The Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Albania (MOTE) has joined as a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)
Albania, situated in the Balkan Peninsula, often referred to as ‘Europe’s last unturned stone,’ stands as a country of diverse appeal, offering easy accessibility and a variety of experiences. Known for its blend of natural landscapes and cultural heritage, Albania presents opportunities ranging from pristine beaches to the rugged beauty of the Albanian Alps. With several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it offers a unique mix of history and contemporary attractions.
Sustainability Commitment
The Ministry of Tourism and Environment emphasizes Albania’s holistic vision for the tourism sector. This approach not only considers environmental impacts but also integrates local communities, showcasing a commitment to sustainable and community-oriented tourism practices.
In October 2024, Albania’s Minister of Tourism and Environment, Mirela Kumbaro, presented the National Tourism Strategy 2024-2030, outlining the pillars of sustainable tourism development and the goals the country aims to achieve by 2030. The strategy focuses on transforming Albania into a more formalized and diversified tourism destination. Based on six key pillars, including investments, fiscal and regulatory policies in tourism, destination management, tourism product development, marketing, and the training of qualified professionals, the strategy aims to increase tourism revenues and reduce the seasonal nature of tourism by expanding offerings year-round.
The National Tourism Strategy 2024-2030 also foresees the creation, improvement, and consolidation of tourism products by dividing the country into six tourism regions: the Adriatic Coast Tourism Region, the Northern Interior Tourism Region, the Tirana Tourism Region, the Ionian Coast Tourism Region, and the Southern Interior Tourism Region.
Through a Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework with the Government of Albania in 2022, the UN supports and works towards the complementary agendas of Albania’s Goal of accession to the European Union (EU), national priorities, as well as harmonization and aid effectiveness. This includes Albania’s commitment to achieving the SDGs.
“Albania has a unique approach to tourism that’s even reflected in our policies. We are one of the few countries where tourism and environmental management are governed by the same ministry, creating an internal check-and-balance system. Our goal is to develop tourism as the major sector of our economy, but we’re equally committed to doing it sustainably, caring for our natural surroundings. The UN Tourism Barometer shows Albania leading Europe in the rise of international visitors. Meanwhile, we’ve designated over 21% of our land as protected area, with national and natural parks offering beautiful opportunities for ecotourism such as Vjosa, the last wild river of Europe. I am confident that GSTC will help us even more towards our objectives for a sustainable tourism that respects the environment”, said Mirela Kumbaro, Minister of Tourism and Environment of Albania.
MOU between the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Albania and GSTC
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Albania, and RisiAlbania/Helvetas signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in August 2024 in order to enhance collaboration. The primary objective of this partnership is to foster cooperation among all parties involved, generating synergies that will contribute to the advancement of sustainable tourism and the application of the GSTC Criteria. By promoting mutual understanding of each other’s requirements and procedures, GSTC and the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Albania aim to elevate sustainable tourism initiatives in the country with a National Framework for Sustainable Tourism, which will encourage the tourism industry to achieve certification by GSTC-Accredited Certification Bodies.
Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Albania will host a ‘Sustainable Tourism Conference’ in Tirana on December 6th, 2024. The event will feature participation from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and various private sector and industry associations, with support from RisiAlbania, a project of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) implemented by Helvetas.
The conference will advance sustainable tourism initiatives, following the MOU between GSTC and the Ministry, by bringing together key public and private stakeholders, including the Minister of Tourism and Environment, the CEO of GSTC, a Director from the UN Tourism sector, and representatives from hotels, tour operators, and other tourism businesses.
GSTC Welcomes the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Albania
“We are pleased that the Albania Ministry of Tourism and Environment has joined our global network as a GSTC Member and are committed to promoting sustainable tourism practices. We look forward to working with them to advance sustainable tourism practices in their country,» said Randy Durband, GSTC CEO.
About the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Albania
The Albania Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Albania, is an public institution responsible for the formulation and implementation of the policies related with tourism, environment, nature protection, waste management, environmental monitoring , forest, water quality, protected area etc. Under the ministry operate two national bodies as are National Agency for the Environment and National Agency for the Protected Area. Also under the ministry is operating and functioning the national Inspectorate for the Environment and forest.
More information here: https://turizmi.gov.al
About GSTC
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council® (GSTC®) establishes and manages global sustainable standards, known as the GSTC Criteria. There are three sets: Destination Criteria for public policy-makers and destination managers, Industry Criteria for Hotels and Tour Operators, and MICE Criteria for Venues, Event Organizers, and Events & Exhibitions. These are the guiding principles and minimum requirements that any tourism business or destination should aspire to reach in order to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources while ensuring tourism meets its potential as a tool for conservation and poverty alleviation.
The GSTC Criteria form the foundation for GSTC’s assurance role for Certification Bodies that certify hotels/accommodations, tour operators, and destinations as having sustainable policies and practices in place. GSTC does not directly certify any products or services, but provides accreditation to those that do.
GSTC is an independent and neutral USA-registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization that represents a diverse and global membership, including national and provincial governments, leading travel companies, hotels, tour operators, NGOs, individuals and communities – all striving to achieve best practices in sustainable tourism. The GSTC is an ISEAL Community Member, a global membership organization for ambitious, collaborative, and transparent sustainability systems.
Information for media and the press: www.gstcouncil.org/about/for-the-press
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Statements expressed in this announcement are presented for informational purposes only and should not be taken as an endorsement or recommendation by GSTC, unless clearly stated.
