Agritourism is increasingly becoming a brand of Albanian countryside as the future for development of the rural economy across the country. This agricultural-based operation represents a tremendous potential for employment and a golden opportunity for the agricultural products and crops grown by people involved in farming activities. In a conversation the Prime Minister Edi Rama had with an entrepreneur in agritourism sector in Gjipal, Shijak, the owners of such businesses acknowledged they are really satisfied with the progress of their guesthouses and underlined that a growing number of local farmers are involved in the value chain of this sector. Such a model is also attracting a growing number of young people, who are engaged in building greenhouses and farms. “This is the harbinger to introduce first agritourism in this wonderful area and it is definitely a contribution to the model we are helping create throughout the country. You were sceptical at first when we encouraged you to embark on this business and here you are today,” PM Rama said.

The hilly area, the Erzen River, the area’s natural landscape combined with the hard work to start vineyards and grow organic products are the elements of success in this area. “Attracting a growing number of foreign visitors has become part of our work. I didn’t expect to reach such a standard within a short time, a chain linked with business that has brought a fresh spirit and is encouraging young people to engage in farming and agricultural activities,” the entrepreneur said. 

More than 50 families in this area alone are involved in growing vegetables in greenhouses. A young man said he has built greenhouses in an area of five hectares. Building greenhouses is becoming a trend that is also attracting many families and individuals to return back home from the countries they have been living and working to cultivate the land and transform their private family homes into guesthouses. “The young people who have realized it will be in a whole new level in the next five to ten years. We have relaxed procedures to attract foreign workers. Time has come to attract foreign workers to our country. If you are to look at the neighbouring countries, all of them have attracted a lot of foreign workers. The country offers ample opportunities to involve them in various sectors,” the Premier said.

Agritourism will continue to be a trend in the country’s tourism industry and the Premier urged everyone to prepare investment plans and pledged support for them under the national support schemes through the Albanian Agricultural and Rural Development Agency. The Premier also noted that the government’s decision to increase the minimum wage would help business as higher salaries would motivate skilled workers to take up job positions at these businesses. The government investment projects to build and upgrade rural infrastructure throughout the country will also give an impetus to agritourism development.