S&T Country Report - Albania - WBC-INCO Net

Name of
initiative:
Specialty Tourism Cluster
Contact: Contact via EDEM project (Albanian Enterprise Development
and Export Markets Services)
Email: edemstaff@dai.com
Website: Not available
Tourism was one of the initial clusters selected by the EDEM as an industry with
significant potential to contribute to Albania’s economic development, as well as the
sustainable development and protection of the country’s natural and cultural heritage.
Tourism is a diversified and highly competitive industry. With poor infrastructure and
extensive regional competition in the traditional mass market tourist segments like
“sun and sand”, Albania is not well positioned for mass market tourism. The country
is, however, potentially well positioned for the development of specialty tourism
segments such as adventure travel, ecotourism, cultural tourism and agro-tourism.
Based on an industry assessment, it was decided that the focus should be placed on
“Specialty Tourism” including adventure and sports, culture and the archaeological
and historical heritage of Albania, where Albanian tourism industry could develop
competitive advantages.
The first cluster meeting was held on March 24, 2004 and was attended by 33
representatives from the industry. Three areas of focus were selected:
• Marketing and promotion of Albanian tourism destinations;
• Training on all the levels of staff in tourism industry; and
• Advocacy on issues related to Government policies that affect the tourism
industry.
Cluster members formed three task force groups and each was given the task to
address one of the three high priority directions. Chairpersons for each group were
identified and work plans for short, medium and long term activities were drafted.
Increased participation of representatives from different municipalities and regions in
the cluster meetings and other cluster activities indicate the positive results of these
efforts. Presently the Specialty Tourism Cluster has 80 members encompassing
travel agencies, tour operators, hotels and other accommodation structures as well
the supportive network of the tourism industry like Albanian government ministries
and agencies, associations, organizations, donor organizations, and educational
institutions. Communication and information exchange among cluster members is
considered an important function of the cluster.
Industry/Sector (technology area): Tourism
International activities: Co-operation with the US Peace Corps
page 18/ALB