This celebration marked not only the beginning of the harvest of the indigenous grape variety Kallmet, but also a culminating moment for the promotion of wine tourism and sustainable agrotourism in the country.

“Harvest in Fest” brought together tour operators, wineries, agrotourism, local government representatives, experts in the field and young people, who share a common vision for a more developed and welcoming rural Albania. Through the promotion of varieties such as Kallmet, the participants experienced firsthand the process of wine production and the local culture that surrounds it.

This is an example of how Albanian wines, agricultural heritage and authentic experiences can be transformed into assets for the development of tourism and the strengthening of the local economy.

The activity was carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the German GIZ project, with a focus on strengthening rural communities through agrotourism and innovation.

The GIZ program, through SRD II (Rural Development Program II), aims to support 200 small and medium-sized enterprises operating in the fields of hospitality, gastronomy, agrotourism and nature tourism. The intervention includes professional training in customer service, food safety and waste management and capacity development for quality and sustainable tourism.

Funded by the governments of Germany, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, the program runs from 2023 to 2026 and aims to create opportunities for self-employment, local economic development and strengthen the connection between tradition and innovation. /e.xh/j.p/p.s./