Albania is currently seeing a lot of new construction in its cities and along its coast. In Tirana, the city granted permits for almost 2 million square meters of new building space in 2024, which is a very high amount for a single year. Much of this is driven by new interest from international investors and projects for luxury resorts in places like Sazan Island . This growth is a positive sign for the economy, but it also means we have to be very careful. If we build too fast without a good plan, we risk damaging the nature and history that make people want to visit Albania in the first place.

One of the biggest concerns right now is how this building boom affects our protected lands and historical sites. When development is not organized, it can lead to problems for everyone. For example, international groups like UNESCO have pointed out that heritage sites like Butrint National Park are under pressure because of nearby construction and changes to protected boundaries. We also see this in the mountains, where some local families have faced the loss of their small guesthouses due to a lack of clear permits, even though they invested their life savings to help tourists explore the region. Additionally, our waste systems are struggling to keep up; currently, 73% of waste in the Mediterranean is plastic, and we need better ways to manage the trash and water needs created by so many visitors.

The Circular Tourism Albania project focuses on helping VET institutions move toward a more sustainable way of working.

Managing growth is about looking at the big picture. If we protect our forests, our clean water, and our ancient towns, we ensure that tourists will keep coming back for years to come. Quick profits from building can lead to long-term problems if we aren’t careful, so it is important for everyone to have a voice in how our destinations are developed. The Circular Tourism Albania project is here to help VET schools navigate these changes. Together, we can build a tourism industry that respects our land and supports our local communities for a long time.