Rethinking tourism: towards Fair, Creative and Sustainable Tourism Practices in Rural and Remote areas.
Dates: 26th to 29th of April 2026
Location: Upper Vjosa Valley pilot area, in the town of Përmet, SE Albania
Program details:
Transportation:
CeRPHAAL will arrange a joint minibus for transportation from Tirana to Përmeti and back, as well as for travel within the study area.
First day (26th of April) – Departure from Tirana
9:30 - Meeting at Nënë Tereza square in Tirana (https://maps.app.goo.gl/4dZRZki7NtGim95H9) and departure to the town of Përmet, with one stop to visit the archaeological park of Byllis along the Middle Vjosa Valley
12:15/30 - Arrival at the archaeological park of Byllis
15:30 – Resume travel to Përmet
17:15/30 – Arrival at the town of Përmet and hotel room allocation
Second day (27th of April) – Meeting at the Multifunctional Cultural Center (https://maps.app.goo.gl/fsbjVx5ZtxJw8xar7)
9:00-9:10 - Introduction and welcome
9:10-11:30 – Consortium meeting key issues to be discussed
11:30-15:30 – Walking field trip visit at the Bënja Canyon (https://maps.app.goo.gl/kyxcbngNa649D7ar5) along a section of the historical Vlach transhumance route. The walk will take approximately 1.45 hours with a stop for discussion and lunch box (You are advised to wear hiking shoes)
15:30-17:30 – Workshop First session: ‘Inclusive tourism: Empowering and engaging communities’
18:00-20.00 – CBS workshop ‘on business models’ organized with the participation of local stakeholder and hosted by the Cantina Dama. Participation here is limited to CBS, CeRPHAAL and local stakeholders.
Third day (28th of April) – Meeting at the Multifunctional Cultural Center
9:00-11.00 – Workshop Second session: ‘DesigningInnovative Tourism Solution that Work for Communities, Heritage, and Places’
11:00-13:00 – Guided visit of the town of Përmet; a short stop is planned in one of the traditional houses and at the Church of st. Paraskevia in the old quarter.
14:30-16:30 – Workshop Third session: ‘Policy Strategies and Recommendations for a Fair, Creative, and Sustainable Tourism in Rural Areas?
17:00 -18:30 – Discussion and concluding remarks (including project’s policy briefing)
Fourth day (29th of April)
8: 30 – Departure to Tirana with a short stop on the way (TBD)
Before arriving in Tirana City Center, we will first need to stop at the Airport to drop off some colleagues. Note that the total travel time may take approximately 4 hours!
