional authorities. With more than 40% of the workforce employed in agriculture and almost half of the population living in rural areas, Outcome and impacts Albania is a predominantly rural country (World Bank). This, together with a favorable climate and the tourism assets • Overall, it is anticipated that the project will lead to a better informed and well trained rural tourism workforce and mentioned above, present a strong case for developing rural tourism, in particular as a vehicle for improving living the growth of tourism activity in rural areas. The impact of the project will be measured by: standards in rural areas. Recognizing such potential, the Government of Albania has made the development of rural areas a national priority. The Inter Sectoral Agricultural and Rural Development Strategy (ISARDS) is a four-year • the number of individuals in rural communities trained; program launched by the Albanian Government in 2018 which serves as a strategic framework for the rapid, • the number of representatives of local authorities trained; sustainable and inclusive development of rural areas. Within this plan, the “100 villages” initiative is aimed at • the number of new tourism activities offered in each community; enhancing the value of villages through the improvement of public infrastructure, the economic development of the • the number of jobs created in each community; surrounding areas and the development of social and human capital. In spite of the above, the Albanian Government • the percentage increase in the number of tourists visiting rural communities at the end of the project; lacks the required expertise and resources to reach the local rural communities concerned in an efficient manner, Rationale • the opinion of tourists on the quality of the services (Visitor surveys); and the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Albania has requested UNWTO support in achieving these aims. Tourism is increasingly recognized as an effective tool for the development • the percentage increase in foreign investment in tourism amenities; of rural areas and the empowerment of local communities thanks to its Overall Objective potential to create socio-economic opportunities, contribute to a For more information, contact UNWTO: balanced regional development and drive the sustainable development of The project´s main objective is to leverage Albania’s rural heritage into an engine of economic growth, contributing Institutional Relations and Partnerships at [email protected] less-developed regions. All this makes tourism a powerful ally in the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). to the development of remote areas and the boosting of the regional and national economy by empowering local communities. If properly developed, tourism has the capacity to be an important source of income and job creation and can provide a solution to economic WHAT: Rural tourism development and Objectives marginalization and rural depopulation. Rural tourism can also support support of local communities the enhancement and preservation of local traditions, customs and • Enhance employment in rural areas, especially for women and youth, through the support of local SMEs in craftsmanship, contributing to safeguarding the identity and culture of WHERE: ALBANIA, Roshnik, Berat mobilizing funds and the creation of jobs through growing tourism activity; local communities and regions. Moreover, rural tourism helps enhance natural sites and supports the preservation of local fauna and flora. Lastly, BENEFICIARIES: 700 tourism • Develop the tourism attractiveness of rural areas through the diversification of the market and through from a tourism perspective, rural tourism offers an excellent way of stakeholders and local communities from improving the quality of related services; boosting the attractiveness of remote areas, diversifying tourism offerings Roshnik and Berat and encouraging tourists to visit new and different locations. • Foster sustainable destination management through better local tourism planning, management and Tourism is a powerful vehicle to promote and reach the milestones of the ambitious 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development given that it is PARTNERS: Government of Albania decision-making processes; one of the most important sectors in the global economy and a main job and wealth creator for many countries. Tourism is now the third largest The development of rural tourism can therefore provide an excellent export category in the world, behind fuels and chemicals, and ahead of food and automotive. It provides 1 in 10 jobs and contributes to more means of engaging local actors, in particular women and youth, in than 10% of global GDP. In 2018 alone, international tourist arrivals amounted to 1.4 billion and generated US$ 1.5 trillion, while domestic tourism economic activities. This can empower rural communities and foster the DURATION: 36 months • Position the region as a rural tourism destination through an effective marketing and promotion strategy. generated a further US$ 3.88 trillion. sustainable development of a region. TOTAL COST: US$2 million • to foreign investments through a better promotion strategy and the But the sector doesn’t just play a role in economic growth; it is most remarkable for its potential to improve the quality of people’s lives. Truly Enhance the attractiveness of rural areas sustainable tourism can act as a catalyst for environmental protection, champion diverse cultural heritage, and contribute to peace-building in organization of a dedicated event. the world. In all these areas, tourism offers great potential to advance sustainable development, and thus contributes – directly and indirectly – SDGs: to the achievement of all 17 SDGs. The World Tourism Organization has been providing technical assistance in countries across the globe for more than 40 years, supported by a Main Activities wide range of donors, in partnerships with other IOs, Civil Society and the private sector. It has knowledge and expertise in the development of a sustainable, responsible and accessible tourism sector that contributes to a better world. • Analysis of the situation, which includes a comprehensive evaluation of rural destinations’ potential (Identification and analysis of tourism assets, identification of the needs of the rural communities in