Features
Off the beaten path in Albania
Adventure sports drawing tourists and changing perceptions
Albania did not share in the rapid growth in tourism that other countries in Eastern Europe experienced following the end of Communism. Political instability and trouble in the region, particularly in Kosovo, encouraged the perception that Albania was a difficult if not dangerous destination. This perception is no longer justified and it is time to look at what Albania has to offer the tourist.
On the global tourist map, Albania is a virtual unknown, an undeveloped paradise dotted with ancient Illyrian settlements and pristine beaches that has been locked away from the rest of the world for the last five decades. It is this unsullied mystique that the Albanian Ministry of Tourism hopes will draw visitors, and their much-needed hard currency, to the shores of Albania.
In the midst of this gray picture a series of new initiatives are drawing a new mentality in the way Albanians and foreigners look at the country unveiling its assets through adventure sports. One of these newly spangled initiatives is Outdoor Albania, an NGO that offers specialized tours in the Albanian nature and culture. The organization enables the exploration of Albania in full symbiosis with nature and its ancient traditions, with experienced guides that are licensed professionals of international level.
According to Genti Mati, a guide in the project, Outdoor Albania has been only registered legally for 3-months, however it has already 50-members and is continually growing. “We decided to create and promote a series of activities that we would participate on personal basis anyway. Some of us have taken part in these activities on a professional manner also in Albania and abroad, kayaking, rafting skiing. We want to encourage these activities and turn them in a sustainable process in Albania,” said Mati.
According to Mati the experience of foreigners that have joined them in their expeditions has been often surprising. When foreigners come in our tours they are very shy, as their perception is defined by the warnings of their governments about the unbeaten path in Albania, however they soon discover that the reality is different.
“The image of Albania abroad is very negative, because there is lack of information and a lack of effort by the government to promote it as a destination. In this aspect we are far behind to our neighbors, which at least will have some airtime on BBC or Euronews,” said Mati.
According to a new master-plan developed by the Ministry of Tourism, a new strategy is to behold its development in Albania, which by creating new jobs and increasing governmental revenue will aid in the growth of the country. It is believed that the natural and cultural resources of the country will attract cultured international tourists. According to the World Tourism Organization cultural and ecotourism are the fastest growing areas in the market. The goal of the new strategy is to present tourist with a unique experience presented in an authentic manner. The traditional tourism market of sand and sun is well developed in the region. It is believed that it is in Albania’s interest to pass this overcrowded market and concentrate in a faster growing area.
“If large-scale tourism of sand and sun were introduced in all the tourist attractions, it would hamper aims at constructing a high-class tourism based on the natural and cultural heritage of the country.” said Minister Leskaj while presenting the new strategy in the town of Voskopoja.
However, tourists are tricky creatures. They flock to untouched natural settings to escape the stresses of urban life, bringing the scourges of urbanity with them - pollution, litter and reckless development. This could potentially destroy the very gifts Albania has to offer.
As warm winds usher in the summer holiday season, daydreams inevitably turn to vacation scenes. Whether it be to isolated beaches, tall mountain peaks, or the bright lights of a big city the idea of leaving everyday life behind and “getting away from it all” is a siren’s song more and more of us find irresistible. With bags packed and tickets purchased we are traveling to the far corners of the world, making tourism the world’s fastest growing industry.
……………………
Features
Off the beaten path in Albania
Adventure sports drawing tourists and changing perceptions
Albania did not share in the rapid growth in tourism that other countries in Eastern Europe experienced following the end of Communism. Political instability and trouble in the region, particularly in Kosovo, encouraged the perception that Albania was a difficult if not dangerous destination. This perception is no longer justified and it is time to look at what Albania has to offer the tourist.
On the global tourist map, Albania is a virtual unknown, an undeveloped paradise dotted with ancient Illyrian settlements and pristine beaches that has been locked away from the rest of the world for the last five decades. It is this unsullied mystique that the Albanian Ministry of Tourism hopes will draw visitors, and their much-needed hard currency, to the shores of Albania.
In the midst of this gray picture a series of new initiatives are drawing a new mentality in the way Albanians and foreigners look at the country unveiling its assets through adventure sports. One of these newly spangled initiatives is Outdoor Albania, an NGO that offers specialized tours in the Albanian nature and culture. The organization enables the exploration of Albania in full symbiosis with nature and its ancient traditions, with experienced guides that are licensed professionals of international level.
According to Genti Mati, a guide in the project, Outdoor Albania has been only registered legally for 3-months, however it has already 50-members and is continually growing. “We decided to create and promote a series of activities that we would participate on personal basis anyway. Some of us have taken part in these activities on a professional manner also in Albania and abroad, kayaking, rafting skiing. We want to encourage these activities and turn them in a sustainable process in Albania,” said Mati.
According to Mati the experience of foreigners that have joined them in their expeditions has been often surprising. When foreigners come in our tours they are very shy, as their perception is defined by the warnings of their governments about the unbeaten path in Albania, however they soon discover that the reality is different.
“The image of Albania abroad is very negative, because there is lack of information and a lack of effort by the government to promote it as a destination. In this aspect we are far behind to our neighbors, which at least will have some airtime on BBC or Euronews,” said Mati.
According to a new master-plan developed by the Ministry of Tourism, a new strategy is to behold its development in Albania, which by creating new jobs and increasing governmental revenue will aid in the growth of the country. It is believed that the natural and cultural resources of the country will attract cultured international tourists. According to the World Tourism Organization cultural and ecotourism are the fastest growing areas in the market. The goal of the new strategy is to present tourist with a unique experience presented in an authentic manner. The traditional tourism market of sand and sun is well developed in the region. It is believed that it is in Albania’s interest to pass this overcrowded market and concentrate in a faster growing area.
“If large-scale tourism of sand and sun were introduced in all the tourist attractions, it would hamper aims at constructing a high-class tourism based on the natural and cultural heritage of the country.” said Minister Leskaj while presenting the new strategy in the town of Voskopoja.
However, tourists are tricky creatures. They flock to untouched natural settings to escape the stresses of urban life, bringing the scourges of urbanity with them - pollution, litter and reckless development. This could potentially destroy the very gifts Albania has to offer.
As warm winds usher in the summer holiday season, daydreams inevitably turn to vacation scenes. Whether it be to isolated beaches, tall mountain peaks, or the bright lights of a big city the idea of leaving everyday life behind and “getting away from it all” is a siren’s song more and more of us find irresistible. With bags packed and tickets purchased we are traveling to the far corners of the world, making tourism the world’s fastest growing industry.
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