TIRANA, NOVEMBER 22, 2010     USAID, in partnership with Albania’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Sports, invited international tourism experts from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, the National Geographic Society and Expedia to meet with Albania’s leading tourism businesses to discuss  ways to adopt a more sustainable approach to business growth and increase access to markets.

The Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC) are a set of 37 voluntary standards representing the minimum that any tourism business should aspire to reach, in order to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources, while ensuring tourism meets its potential as a tool for poverty alleviation. Unlike other countries in the region, Albania lacks a rating system that many travelers rely on to plan accommodations and travel itineraries. 

Albanian tourism has grown at a significant pace over the last few years, contributing over US$ 2.4 billion in 2009 to the Albanian economy, with expectations to grow by 4% in 2011 -- based on statistics from the World Travel and Tourism Council. Over 200,000 Albanians are involved in tourism businesses and this number is expected to grow in 2010-11, despite the effects of the global crisis on the travel and tourism industry.

“Tourism in Albania is at a critical juncture,” said USAID’s Mission Director Joseph C. Williams in remarks at the USAID-sponsored workshop on sustainable tourism.  “Choices being made today are important to both capitalize on and protect Albania’s rich natural, cultural, and historical resources.  The Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria and Authentic Albania Quality Mark program are good ways to ensure that tourism in Albania is sustainable and based on international trends and best practices.”

In the coming months, USAID and the Albanian Tourism Association will launch Albania’s first quality rating system for tourism accommodation businesses.  Hotels and accommodations will be evaluated based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria and then be awarded a gold, silver, or bronze classification that will be published on travel sites and in brochures and publications for foreign tourists. 

“The Authentic Albania Quality Mark will become an important marketing tool for new and expanding businesses in the tourism sector as a mark of quality and customer service,” said Matilda Naco, Executive Director of the Albanian Tourism Association.  “And while it directly benefits businesses, it will also serve as a guide for visitors to have the best possible experience in Albania.”

About Rritje Albania:  Rritje Albania, USAID’s Competitive Enterprise Development project, advances sustained, broad-based economic growth in Albania by expanding trade and investment, increasing enterprise productivity and improving Albania’s workforce.  The project assists non-agricultural enterprises in becoming more competitive, increasing sales, and creating additional jobs. For more information on USAID/Albania’s initiatives in Tourism, visit http://www.rritjealbania.com/.

For more information about the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria, please visit: http://www.sustainabletourismcriteria.org/