terms of training etc.) To scale up the efforts to unlock aid flows for tourism in the new 2030 aid architecture, UNWTO has developed a co-creation space in the T4SDGs platform for sharing developing countries’ needs. • Support for the product development and marketing strategy, which includes the identification of potential Please visit www.Tourism4SDGs.org new tourism products and markets. • Training and coaching activities for local stakeholders (Training in the development of tourism products, Background enhancement of local rural heritage, improvement of the quality of services, promotion of tourism activities etc.). Albania has been transformed from one of the poorest countries in Europe to an upper-middle-income country • management and thanks to the implementation of important reforms, heavily supported by international aid. In the last year, Albania’s Strengthening local governance through training activities on tourism planning, promotion to local authorities. government has prioritized job creation and strengthening key sectors, with a strong emphasis on tourism, which is directly responsible for 4.8% of GDP, or as much as 17% if we include both direct and indirect effects (WTTC). • Development of an investment attraction strategy, including the organization
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 2 International Tourism in Albania
    A Map of Tourism Attractions in SEE Jordan 1999; Jordan & Schappelwein 1999; https://www.ifl‐leipzig.de/de/publikationen/zeitschriften‐und‐ Tourism and Transition in the Western Balkans. reihen/europa‐regional/publications/2.html Albania as a Laboratory for Tourism Development International Conference on Tourism and Transition (Annual Conference of the German Tourism Research Group Munich, 17-18 May 2018) Prof. Dr. Daniel Göler Geographical Research on Migration and Transition, University of Bamberg Prof. Dr. Dhimitër Doka Department of Geography, University of Tirana International Tourism Attractions in SEE Agenda: 1 Introduction – Albania as Laboratory? 2 Albania and the international tourism market 3 Do offer and demand fit together? 4 Organization 5 AMSWOT-Analysis Discussion 1 Introduction – Albania as Laboratory? Arrivals of foreigners 1956-1999 International isolation until 1991 (Lichtenberger 1976: „Der isolierte Staat …“) In the late socialist period 12,000 international visits per year Highly selective and low standard internal tourism 1990s: High potentials, no experiences i.e. marginal tourism destination, but an emerging market [Pjero 2008, 234] Albanian tourism at a glance 2 International tourism in Albania: foreign visitors 2011-2016 > 5 mn international visits per year, 300 hotels with 3 up to 5 stars (1990: 30), 5.000.000 1.5 bln € turnover, 4.500.000 4.000.000 more than 6% of national GDP, 3.500.000 100,000 are direct employed in tourism, 3.000.000 2.500.000 Albania as a latecomer of transition and tourism. 2.000.000
    [Show full text]
  • National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism Development 2019 – 2023
    R E P U B L I C O F A L B A N I A MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND ENVIRONMENT NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT 2019 – 2023 1 Table of Contents: 1. Minister’s foreword ...................................................................................................... 3 2. Analysis of the Current Situation of Tourism Sector ................................................... 5 2.1. Sector overview .......................................................................................................................... 5 2.2. Analysis of Components ........................................................................................................... 6 2.2.1. Tourism products............................................................................................................... 6 2.2.2. Tourism Attractions .......................................................................................................... 7 2.2.3. Tourism infrastructure ...................................................................................................... 7 2.2.4. Accommodation capacities, travel agencies and tour operators ................................. 8 2.3. Value of Tourism in Economy ................................................................................................ 8 2.3.1. Importance of the Tourism Sector in the Economy of Albania ................................. 8 2.3.2. Human resources for tourism ........................................................................................ 11 2.4. Sector
    [Show full text]
  • Undp Art Gold Albania Programme
    UNDP ART GOLD ALBANIA PROGRAMME IDEASS INITIATIVE The second mission of “La Compagnia dei Parchi” and Federparchi for sustainable tourism in Albania Foreword 11th to 14th December 2006 The previous mission of the President of “La Compagnia dei Parchi” Mr. Roberto Di Vincenzo and the President of Federparchi Mr. Matteo Fusilli to Albania for the promotion of “La Compagnia dei Parchi” Innovation had been held on December, 11 to 14, 2006, in the framework of the IDEASS activities for the promotion of “La Compagnia dei Parchi” innovation in Albania. The first mission aimed at the promotion of the Italian Innovation La Compagnia dei Parchi (CdP) in Albania and followed the interest of the Albanian Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Sports, and Albanian Ministry of the Environment Forest and Water Administration to implement a successful strategy for Albanian Park management and development and for sustainable tourism initiatives. The Albanian Authorities expressed the will to support a cooperation project for sustainable tourism based on the experience of La Compagnia dei Parchi and proposed the realization of a common working table in order to explore the way to activate in Albania an innovative tourism product fostering economic local development. On May 24, 2007, according to the recommendations of the Albanian Ministry of Culture, Tourism, Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Water Administration and following the positive results of the mission to Albania of Italian experts of “La Compagnia dei Parchi” held on December 2006, was organized the first meeting of the Working Table for the promotion of Sustainable Tourism initiatives in Albania.
