Towards an Alternative Tourism From June 2013 to March 2015 Partners Albania and partner organizations MEDF and LDA Struga in Macedonia worked to support the sustainable economic development through the promotion of alternative tourism in the cross-border area of Korça region in Albania and Struga, Ohrid, Debarca and Vevcani in Macedonia. During the initial phase of the project, Partners Albania conducted a mapping of tourism products and services with highest potential for development of tourism in the region of Korça. An important component of the project was the enhancement of businesses capacities to provide qualitative services.
TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE SOCIETY
Partners Albania and MEDF designed and implemented an intensive media campaign promoting the region as a tourist destination, through TV ads, a website, a documentary film and a series of promotional materials depicting tourist attractions in the project area. As part of the efforts to promote the region, were organized cross-border visits of business representatives, journalists and tour operators from Albania and Macedonia, exchanging experiences and promoting best practices. The project “Towards an alternative tourism” was implemented by Partners Albania, MEDF Foundation and LDA Struga, and was supported by the European Union and the ABC Foundation.
Green Ideas 2015 Partners Albania organized in May 11-12, 2015 in Tirana, the national competition “Green Ideas 2015”. This is the fourth year Partners Albania organizes the Green Ideas Competition which promotes social inclusion and local economic development through the utilization of local resources and the revival of traditions, following an environmental-friendly approach. The novelty of this competition lies on collaboration and creation of a joint seed fund created through private and business donations, local and international philanthropic donors. This year’s competition was supported by the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tirana, Credins Bank and Telekom Albania. Seventeen finalists selected from the first phase presented their ideas in front of a panel of experts who selected three winners: NaturALB Soaps, an initiative of the organization Youth Center Borderless, consists in the production of healthy natural soaps from aromatic and oil local plants, employing and supporting local farmers.
4 eyes for the nature an initiative of the Ornithological Association of Albania, consists in the promotion of Birdwatching and the protection of biodiversity and nature through offering BW in the form of a green touristic package.
From Tradition to Creativity an initiative of the association “Northern Craftswomen” consists in the production of crafts and other objects through recycling willow. The social enterprise will employ young people from disadvantaged groups in Shkodra region.
Three winning ideas will be financially supported and assisted by Partners Albania during the first year of implementation. The winners of the national competition participated in the regional competition “Philanthropy for Green Ideas” organized by Rockefeller Brothers Fund in Kosovo, on 24-27 July 2015.
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