Introduction
Albania, a country nestled in the southeastern corner of Europe, offers a unique blend of rich cultural heritage, diverse natural landscapes, and a burgeoning economy. Two sectors that have recently emerged as pivotal to Albania’s development are construction and tourism. As these industries evolve, they are not only fuelling the nation’s economic growth, but also playing a key role in its journey towards sustainability.
In this article we explore the importance of sustainable construction to bolster tourism, what this landscape looks like in Albania, and what the future has in sight.
The Importance of Sustainable Construction in Tourism
The relationship between sustainable construction and tourism is multifaceted and highly significant. Both sectors have substantial potential to contribute to a more sustainable world, particularly through the principles of the circular economy, which promotes changes from buy-use-discard to buy-use-reuse or refurbish, and from traditional ideas of ownership towards sharing economies.
One of the key ways in which sustainable construction can impact tourism is through the design and building of eco-friendly accommodations and attractions. This not only minimises the negative environmental impact but also attracts a growing segment of eco-conscious tourists. Buildings that are designed to be energy-efficient, for example, can reduce the carbon footprint of the tourism industry, while the use of local and sustainable materials can support local economies and reduce environmental degradation.
In the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has highlighted the role of both tourism and construction in achieving SDG12, which calls for more responsible consumption and production patterns. As part of the overall economic value chain, these sectors have an important role to play in the decoupling of economic development from resource use. This can be achieved through new technological advances, continuous innovation, and the strengthening of models such as the circular economy.
The UNWTO, along with the Sustainable Buildings and Construction Programme of the One Planet Network, organised an event titled ‘Tourism & Construction: Circular Economy solutions for SDG12’.
The event highlighted that embracing circularity implies robust measurement and monitoring of the impacts of tourism and construction activities, including energy and water use efficiency, climate change mitigation, waste management, local sourcing, sustainable land use, biodiversity protection, and decent employment, among others. It also stressed the need for cross-sectorial cooperation between tourism and construction, and that if properly developed and used, circular economy solutions will be instrumental to transforming the sustainability of our economic model.
However, there are still several areas to be further explored, such as the specific strategies and technologies used in sustainable construction in the tourism sector, the challenges and barriers to its implementation, and the impact it has had so far in different regions of the world. Additionally, the impact of sustainable construction in the tourism industry on local communities and economies is another important aspect that could be further investigated. Please note that more specific and updated information might be available and further research is recommended.
The Rise of Green Construction in Albania
In the face of a global climate crisis, many countries are reconsidering their traditional modes of development. The construction industry, a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, is a primary focus of these efforts. Albania is no exception to this trend. The country has committed to a significant reduction in its carbon footprint, aiming for a 22% reduction by 2025. To achieve this goal, Albania is exploring the untapped potential of green construction – an approach that emphasises energy efficiency, minimises environmental impact, and promotes sustainable practices.
On prime example of this mindset, is the conversion of the 1980s brutalist Pyramid of Tirana into a youth-focused cultural hub.
The construction industry in Albania has been highly receptive to this green shift. There is high demand for green buildings, characterised by energy-saving features such as improved insulation, efficient heating and cooling systems, and the use of renewable energy sources. These buildings are not only environmentally friendly, but also cost-effective in the long run due to lower energy bills.
Despite the increasing demand for green buildings, Albania still lacks a comprehensive framework to guide the building sector towards sustainability. This presents an opportunity for policy-makers, industry leaders, and researchers to collaborate and create a roadmap for sustainable construction in Albania.
A study conducted in Tirana, a typical city in Albania, demonstrated that the building sector has great potential for energy improvements. The study estimated projected energy savings and greenhouse gas emission reduction of 42% at the city level, simply by targeting the building sector. This impressive figure underscores the potential impact of green construction on Albania’s sustainability goals.
Tourism Development in Albania
While the construction industry is embracing green practices, another sector is simultaneously bolstering Albania’s economy: tourism. Tourism in Albania has been a key element of the country’s economic activity, witnessing constant growth. The country has become a hotspot for travellers seeking a unique blend of natural beauty, historical depth, and cultural richness.
Albania’s rich archaeological and cultural heritage dates back to the classical period when Illyrians and Ancient Greeks inhabited the region. Over the course of history, the territory of Albania was occupied and populated by Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans. This has resulted in a diverse cultural landscape, featuring archaeological sites, ancient monuments, and traditional customs.
Tourists are also drawn to Albania’s diverse natural landscapes, from unspoiled beaches and mountainous terrains to picturesque highlands and glacial lakes. The country’s traditional cuisine, characterised by fresh local ingredients and unique flavours, also contributes to its growing appeal as a tourist destination.
With a total of 3.8 million visitors, Albania was the 25th most visited country in Europe as of 2016. This significant tourist inflow has bolstered the nation’s economy and created numerous opportunities for local businesses and communities.
The Intersection of Construction and Tourism
The intersection of sustainable construction and tourism is a rapidly evolving field that is receiving attention for its potential to contribute to sustainability goals and the circular economy. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has highlighted that these two sectors, construction and tourism, play crucial roles in the economic value chain and have the potential to lead the shift to sustainable economies.
