From Tradition to Transformation: The Role of SMEs in Advancing Sustainable Tourism in Albania
Kladiola Gjini - Faculty of Economics, University of Elbasan ‘Aleksandër Xhuvani’, Rruga ‘Ismail Zyma’ Elbasan, Albania
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31410/tmt.2023-2024.21
Kladiola Gjini - Faculty of Economics, University of Elbasan ‘Aleksandër Xhuvani’, Rruga ‘Ismail Zyma’ Elbasan, Albania
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31410/tmt.2023-2024.21
8th International Thematic Monograph - Modern Management Tools and Economy of Tourism Sector in Present Era, Belgrade, 2023/2024, Published by: Association of Economists and Managers of the Balkans in cooperation with the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality, Ohrid, North Macedonia; ISSN 2683-5673, ISBN 978-86-80194-81-3 ; Editors: Vuk Bevanda, associate professor, Faculty of Social Sciences, Belgrade, Serbia; Snežana Štetić, full time professor, The College of Tourism, Belgrade, Serbia, Printed by: SKRIPTA International, Belgrade
Abstract: Albania’s tourism industry has seen significant growth, captivating travelers with its stunning landscapes, cultural heritage, and inviting atmosphere. Within this context, SMEs in the hospitality sector have arisen as key players, advocating sustainable tourism. This chapter presents how Albanian SMEs’ have transitioned from traditional to eco-conscious businesses, evaluating their contributions to economic, environmental, and social sustainability, all while preserving local traditions and culture. Findings suggest that these SMEs significantly support local communities, generating employment, sourcing locally, and supporting regional development. Moreover, they exhibit greater innovation and creativity in sustainable tourism. Albania’s SMEs show a growing commitment to environmental and social sustainability, embracing eco-friendly measures while enhancing connections between tourists and local communities. Despite their positive impact, challenges hinder their full potential. To address these, targeted support from policymakers and industry stakeholders is essential.
Keywords: Sustainable tourism; SMEs; Albania; Tradition; Transformation
REFERENCES
Alonso-Muñoz, S., Torrejón-Ramos, M., Medina-Salgado, M.-S., & González-Sánchez, R. (2023). Sustainability as a building block for tourism - future research: Tourism Agenda 2030. Tourism Review, 78(2), 461-474. https://doi.org/10.1108/tr-12-2021-0568
Cohen, E. (1978). The impact of tourism on the physical environment. Annals of Tourism Research, 5(2), 215-237. https://doi.org/10.1016/0160-7383(78)90221-9
Destek, M. A., & Aydın, S. (2022). An empirical note on tourism and sustainable development nexus. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(23), 34515-34527. https://doi. org/10.1007/s11356-021-18371-9
Dibra, M., & Oelfke, T. (2013). Students’ Perceptions and Attitudes toward Sustainable Tourism Development in Albania. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences. https://doi. org/10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n10p706
Domi, S., Capelleras, J.-L., & Musabelliu, B. (2020). Customer orientation and SME performance in Albania: A case study of the mediating role of innovativeness and innovation behavior. Journal of Vacation Marketing, 26(1), 130-146. https://doi.org/10.1177/1356766719867374
Domi, S., Keco, R., Capelleras, J.-L., & Mehmeti, G. (2019). Effects of innovativeness and innovation behavior on tourism SMEs performance: The case of Albania. Economics & Sociology, 12(3), 67-85. https://doi.org/10.14254/2071-789x.2019/12-3/5
Gjini, K. (2014). Small and medium sized enterprises; growth factors. European Scientific Journal, ESJ, 10 (7).
Hall, D. R., & Richards, G. (2000). Tourism and sustainable community development. London: Routledge.
INSTAT. (2023a). Arrivals of foreigners in Albania by purpose of travel 2014-2022. Tiranë.
INSTAT. (2023b). Main indicators by size class of enterprise 2016-2021. Tiranë.
Jones, P., Hillier, D., & Comfort, D. (2017). The Sustainable Development Goals and the Tourism and Hospitality Industry. Athens Journal of Tourism, 4(1), 7-18. https://doi.org/10.30958/ ajt.4.1.1
Ministry of Tourism and Environment. (2019). National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism Development 2019-2023. Tiranë: Ministry of Tourism and Environment.
Ministry of Tourism and Environment. (2022). Statistika ekonomike per turizmin. Raportim vjetor. Tiranë.
Recchini, E. (2023). Official statistics for measuring the sustainability of tourism: the UNWTO initiative. Proceedings e report, 47-52. https://doi.org/10.36253/979-12-215-0106-3.09
Sharpley, R. (2000). Tourism and Sustainable Development: Exploring the Theoretical Divide. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 8(1), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669580008667346
UNWTO. (2023a). Tourism data and matching priorities-Albania. World Tourism Organization.
