TIRANA, May 25 /ATA/ – Cross border project for expansion of Via Dinarica in cross border area Albania-Kosovo was launched in Bajram Curr of Tropoja at a meeting which was attended by representatives of Albanian Development Fund, Community Development Fund in Kosovo (CDF), representatives of European Delegation, local government and associations of tourist clubs.
The project, which is funded by EU and jointly implemented by ADF and CDF, marks the first partnership of two counterpart institutions in Albania and Kosovo in cross-border projects.
It has been developed in the follow-up to the concepts of Via Dinarica and Peaks of the Balkans with the aim of expanding the geography of Albanian-speaking locations on itinerary of Via Dinarica, a global platform which starts in Slovenia and ends in Macedonia, passing across Albania and Kosovo.
The new walking and cycling trails that will link Peja, Deçan and Juniku in Kosovo with Kukes and Tropoja in Albania, rehabilitation of tourist mountain infrastructure, establishment of panoramic points on both border sides of the border, development of common market programme are expected to enrich the tourist offer and successful marketing of new destinations in regional tourist market.
Nermin Mehmeti, executive director of CDF who is upbeat about the project, said that cooperation and partnerships in the interest of common development of both countries need to be expanded and promoted in other areas.
Deputy director of ADF, Blendi Bushati, pointed out that this project is built on expertise and previous models that ADF has applied in the field of tourism. He said that diversification of mountain tourism for an all year tourism is one of the main goals in the Alps Masterplan, which is associated with packages of investments that are slated to start within this year.
Partnership between the two countries in implementation of this project, according to Francesca Renzi, CBC coordinator close to EU Delegation in Tirana aims to increase impact on both sides of the border.
Cross border project between Albania and Kosovo is expected to impact the life of communities in mountainous areas and stakeholders operating in the field of mountain tourism.
The inhabitants of Kukës and Tropoja and local tour operators will have more opportunities to capitalize on their natural resources, historic and cultural heritage to attract tourism.
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