Sustainable construction in tourism can involve the creation of infrastructure that reduces environmental impacts, promotes energy and water efficiency, implements waste management, supports local sourcing of materials, and ensures sustainable land use and biodiversity protection. These factors are part of the circular economy model, which emphasises keeping resources in use for as long as possible, extracting the maximum value from them while in use, and then recovering and regenerating products and materials at the end of their service life.
SDG12 is particularly relevant to this intersection. It calls for sustainable consumption and production patterns, which both the tourism and construction industries can contribute to. The One Planet Multi-Partner Trust Fund for SDG 12 was inaugurated in 2018 to support partners’ commitments to accelerating this shift.
The One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme is part of a ten-year framework on sustainable consumption and production, aiming at mainstreaming sustainability among tourists and tourism stakeholders worldwide. It promotes changes in the consumption and production of goods and services, moving away from a buy-use-discard model to one of buy-use-reuse or refurbish, and shifting from traditional ideas of ownership towards sharing economies.
However, more work is ongoing to get into the details of specific intersection areas of sustainable construction and tourism due to its complex nature. Topics that can involve various aspects such as the design and operation of sustainable lodging facilities, the impact of construction on local communities and environments, the role of tourism in driving demand for sustainable construction, and more.
Application of Sustainable Construction in Albanian Tourism Industry
In the construction sector, Albania has seen considerable growth since the end of communist rule in 1991. Major investments have been made in new roads, buildings, and infrastructure, transforming the country. In the present day, the construction industry in Albania is thriving. The government has invested in major infrastructure projects, including the expansion of the road network and the construction of new bridges, tunnels, and airports. Moving forward, the construction industry in Albania is expected to grow further, with major investments being made in renewable energy, tourism, and other key sectors. Particularly, the construction of sustainable buildings is expected to see significant growth in the coming years. The government is promoting the use of renewable energy sources and the construction of environmentally-friendly buildings.
In the tourism sector, Albania is focusing on sustainable practices. While the accommodation sector is still working to minimise negative environmental impacts, there are conscious efforts towards sustainable tourism, although the extent of commitment to sustainable practices varies across hotels and other facilities. The Albanian government is planning to shift away from mass tourism and rebrand the country as a high-end, quality destination. This includes a focus on promoting agritourism and ecotourism, which are more evenly spread across Albania’s diverse landscape and thus promote environmental sustainability. Rather than concentrating tourism in certain areas, the new approach aims to focus on cultural heritage, gastronomy, hiking, rafting, and nature, among other aspects. The goal is to promote tourism that is friendly to the environment, responsible, and sustainable.
One recent example of this shift towards sustainable tourism is the proposed creation of a national park in the basin of the Vjosa river, which is often referred to as the “last wild river of Europe”. This initiative aims to boost tourism while preserving the natural environment. An application has also been made for the entire Vjosa basin to become a “UNESCO biosphere reserve” as part of efforts to revitalise villages through rural tourism.
It’s important to note that while efforts are being made to promote sustainability in both the construction and tourism sectors, challenges still remain. Some practices are unpopular among businesses, and the balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability can be difficult to maintain. Ongoing efforts are necessary to ensure that these industries continue to evolve in a manner that benefits both the economy and the environment.
The construction and tourism sectors in Albania are closely intertwined, with each industry contributing to and benefiting from the growth of the other. The construction industry, through the development of green buildings and infrastructure, is helping to shape a sustainable and attractive landscape for tourists. Meanwhile, the influx of tourists is driving demand for more and better infrastructure, further fuelling the construction industry’s growth.
Future of Albanian-Eco Tourism
The country has seen a significant increase in visitors in recent years, attracting 7.5 million tourists last year, up from a record 6.4 million in 2019.
Albania is expected to continue growing as a tourist destination due to pent-up demand post-pandemic and the appeal of a short-haul destination that offers incredible value for money. However, the Albanian government is not looking to increase the number of arrivals. Instead, they are planning to diversify their tourism sector, which is seen as key to Albania’s economic growth.
The country plans to shift away from the traditional sun and sea model offered by its Mediterranean neighbours and rebrand as a high-end “quality” destination by catering to new markets. The focus will not be on package beach holidays, but rather on agritourism and eco-tourism, both of which can utilise Albania’s diverse landscape of mountains, forests, and coastline.
With the ongoing growth of the construction and tourism sectors, the future of Albania looks promising. The sustainability initiatives in the construction industry are paving the way for a greener and more sustainable Albania. At the same time, the continuous development of the tourism industry is not only boosting the country’s economy but also presenting opportunities to showcase Albania’s rich cultural and natural heritage on a global stage.
However, to ensure that this growth is sustainable, it is critical to strike a balance between development and environmental conservation. This requires continued efforts from all stakeholders, including policy-makers, industry leaders, local communities, and tourists themselves. With a shared commitment to sustainability, the intertwined journey of Albania’s construction and tourism industries can serve as a model for sustainable development in the Balkan region and beyond.
The interconnected growth of the construction and tourism industries in Albania is more than just an economic success story. It is a testament to the country’s commitment to sustainability, and a beacon of hope for a greener and more sustainable future.
