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| Albania, Berat County, Berat, Mangalem, Ottoman houses and castle rock at blue hour, bridge over Osum river |
Albania is not just a low-cost alternative to Italy but a conscious choice for its extraordinary natural offerings, making it unique in the European panorama, says Mirela Kumbaro, the Minister of Environment and Tourism, in an interview with "La Repubblica."
The goal of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation's office in Tirana is to align economic development with environmental sustainability, a critical point in the country's accession negotiations with the EU.
Over the past ten years, the tourism sector has been a priority in Italy's development cooperation strategy.
Environment and sustainable tourism are crucial topics for the Albanian government.
"The ministry's vision is to develop tourism not only focused on the coastline but throughout the country and for an extended duration throughout the year," said Kumbaro.
Albania is rich in untouched natural areas, potentially attracting travelers.
Its natural spirit, coupled with a sustainable approach, needs to be preserved in line with the work carried out by Italian Cooperation.
Projects initiated with Italy aim to contribute to the development of over 15 natural parks and nearly 800 protected areas, representing 21.5% of the territory.
From 2000 until now, together with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, significant projects in environmental and tourist sustainability have been implemented, involving cities such as Vlora, with the Narta and Llogara natural parks, and the area of Përmet.
Hence, the work of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation goes hand in hand with the Albanian government's environmental investments, a priority for Albania, demonstrating a long-term vision aimed at protecting the territory.
"We are investing so that people stay in their cities, work, and build their future there, whether urban or rural," said Kumbaro.
"We believe that the value lies precisely in diversity from one village to another, from one city to another, and we want to preserve this precious asset," she added.
"The idea is to export the Italian model of villages and consortia," said Stefania Vizzaccaro, head of "AICS Tirana," the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.
The objective is to increase and strengthen agrotourism activities, allowing farmers not only to produce but to turn their unique characteristics into the art of hospitality, similar to small Italian villages.
"With AICS, we have also worked on the quality of agricultural products, aligning them with European standards to guarantee high-quality production," said Vizzaccaro.
"Thus, 'Made with Italy' was born, an ethical brand to promote excellent Albanian products and their territories," she added.