Albania’s mountain regions are increasingly attracting hiking and rock climbing tourism

At a panel at ITB Berlin, experts from Albania discussed the opportunities that active tourism offers village communities in mountain regions. This year's host country has identified numerous new routes for hikers and rock climbers in cooperation with international organisations such as the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The service providers are constantly becoming more professional. A new tourism strategy is promoting sustainable tourism, which also benefits village communities in remote regions, said Deputy Tourism Minister Ilva Gjuzi.

With its white beaches and turquoise waters, Albania has become a popular holiday destination. But the hinterland also has a lot to offer. At a panel discussion at the Albania stand in Hall 3.1, Ilva Gjuzi, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Environment, explained her country's new tourism strategy. She focused particularly on "the places in between", such as the start and end points of tours. Active tourism was a wonderful opportunity to discover the diverse nature of this small country, she said. Visiting village communities offered the locals improved economic prospects.

Genuine hospitality

This is precisely the idea behind GIZ's support, explained Country Director Dr Sonja Kurz. In the five years she has been living in the country, Albania had made remarkable progress. Long-distance hiking trails such as the "Peak of the Balkans" across the "Albanian Alps" were not only well signposted, but now also had a good infrastructure, with tour operators and guesthouses. Albania wants to boost agritourism with a new app. Whether for olive harvesting or wine tasting, travellers can holiday locally with the producers themselves.

Professional structures

The Albanian Mountain Leaders Association also received support from the GIZ. Its head, Fisnik Muça, himself a mountain guide for 20 years, sees this as an important step towards making tourism more professionally organised. Elion Çikopano from Rock Tirana noticed that Albania was also becoming increasingly popular with rock climbers. He organises the Albanian Climbing Festival. The country offers easy routes for beginners as well as challenging tours. The rocky landscapes offer marvellous views and now also well-maintained routes.