Regional Development Tourism for Albania

Evelina Lusha; Luljeta Hasani

doi:10.56345/ijrdv12n3s144

Authors

Evelina Lusha Dr., Department of Integrated Studies with Practice:(Tourism Management, Management Small and Medium Enterprises), Faculty of Professional Studies, “Aleksandër Moisiu”, University, Durrës, Albania
Luljeta Hasani Dr., Department of Integrated Studies with Practice:(Tourism Management, Management Small and Medium Enterprises), Faculty of Professional Studies, “Aleksandër Moisiu”, University, Durrës, Albania

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56345/ijrdv12n3s144

Abstract

This paper assesses the possibilities and challenges of regional tourism development in Albania through available resources and sustainable practices towards realizing their full potential. Strategic directions for tourism development, heavily infrastructure based, are recommended. The paper draws its information from quantitative data obtained from government reports and tourism agencies, complemented by qualitative interviews. It has been discovered that tourist arrivals are predominantly coastal, while cultural heritage and natural resources lie in the untapped mountainous inland region. Infrastructure development and balanced regional development plans should emphasize cultural heritage that could change Albanian tourism from a seasonal coastal orientation to year-round destination. Subsequent research will be based on ecotourism, cultural tourism, and adventure tourism about the aspects of sustainable growth concerning socio-economic benefits from tourism.