TOURISM PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT FOR THE KORÇA REGION

ELEINA QIRICI
ILIR SOSOLI

 

Abstract

Tourism in Albania is a relatively new phenomenon. During the 50 years of communist rule groups of Western tourists were only allowed to visit Albania, after the 1980’s. Since the end of dictatorship, tourism has been progressing, slowly at first but at spectacular rates in the recent years. Albania’s vast number of tourism assets offers a range of different experiences to visitors – from 470 km of Mediterranean coast with excellent beaches to mountain areas and lakes as well as rich and varied cultural heritage and remarkable history. The most visited areas of the country include the capital Tirana, mostly as a gateway to Albania and for business purposes; the coast with the beach resorts at Durres near Tirana and Vlore in the south; the archaeological sites of Butrint and Apollonia; and the historical towns of Berat, the “town of 1000 windows”; and Gjirokastra, the UNESCO heritage site. The north of the country offers wild mountainous landscapes and excellent eco and adventure tourism opportunities. The Korça Region located at the South-East of the country is reputed for its culture and history as well as its lakes (Ohrid and Prespa), historic villages and mountains. The region has a range of products based on its history, culture and traditions, its villages, lakes and mountains.

 

Key words

tourism product, tourism development, Korça region, Albania

 

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