    [Show full text]
  • Ismail Kadare As Tourist Attraction
    Ismail Kadare as tourist attraction Ismail Kadare como atração turística Ilda Erkoçi University of Shkodra, Shkodra, Albania [email protected] Abstract After a short introduction to the phenomenon of literary tourism and an overview of literature and tourism in Albania, this paper offers a geocritical reading of three of Kadare’s works by analysing the literary representations of Gjirokastra and suggesting using fiction as a source of literary tourism to the writer’s hometown. The main methodology used is close reading of texts based on concepts introduced by Bertrand Westphal in his books on geocriticism. Hence, this paper is not just an informative piece of writing for its readers, but it also aims at encouraging such readers to turn into tourists and set off in search of glimpses of literary spaces – the streets and buildings inhabited by the characters in Kadare’s texts. Keywords: literary tourism; Kadare; Gjirokastra; writer’s house; geofiction. Resumo Após uma breve introdução sobre o fenómeno do turismo literário e sobre o panorama literário e turístico da Albânia, este trabalho oferece uma leitura geocrítica de três obras de Kadare, analisando as representações literárias de Gjirokastra e sugerindo utilizar a ficção como uma base para a promoção do turismo literário na cidade-natal deste escritor. A metodologia utilizada é a da leitura cerrada fundada em conceitos introduzidos por Bertrand Westphal nos seus textos sobre geocrítica. Consequentemente, este trabalho não é apenas um texto informativo, ele visa também incentivar os leitores a transformarem-se em turistas e a partirem em busca de espaços literários – as ruas e edifícios habitados pelas personagens dos textos de Kadare.
    [Show full text]
  • Towards Sustainable Tourism in Albania's Vjosa River Region
    X Towards sustainable tourism in Albania’s Vjosa River Region An analysis of the key constraints and opportunities to create more and better jobs in the region around Europe’s last wild river Copyright © International Labour Organization 2020 First published (2020) Publications of the International Labour Office enjoy copyright under Protocol 2 of the Universal Copyright Convention. Nevertheless, short excerpts from them may be reproduced without authorization, on condition that the source is indicated. For rights of reproduction or translation, application should be made to ILO Publications (Rights and Licensing), International Labour Office, CH-1211 Geneva 22, Switzerland, or by email: [email protected]. The International Labour Office welcomes such applications. Libraries, institutions and other users registered with a reproduction rights organization may make copies in accordance with the licenses issued to them for this purpose. Visit www.ifrro.org to find the reproduction rights organization in your country. The designations employed in ILO publications, which are in conformity with United Nations practice, and the presentation of material therein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the International Labour Office concerning the legal status of any country, area or territory or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers. The responsibility for opinions expressed in signed articles, studies and other contributions rests solely with their authors, and publication does not constitute an endorsement by the International Labour Office of the opinions expressed in them. Reference to names of firms and commercial products and processes does not imply their endorsement by the International Labour Office, and any failure to mention a particular firm, commercial product or process is not a sign of disapproval.
    [Show full text]
  • The Potentials of Rural Tourism in Developing Rural Areas in Albania
    DETUROPE – THE CENTRAL EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM Vol. 9 Issue 3 2017 ISSN 1821-2506 Professional paper THE POTENTIALS OF RURAL TOURISM IN DEVELOPING RURAL AREAS IN ALBANIA Henrietta NAGY a, József KÁPOSZTA b, Bledar META c a Szent István University, 2100 Gödöllő, 1 Páter K. str., Hungary, [email protected] b Szent István University, 2100 Gödöllő, 1 Páter K. str., Hungary, [email protected] c Szent István University, 2100 Gödöllő, 1 Páter K. str., Hungary, [email protected] Cite this article: Nagy, H., Káposzta, J., Meta, B. (2017). The potentials of rural tourism in developing rural areas in Albania, Deturope 9(3):188-206. Abstract The inspiration that drove us to this study is that conventional tourism in Albania is focused more on promoting seaside, cultural tourism, luxury resorts, etc. which has demonstrated a good trend. At the same time, specific parts of the country have been abandoned due to their underdeveloped situation. Given their assets as constructed and indigenous habitat, they progressively appear as regions for rural tourism development. It could provide good development opportunities in remote mountainous areas that every day more are abandoned by the population because they do not have enough employment opportunities. But as for other rural areas which have a great potential for development of rural tourism, they are not preferred by the population either to live because they do not have developed agriculture. They do not provide the opportunity to earn enough money to live on at the appropriate standard. So the development of rural tourism would help the population in such areas to diversify their activities and earn some extra income, motivating inhabitants to stay in their own areas.
