Category: Cultural and Heritage Tourism

Date: March–April 2019

Geographical Scope: Western Balkans – Albania

Partners: Sarajevo Culture Meeting (SeeCulture) and regional stakeholders

Project Overview

The project Round Tables of International Partners (Western Balkans) with Stakeholders in Albania aimed to strengthen regional cooperation in cultural and heritage tourism by promoting dialogue between international partners and key national stakeholders. Implemented within the framework of the regional initiative SeeCulture, the project contributed to the development of sustainable cultural tourism, preservation of cultural identity, and the creation of cross-border tourism networks across the Western Balkans.

Objectives

Overall Objective

To support sustainable cultural tourism development in the Western Balkans through reinforced partnerships among public institutions, cultural stakeholders, and tourism actors.

Specific Objectives

• Increase stakeholder understanding of regional cultural tourism programs, such as SeeCulture

• Strengthen cooperation between government institutions and tourism-related actors

• Promote cultural heritage as a key driver of tourism development and local identity

• Support the establishment of cultural tourism networks at the regional level

Project Description

The Western Balkans region possesses immense potential for cultural tourism, thanks to its rich and diverse heritage shaped by multiple civilizations. Unlocking this potential requires strong government leadership and a clear understanding among stakeholders of broader regional strategies that link tourism development with cultural heritage management and promotion.

Through a series of round table discussions, the project highlighted the strategic role of cultural heritage in tourism, emphasizing integrated development, professional management, and effective promotion of cultural attractions and heritage sites.

InSET’s Role and Contribution

In collaboration with the international partner Sarajevo Culture Meeting (SeeCulture), InSET acted as the national focal point in Albania, responsible for:

• Identifying and engaging key national stakeholders

• Coordinating with central and local public institutions

• Organizing and facilitating three round table meetings focused on cultural tourism

The meetings took place in Tirana on 18–19 April 2019, with participation from representatives of the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Tourism and Environment, and Municipality of Tirana, among others.

Key Activities

InSET’s main contributions included:

• Communication and coordination with the lead partner and international stakeholders

• Liaison with ministries and public authorities

• Full organization and logistical management of the round table meetings

• Development of agendas, moderation, and facilitation of discussions in Albania

Stakeholder Participation

The round tables gathered representatives from a wide range of public, private, and civil society institutions involved in cultural and natural heritage management, including:

• Institute of Cultural Monuments (Instituti i Monumenteve të Kulturës)

• Cultural Heritage without Borders Albania

• Risi Albania

• German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ)

• National Association of Tourist Guides in Albania (NATGA)

• National Tourism Agency (Agjencia Kombëtare e Turizmit – AKT)

Additional participants represented museums, galleries, archaeological and historical sites, religious institutions, tourism operators, travel agencies, individual entrepreneurs, tour guides, and NGOs active in culture and tourism.

Results and Impact

The project successfully:

• Strengthened dialogue and cooperation between institutions and tourism stakeholders

• Raised awareness of regional cultural tourism strategies

• Enhanced understanding of cultural heritage as the foundation for sustainable tourism development

• Improved networking among Western Balkan actors in culture and tourism

Project Future and Sustainability

By engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders directly linked to tourism and culture, the project solidified InSET’s long-term partnerships in the cultural tourism sector. Expected future impacts include:

• Greater visibility and branding of tourism organizations across the Western Balkans

• Enhanced cooperation and development of joint tourism products among receptive travel agencies

• Increased regional recognition and professional collaboration among cultural institutions and NGOs

• Improved skills and employment opportunities for tour guides through access to new cultural routes and innovative tourism concepts

Through ongoing collaboration with international partners, InSET continues to support follow-up actions focused on regional integration, heritage preservation, and sustainable tourism growth.