Regional partners discuss tourism in Shkodra

TIRANA, March 7 – The Regional Council of Shkodra supported by the UNDP ArtGold 2 Programme and the local economic development agency TEULEDA commenced a series of public debates with local actors organised as part of the Shkodra Region’s Strategic Planning process entitled “Towards Sustainable Development of Tourism”.
Public debates were organized in Puka, Koplik, and Shkodra on February 22nd, 23rd and 24th of February, bringing together all local stakeholders to identify possible scenarios for the development of the region. The public debates are one of a series of events that aim to produce a draft strategy for regional development that is agreed and owned by local actors. During the public debates, participants shared various scenarios for the development of their territory up to 2020.
The final public debates for the region were organized in Shkodra. Gjovalin Kolombi, the chairman of the Regional Council, who attended the event, amongst others highlighted: “I would encourage all the local partners to actively participate in the drafting of the tourism strategy for our region which has a great potential for further development”.
Aldo Sicignano, Director of Italian Cooperation Office in Albania who was present at the meeting highlighted:”This meeting is of great importance, for the Italian Cooperation, which is supporting many programmes in Albania. Shkodra offers many development opportunities. The development of the tourism sector adds value to the territory and your active participation is key to this important process”
Luigi Cafiero, UNDP Art Gold Senior Technical Advisor highlighted: “The Region of Shkodra is very rich in resources. Once a good plan is in place, there are many opportunities for absorbing the EU accession funds”.
The strategic planning process will lead over the next few months to the implementation of a shared strategic action plan that will identify and implement initiatives to improve the overall life quality in the Region.
The Shkodra County Partnership Council – the decision making body which is managing the process, is involved in the selection of priority development interventions to be developed by the ART Gold Programme and other partners.