    [Show full text]
  • Tourism Sector in Albania and Business Constraints to Growth Report By: Destination Management Organisation
    Market System Analysis Tourism sector in Albania and business constraints to growth Report by: Destination Management Organisation November 2014 1 Table of contents Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................... 4 1. Relevance for the Albanian economy and disadvantaged groups ............................................................ 5 2. Market System and Constraints ................................................................................................................ 7 2.1 Structure of Core Market Systems ................................................................................................ 7 2.1.1 The tourism value chain ............................................................................................................... 7 2.1.2 The Albanian tourism product ..................................................................................................... 9 2.1.3 The legal framework .................................................................................................................. 10 2.2 Dynamics and performance: key constraints ............................................................................ 11 2.3 Key underperforming market functions and rules ..................................................................... 12 3. Main interconnected markets ................................................................................................................ 14 4. Sector
    [Show full text]
  • Unknown Albania
    UNKNOWN ALBANIA A Case Study: Cultural and Environmental Tourism This document has been produced with the financi- al assistance of UNDP Albania. Its contents are the sole responsibility of IPS and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the views of UNDP Albania. Contents Introduction Ramesh Jaura 5 European Integration Takes More Than Attitude Alba Çela 7 A Few Greeks Discover Their Neighbour Apostolis Fotiadis 9 Civil Society Far From Local Needs Zoltán Dujisin 10 Forget Communism...Or Sell It Zoltán Dujisin 13 UNESCO Not A Life Saver Zoltán Dujisin 15 Ambitious New Framework To Regulate Tourism Alba Çela 17 No Time To Waste Claudia Ciobanu 18 Preserving A Beauty Called Biodiversity Vesna Peric Zimonjic 20 Energy Needs Clash With Tourism Claudia Ciobanu 22 A Provincial Capital On The Move Claudia Ciobanu 25 But Where Are the Differences? Vesna Peric Zimonjic 27 Saving Beaches For Others - And Itself Claudia Ciobanu 28 Time To Know The Unknown - Interview with Speaker of the 30 Albanian Parliament Jozefina Topalli Tourism Brings Environmental Challenge Vesna Peric Zimonjic 32 Environment And Tourism Can Hold Hands Zoltán Dujisin 34 Landing Might Be An Idea Sanjay Suri 36 Albania On The Road From The World - Interview with Sanjay Suri 38 Dr. Ylli Pango, Albanian minister for tourism Long And Winding Road Straightening Out Altin Raxhimi 40 Imprint 42 Introduction By Ramesh Jaura ince the end of the East-West cold war, tegy. UNDP is assisting the Government to create SAlbania has made significant strides in esta- the right circumstances for tourism-driven deve- blishing the foundations of democratic instituti- lopment, as well as providing assistance to local ons and a market economy, including its 1998 tourism development.
    [Show full text]
  • Tourism and Biodiversity in Albania: the Importance of Coexistence for a Long Term Development
    International Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management United Kingdom Vol. V, Issue 8, August 2017 http://ijecm.co.uk/ ISSN 2348 0386 TOURISM AND BIODIVERSITY IN ALBANIA: THE IMPORTANCE OF COEXISTENCE FOR A LONG TERM DEVELOPMENT Taulant Kullolli Marketing Department, Business Faculty, Aleksander Moisiu University of Durres, Durres, Albania [email protected] Erjonilda Hasrama Marketing Department, Business Faculty, Aleksander Moisiu University of Durres, Durres, Albania [email protected] Abstract The article discusses the process of tourism development in Albania, offering some considerations related to the negative effects emerged in the last years and also, giving some example of good coexistence of these two phenomena. As tourism is a relatively new sector in the Albanian economy, his development has grown without a long term strategy and the role of the state has been insufficient for the protection of the environment. Studies in the field of sustainable tourism in Albania are still very scarce, without any positive impact for the environmental protection. That, first of all, by the fact that, sectors close to tourism as urbanization, agriculture, and energy sector are in a phase of consolidation in the country, and tourism among them has not taken a relevant importance. The scope of the paper is to offer a contribution related to the importance of these sectors, as an economic generator for the country, by examining the most important phases of tourism development. In conclusion, we have added some recommendations related to sustainable tourism by offering some great examples of coexistence in Albania. Keywords: Sustainable tourism, development, integration, environment protection Licensed under Creative Common Page 314 International Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management, United Kingdom INTRODUCTION Albania is a country with a diverse biodiversity.
