“Supported by the National Scheme, Preza’s Enol winery was among the first certified agritourism businesses in Albania to build a strong local network, sourcing authentic Albanian goods directly from area farmers.,” the minister wrote.

Salla emphasized that the winery offers domestic and foreign visitors an authentic experience through Albanian wines produced from indigenous cultivars, contributing to the promotion of rural tourism and local products. / /gj.m/ a.jor./p.s./

One such project is the “Tomadhe” guesthouse, located on the outskirts of Tirana near the Shengjergj Waterfall and Rabbit Lake, two of the area’s natural attractions.

Prime Minister Edi Rama on Saturday shared images of the guesthouse on social media, saying it combines traditional architecture with modern amenities to offer visitors an authentic rural experience.

“With traditional dishes prepared from fresh local produce, as well as outdoor activities including hiking, cycling and nature walks,” ‘Tomadhe’ has become a popular destination for both domestic and foreign tourists,” Rama said.

The guesthouse received support from the Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development (AZHBR) under the government’s National Scheme, which encourages investment in agritourism.

In addition to accommodation, visitors can sample locally sourced traditional cuisine and take part in outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and guided walks.

The Albanian government has promoted agritourism as a way to unlock the tourism potential of rural areas, create new sources of income for local communities and offer visitors experiences centred on nature, local traditions and regional cuisine.

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In a post on social media, Rama drew attention to the ALDOR guesthouse in the village of Syzez, describing it as an example of how agritourism is helping preserve culinary traditions while creating opportunities for local communities.

“The ALDOR guesthouse in Syzez, Berat, is a family-run business that welcomes Albanian and foreign visitors in a unique setting, offering cuisine prepared with fresh local ingredients. Working with around 10 farming families, the guesthouse brings the authentic flavours of Berat to the table, supporting local producers and contributing to the development of agritourism in the area,” Rama wrote.

Agritourism investments are contributing to the economic revitalisation of rural areas by promoting local products, traditional cuisine and Albania’s natural assets, the prime minister said.

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Praising the investment as a benchmark for local agritourism development, Koçiu reaffirmed that supporting the sector remains a priority. She noted that financing schemes and the IPARD III program are creating concrete expansion opportunities nationwide, while encouraging citizens to explore the region’s nature and traditional cuisine.

On his part, Agriculture Minister Salla emphasized that the development of the area is not only related to natural beauties, but also to the people who live there.

Entrepreneur Mariglen Azizolli said that founded a year ago, N’Belik is an agritourism project designed to add value to the land and introduce local tourism. The site currently offers a restaurant and six guest units to local and foreign visitors. The owners plan to expand, strengthening the connection between farming and tourism for sustainable community development. /e.xh/j.p/p.s./

An operational programme for 2026-2029, to be implemented by the Albanian Development Fund, foresees investment of 500 million leks in a project titled “Integrated interventions for the development of cultural tourism and agritourism – Region 4”.

The project will be carried out through coordinated institutional cooperation between the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports, the Konispol municipality, the National Institute of Cultural Heritage and the development fund.

The intervention includes the creation of a museum complex and the expansion of agritourism offer in Konispol.

The investment aims not only to preserve heritage but also to turn it into a driver of local economic and social development, positioning Konispol as a key historical and community destination.

Last year, the government designated Konispol an urban architectural ensemble of special historical and cultural value.

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Speaking at a meeting of the ruling Socialist Party (SP) in Tirana, Rama said mayors would not be re-nominated in the next local elections unless they facilitate at least 10 development projects under the scheme.

He described the “Mountain Package” as a key measure to encourage Albanians living abroad to return and invest their savings in rural tourism.

The initiative is aimed particularly at individuals who own inherited land, often without formal property titles, he said.

“We have received a large number of applications under the ‘Mountain Package’ and this will continue,” Rama said. “There is potential for agritourism in every corner of Albania. It is a pathway to creating prosperity even in the most remote areas, by attracting visitors and tourists.”

He added that migration trends are beginning to shift, with some areas seeing more returns than departures.

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“Traditional Albanian dishes are more than food, they are a living narrative of our culture”, said the minister, while noting that, “in every dish there is a piece of history, from south to north, prepared with love by the very skillful ladies in Albanian agritourism”.

Authentic Albanian gastronomy is becoming one of the most special attractions for domestic and foreign tourists, offering not only wonderful tastes, but also unique cultural experiences in the heart of nature.

In this context, the minister invited citizens to download the “AGRITOURISM AL” application, to discover agritourism destinations throughout the country and to embark on an Albanian gastronomic journey, from north to south with organic products, traditional hospitality and rich local cuisine. /e.xh/r.e/p.s./

The Agricultural and Rural Development Agency (AZHBR) said Thursday that the scheme provides grants of up to 15 million lek per project, including support for installing solar panels.

The programme aims to expand production capacity and cut energy costs for rural enterprises, ensuring sustainable supply of up to 110% of their electricity needs.

Beneficiaries can combine the grant with a soft loan at just 2% interest and a sovereign guarantee covering 70% of collateral, enabling full project financing, according to AZHBR.

Applications remain open until September 30, 2025, as part of nine support measures designed to promote agriculture and agritourism. The initiative is intended to speed Albania’s transition to a greener, self-sustaining rural economy and make rural areas a more stable source of development and employment.

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Denaj invited domestic and foreign tourists to taste traditional dishes made with fresh local products, experience daily farm life firsthand, and share in the hospitality of Albanian farmers.

“Download the AGRITOURISM AL app and explore agritourism farms across the country, where tradition meets nature and Albanian hospitality becomes a unique experience,” Denaj wrote.

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In a social media post on Monday, Denaj highlighted the agritourism enterprise “Kodra e Godenve” in Vilë-Bashtovë, Rrogozhinë Municipality, calling it a successful example of rural entrepreneurship that preserves Albanian culinary traditions and hospitality.

The business, founded by 28-year-old Hakim Ormeni, has become a local reference point for rural tourism. Working closely with local farmers, Ormeni supplies his restaurant with high-quality, locally sourced products.

“It’s a remarkable blend of nature, culture, and Albanian hospitality that strengthens the value chain and stimulates employment in the area,” Denaj said.

Agriculture Minister also outlined new financial mechanisms aimed at expanding access to funding for rural entrepreneurs.

Through the National Investment Scheme, farmers can benefit from a 50% grant component and concessional loans backed by a sovereign guarantee. Interest rates are capped at 2%, with collateral coverage of up to 70%. Support is even greater in mountainous regions, as part of the government’s “Mountain Package.”

Ormeni shared his vision for bringing people closer to the land through fresh food and traditional cuisine. “We’ve built a comprehensive agritourism complex that includes a restaurant, swimming pool, accommodation facilities, an equestrian trail, and a small animal park that’s especially popular with children,” he said.

He expressed interest in expanding his agribusiness further by utilizing the new financial instruments presented by the Albanian government.

Agritourism has been increasingly promoted in Albania as a sustainable model for diversifying the rural economy, preserving local heritage, and attracting both domestic and international visitors.

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