TIRANA, Sept. 6 /ATA/ – Agritourism is gaining ground in Albania’s rural areas, creating a development model that combines tradition, local production and tourism. Investment supported through funding programmes is encouraging rural families and businesses to revive authentic Albanian traditions and turn them into sustainable economic opportunities.
Prime Minister Edi Rama on Sunday posted photos on social media from the “Oda e Hasanbeut” agritourism establishment.
Rama said the facility, located in the hills of Petrelë in Tirana’s rural area, was established with support from the IPARD II programme. The family-run business offers traditional Albanian flavours, using fresh produce from local farmers as well as Albanian wine.
Beyond being a tourist destination, such businesses demonstrate how support for agritourism can help connect farmers, local production and tourism.
Agritourism is also seen as a tool for creating jobs and increasing the value of agricultural output. As more such businesses develop, farmers have greater opportunities to sell their produce not only as raw materials but as part of a broader economic value chain.
IPARD has been an important source of support for agribusiness, agro-processing and agrotourism, helping drive investment and improve standards in the rural economy.
Support for the sector is also continuing through the 2026 National Scheme and the Sovereign Guarantee Instrument, which aim to expand financing opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses.
The development of agritourism is therefore not only about creating new tourist facilities. It is also part of a broader policy aimed at making Albania’s countryside more attractive for living, production and investment, while turning authenticity, tradition and local produce into an economic advantage.
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