Albania, Kosovo co-operate to revive trails for via Dinarica

Albania and Kosovo launch co-operation to revive mountain trails and link to the “Via Dinarica” corridor.

The Albanian Development Fund and sister organisation in Kosovo, CDF (Fondy for Community Development), have begun work on implementing this project, which is financed through the IPA funds, the Kosovo Interborder Co-operation Programme .

The goal is to include a number of Albanian Alps on the Via Dinarica route, already part of the global platform for mountain tourism, named by National Geographic Traveler in 2017 as one of the best places to visit.

“via Dinarica” is estimated in the Albanian Alps National Tourism Sector Plan (PKST) as one of the most important tourist routes to develop. “Via Dinarica” is a 2,000km long path and crosses Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia.

Albania and Kosovo will work together for a series of interventions in improving tourist infrastructure, restoring mountain trails on both sides of the border, increasing access to walking and bicycles, etc.

The goal is to include a number of trails in the Albanian Alps on the Via Dinarica route, already part of the global platform for mountain tourism named by National Geographic Traveler in 2017 as one of the best places to visit.

“Via “Dinarica” is a cultural corridor that naturally through new or existing trails connects seven Western Balkan countries and communities, disseminating an impressive variety of species and traditions.

In essence, not only is the region's potential for tourism promoted but also the development of remote rural areas along the path and the growth of local population prosperity through promotion of tourist services.

During 2017, The FSHH has been selected as partner in 6 projects funded by CBC/border Co-operation Programmes. These projects focus on tourism development and innovation in the environment. Total projects have a value of 1 million ruros and started implementing at the beginning of 2018.

Albania's Alps rank at the top of this route, Via Dinarica, due to the surprising environment.

The goal is to ensure the proper combination between adventure tourism and authenticity. Strong peaks, modeled trails, traditional dwellings, fresh food and hospitality from locals.

This is what the Via Dinarica route project offers, with the impact on increasing a new influx of tourists, through a new side of tourism, without previously exploring in our country and the geographically extended Balkan region.