    [Show full text]
  • The Characteristics and Perspectives of Tourism in Albania Ferjolt Ozuni
    International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research Volume 9, Issue 7, July-2018 354 ISSN 2229-5518 The characteristics and Perspectives of Tourism in Albania Ferjolt Ozuni Abstract— In this paper, a general quantitative analysis of the tourism sector is conducted. It analyzes the dynamics of tourist settlements (hotels, motels, etc.) and their capacity, the income from tourism and their dynamics as well, and the government's position in this sector. Moreover, it analyzes the entry and exit of tourists in Albania, entries according to regions of the world. It analyzes the purpose of the trips of the tourists and the travel ways. After processing the material, there are extracted several conclusions: The dynamics of increasing service units should be higher, and with a broader scope both horizontally and vertically, according to the types and distributions of the tourism sector. There are insufficient advertising and tourist guides to attract foreign tourists and domestic, especially cultural tourism, archaeological, religious, mountain, culinary, health, etc. Municipalities have not paid proper attention to this sector and consequently have not decided any appropriate funds for reconstruction and development. In this material it is recommended easing Service Units from taxes, in order to be valued all of their asset. The methods used in this thesis are those of analysis and synthesis, comparisonal, descriptional and statistical methods. Index Terms— massive tourism, Albanian tourism, perspective of tourism, tourism service, net revenue from tourism, GDP, tourism economy, gdp from tourism —————————— —————————— 1 INTRODUCTION OURISM started to develop after the 1990s. Before these years, Licensing of these activities was consistent with the crite- the touristic places in Albania and the objects near them were ria, procedures and deadlines provided in Decision No.
    [Show full text]
  • Tourism and Employment in Albania – Is There a Strong Correlation?
    13th International Conference of ASECU Social and Economic Challenges in Europe 2016-2020 TOURISM AND EMPLOYMENT IN ALBANIA – IS THERE A STRONG CORRELATION? Leida Matja1 Brunilda Liçaj2 ABSTRACT Tourism is undoubted a driving force for Albanian Economy. The fast pace growing industry which provides 19.3 per cent of the total employment and contributes more than 20 per cent on Albanian GDP is considered strategic for the future development of the country. Statistics provide figures that show a correlation between the number of visitors and the number of people employed in the industry that is one of the reasons why this industry is quickly growing. But there are no evidences, nor empirical measures that prove a correlation between the overall country‘s employment and the number of foreign visitors arriving in Albania every year. The objective of the paper is to measure the contribution of Tourism to the economy of the country with emphasis on wellbeing of Albanians. The methodology of the research varies from desk research to empirical tests in order to test the correlation between the overall country employment and number of foreign visitors arriving annually in Albania. This way the results will show theoretically and empirically how strong Tourism economy is linked to almost every strategic sector of the country giving Tourism not only a strategic and important weight in the GDP but proving that it has a multiplier and stimulating effect on the whole Albanian economy and especially on the welfare of Albanian citizens. Keywords: tourism, employment, welfare, VAR model JEL Classification: Z320 1. Tourism Importance Overview For decades tourism industry growth has been a major contributor to increased economic activity throughout Albania.
    [Show full text]
  • Visitors Guide Albania
    Albania Visitors Guide MINISTRY OF TOURISM, CULTURE, YOUTH AND SPORTS National Tourism Agency www.albaniantourism.com www.akt.gov.al yours to discover TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction ........................................................ 3 National Parks ...................................................... 39 Welcome to Albania .......................................... 4 Museums ............................................................ 46 Geography ............................................................ 5 Albanian Traditions .......................................... 50 History .................................................................... 6 Culture ................................................................. 54 Population ............................................................ 10 Sports ................................................................... 57 Language .............................................................. 10 Media .................................................................... 58 Religion .................................................................. 11 Other useful Information .............................. 62 Climate ................................................................... 12 Outdoor activities ............................................ 65 Economy ............................................................... 13 Postal system and phone calls .................... 68 Agriculture ............................................................ 13 Embassies ...........................................................
    [Show full text]