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CIRCULAR TOURISM Meet the Partnership With more than 11.7 million visitors in 2024, Albania is becoming a top travel destination. But rapid growth comes with responsibility. How can tourism evolve without compromising the environment, local communities, or long-term viability? CIRCULAR TOURISM is an Erasmus+ Capacity Building project in the field of Vocational Education and Training (VET), created to address this challenge. The project aims to strengthen the capacity of VET institutions and tourism SMEs in Albania to adopt circular economy practices, reduce waste, use resources more efficiently, and prepare the sector for a greener, more resilient future. Who We Are The project brings together eight partners from Germany, France, Spain, and Albania, combining expertise in tourism, education, entrepreneurship, and local development: DE – ITALIENISCHE HANDELSKAMMER FÜR DEUTSCHLAND – Coordinator FR – EURAKOM ES – DomSpain Consulting SL FR – EURAKOM SASU AL – AULEDA – Local Economic Development Agency AL – Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tirana AL – Qendra e Formimit Profesional Publik Vlorë AL – Shkolla Profesionale “Antoni Athanas” Sarandë AL – Shkolla Profesionale Elbasan We promote sustainability as a long-term strategy, not a trend. What We Aim to Achieve Through a mix of training, collaboration, and practical tools, CIRCULAR TOURISM supports the twin transition—green and digital—within Albania’s tourism ecosystem. Our approach links education and industry, empowering professionals with the skills and knowledge needed for sustainable tourism development. Follow us for updates and insights Facebook Linkedin

Introducing Circular Tourism Albania: A Step Towards Sustainable Growth Albania’s tourism sector is experiencing an unprecedented surge, with a 35% increase in tourist arrivals compared to 2022. While this growth signals economic opportunity, it also raises critical concerns: How can Albania ensure sustainable tourism development? How can local businesses and vocational education institutions integrate circular economy principles? And how can tourism professionals be equipped with the necessary skills for a greener, more resilient future? The Circular Tourism Albania project is designed to address these pressing questions by fostering sustainable, digital, and circular tourism practices. By bringing together Vocational Education and Training (VET) schools, SMEs, and industry experts, the project aims to build capacity, enhance international collaboration, and promote innovative approaches to tourism in Albania. Why Circular Tourism? Tourism is a key driver of Albania’s economy, yet its rapid expansion brings challenges such as environmental degradation, overuse of resources, and a skills gap in sustainable tourism management. A circular approach to tourism focuses on reducing waste, improving resource efficiency, and creating closed-loop systems that benefit both businesses and local communities. This means: Encouraging eco-friendly tourism initiatives that minimize environmental impact. Supporting local businesses in adopting sustainable business models. Enhancing education and training to equip future professionals with circular economy principles. Strengthening cooperation between Albanian VET schools and their European counterparts in Germany, France, and Spain. How Circular Tourism Albania Will Make an Impact The project takes a holistic approach to tackling sustainability challenges in tourism. Activities include: Mobilities and study visits for educators and students to learn best practices from European VET institutions. Training programs and webinars on circular economy strategies tailored to the tourism and hospitality sector. Mentoring programs for SMEs, helping them integrate sustainable solutions into their business operations. Education-business collaboration, bridging the gap between academia and industry to create lasting change. A Vision for Albania’s Future in Sustainable Tourism The Circular Tourism Albania project aligns with broader European strategies, including the EU Green Deal and the New EU Growth Plan for the Balkans, which emphasize sustainable economic development and international cooperation. By embedding circular economy principles into Albania’s tourism sector, the project contributes to the country’s long-term economic resilience and its future integration into the European Union. This initiative is more than just a response to current challenges—it’s an investment in a sustainable, circular, and prosperous tourism sector for Albania. Join us on this journey as we work towards a greener, more responsible future for tourism! Stay updated with our latest developments by following us on social media platforms!