PhD thesis Malvina ISTREFAJ

Chapter 7: Discussion and Results This session is a discussion space which provides recommendations for reaching the market needs on the macro level of national strategy.

Taking in consideration that thesis initiated by arguing the need for new accommodation structures, identifying alternative means to reach those needs and coherently present principles for further design projects, who would offer a diligent approach during design project, farther the chaotic way of building currently in Albania, three main opportunities are presented further.

Source 1: Enhancing the old villages (as a continuation of the Project” 100 Villages) _Following the Albergo Diffuso Concept The recommendations presented in this level are considered valuable and in synchronization with the project “100 villages” of the Government of Albania, nevertheless is considered a continuation of this strategic, long-term investment The program of 100 villages and the creation of the Albanian agritourism network The newest government program for the villages of Albania, is the Integrated Rural Development Program (ARDP) - The program of 100 villages that aims to create for the first time the model of success in the integrated rural development of the country, according to the best European standards.

The integrated approach to rural development will target measurable rural development objectives, through a centralized focus (integrated and coordinated programming) of public, donor and private investment, in the well-defined space of 100 villages, with high potentials of socio-economic development, agro-tourism and rural tourism, nature and environment as well as cultural heritage.

Agritourism and rural tourism are activities which have a high impact and potential for rural areas and already in many villages of Albania have started operating farms that provide services in agritourism and have achieved in a short time very good economic results and social (Thethi, Voskopoja, Dardha etc.).

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