Project funding EU
Project website http://ydeaacademy.com
Programme website Albania – Kosovo
Contribution to the Programme’s specific objective The socio-economic integration of youth is fostered
Project start date 15.03.2018
Project end date 14.09.2020
Project total budget EUR 545.952,96
Project EU funding EUR 464.060,02

Description The main goal of the project is to enhance the capacity and competitiveness of the tourism sector in the cross-border regions by the economic valorisation of its cultural and natural heritage to ensure socio-economic development of the project targeted areas. To reach this goal an environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive economic method will be implemented. A feasibility study will be conducted analyzing the social context, especially in regards of gender, youth, and community attitudes towards tourism/tourists. This will provide the possibility for the project team and stakeholders to identify local issues regarding potential tourism and challenges, tourism products and their marketing, visitor’s and community experience , economy, training and education, strategies and resources enhancing community involvement and support for improvement and development.
The proposed action intends to (i) increase the capacities of local farmers and small entrepreneurs with an interest in tourism development in regard to customer care, cross cultural understanding and hospitality, food safety and quality, marketing and promotion of products; (ii) increase awareness of businesses, municipalities, civil society representatives and local institutions on tourism industry development as a tool to enhance socio-economic situation of the project target area;(iii) valorise and promote natural, cultural and historical heritage of the project target areas for a sustainable tourism industry in the area.
The project is conceptualized in two phases that proceed in parallel:
Firstly, improve the infrastructure of shepherd’s huts with the identification and marking of themed trails and info point’s installation will all the necessary information for the tourist and the creation of 5 camping sites and 10 resting points in total. During the identification process of themed trails will be taken in consideration their vicinity with historical, natural or cultural sites to make the tourists’ journey more appealing.
Secondly, to enhance the capacity of the local fanners to provide good customer service to ensure more opportunities for business and achieve socio-economic goals of the target regions. In full line with the specific objectives that envisage valorisation of cultural and natural heritage as a way to promote the economic development of the target regions we will ensure the improvement of the quality of services and the local farmers’ competitiveness. Furthermore, the cultural, historical and natural heritage will be preserved and promoted. Following a gender balanced approach, a special emphasis will be given to the women’s vital role in the promotion and development of tourism in the target region. They will be taught to sell traditional products (both artistic and culinary ones) not only to raise the income of their families but also to promote the cultural and culinary peculiarities of the target regions. We will promote both tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
The main project activities are as follows:
A.1.3. Feasibility and needs-assessment study
A. 1.4 Marking and signalization of 5 themed trails
A 1.5. Instalment of 10 Touristic Info Points
A. 1.6 Instalment of 10 Resting Points
A. 1.7 Instalment of 5 camping sites
A. 2.1 Joint activity on cross -cultural understanding and hospitality
A. 2.2 Training of local farmers and small entrepreneurs on customer care
A. 2.3 Training of local farmers on food safety and production technology
A. 2.4 Training of local farmers on eco-friendly methods
A. 2.5 Training of women on traditional products marketing
A. 2.6 Two Cross-Border Study Trips
A. 2.7 Pool of local guides created
A. 3.1 Biodiversity Mapping Brochure
A. 3.2 Brochure for tourism promotion in the target regions
A. 3.3 Themed trail maps
A. 3.4 Organization of Old Photos exhibitions
A. 3.5 Familiarization trip for tour operators and journalists
A. 3.6 Organization of fairs to promote tourism
A. 3.7 Web-platform creation
A. 3.8 Web- platform promotion
A. 3.9 Promotional Video of tourist attractions
A. 3.10. Closing Ceremony
Expected results 1. Improved infrastructure for tourism development in shepherd’s huts
2. Increased capacities of rural population for tourism services in shepherd’s huts
3. Unique value of shepherd’s huts as drivers of agriculture and tourism development promoted
Expected outputs 1 Improved infrastructure for tourism development
1.1 Identification, marking, signing and promotion of thematic trails
1.2 Promotion of Eco friendly approaches for lighting and heating in order to preserve biodiversity
1.3 Improve facilities for tourists in order for them to enjoy the nature and local hospitality and tradition
2 Increased capacities for rural population for tourism services in shepherd’s huts
2.1 Develop cross cultural understanding to better offer quality of services
2.2 Share and learn from others best experiences
3 Unique values of shepherd’s huts as drivers for agriculture tourism development promoter
3.1 Develop a promotion campaign for natural, cultural and historical heritage of the project target areas
3.2 Promotion of the area through marketing web platform

Lead partner Institution name: European Centre for Minority Issues Kosovo
Country: Kosovo*
Address: Zahir Pajaziti Nr 20 Appt 6, Prishtinë/Priština
Website: http://www.ecmikosovo.org
Legal status: Private
Partner Institution name: Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS)
Country: Albania
Address: Andon Zako Çajupi, 20/5, Tirana
Website: www.aiis-albania.org
Legal status: Private