UNWTO. (2023b). World Tourism Baromater. World Tourism Organization.
Wenkam, R. (1975). The pacific tourist blight. Annals of Tourism Research, 3(2), 68-77. https:// doi.org/10.1016/0160-7383(75)90023-7
World Bank. (2023, April). World Tourism Organization, Yearbook of Tourism Statistics, Compendium of Tourism Statistics and data files. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/ST.INT. ARVL?end=2020&locations=AL&start=2001&view=chart&year_low_desc=true
World Tourism Organization. (2024). Tourism Doing Business – Investing in Albania, UN Tourism. Madrid.
WTTC. (2024). Albania Economic Impact Report. World travel and tourism council
Keywords: Sustainable tourism; SMEs; Albania; Tradition; Transformation
REFERENCES
Alonso-Muñoz, S., Torrejón-Ramos, M., Medina-Salgado, M.-S., & González-Sánchez, R. (2023). Sustainability as a building block for tourism - future research: Tourism Agenda 2030. Tourism Review, 78(2), 461-474. https://doi.org/10.1108/tr-12-2021-0568
Cohen, E. (1978). The impact of tourism on the physical environment. Annals of Tourism Research, 5(2), 215-237. https://doi.org/10.1016/0160-7383(78)90221-9
Destek, M. A., & Aydın, S. (2022). An empirical note on tourism and sustainable development nexus. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(23), 34515-34527. https://doi. org/10.1007/s11356-021-18371-9
Dibra, M., & Oelfke, T. (2013). Students’ Perceptions and Attitudes toward Sustainable Tourism Development in Albania. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences. https://doi. org/10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n10p706
Domi, S., Capelleras, J.-L., & Musabelliu, B. (2020). Customer orientation and SME performance in Albania: A case study of the mediating role of innovativeness and innovation behavior. Journal of Vacation Marketing, 26(1), 130-146. https://doi.org/10.1177/1356766719867374
Domi, S., Keco, R., Capelleras, J.-L., & Mehmeti, G. (2019). Effects of innovativeness and innovation behavior on tourism SMEs performance: The case of Albania. Economics & Sociology, 12(3), 67-85. https://doi.org/10.14254/2071-789x.2019/12-3/5
Gjini, K. (2014). Small and medium sized enterprises; growth factors. European Scientific Journal, ESJ, 10 (7).
Hall, D. R., & Richards, G. (2000). Tourism and sustainable community development. London: Routledge.
INSTAT. (2023a). Arrivals of foreigners in Albania by purpose of travel 2014-2022. Tiranë.
INSTAT. (2023b). Main indicators by size class of enterprise 2016-2021. Tiranë.
Jones, P., Hillier, D., & Comfort, D. (2017). The Sustainable Development Goals and the Tourism and Hospitality Industry. Athens Journal of Tourism, 4(1), 7-18. https://doi.org/10.30958/ ajt.4.1.1
Ministry of Tourism and Environment. (2019). National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism Development 2019-2023. Tiranë: Ministry of Tourism and Environment.
Ministry of Tourism and Environment. (2022). Statistika ekonomike per turizmin. Raportim vjetor. Tiranë.
Recchini, E. (2023). Official statistics for measuring the sustainability of tourism: the UNWTO initiative. Proceedings e report, 47-52. https://doi.org/10.36253/979-12-215-0106-3.09
Sharpley, R. (2000). Tourism and Sustainable Development: Exploring the Theoretical Divide. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 8(1), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669580008667346
UNWTO. (2023a). Tourism data and matching priorities-Albania. World Tourism Organization.
UNWTO. (2023b). World Tourism Baromater. World Tourism Organization.
Wenkam, R. (1975). The pacific tourist blight. Annals of Tourism Research, 3(2), 68-77. https:// doi.org/10.1016/0160-7383(75)90023-7
World Bank. (2023, April). World Tourism Organization, Yearbook of Tourism Statistics, Compendium of Tourism Statistics and data files. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/ST.INT. ARVL?end=2020&locations=AL&start=2001&view=chart&year_low_desc=true
World Tourism Organization. (2024). Tourism Doing Business – Investing in Albania, UN Tourism. Madrid.
WTTC. (2024). Albania Economic Impact Report. World travel and tourism council
| tmt.2023-2024.21.pdf |
Association of Economists and Managers of the Balkans
- UdEkoM Balkan -
179 Ustanicka St, 11000 Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
E-mail: [email protected]
www.udekom.org.rs
- UdEkoM Balkan -
179 Ustanicka St, 11000 Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
E-mail: [email protected]
www.udekom.org.rs
Tel. +381 62 812 5779
VAT number: 108747027
Registration number.: 28157347
Registration number.: 28157347