Sound and robust frameworks are essential for the tourism sector to drive positive economic development, enhance competitiveness, and strengthen resilience within economies, particularly those heavily reliant on tourism. This chapter assesses the comprehensiveness of the legislative structure and practices governing tourism across three sub-dimensions. The first sub-dimension, governance and enabling conditions, assesses the effectiveness of efforts aimed at strengthening strategic co-ordination and co-operation in tourism across governance, vertical co-operation, public-private dialogue, and data collection. The second sub-dimension centred on accessibility, tourism offer and human resources, examines progress and challenges in addressing the sector’s connectivity framework and infrastructure, accommodation capacity and quality, and availability of qualified workforce. The third sub-dimension, sustainable and competitive tourism, explores the impact of tourism branding and marketing strategies, natural and cultural heritage valorisation frameworks, and operations promoting sustainable development.
Western Balkans Competitiveness Outlook 2024: Kosovo
Abstract
Kosovo's tourism policy dimension has improved: the overall score increased from 1.5 in 2021 to 2.3 in the CO 2024 assessment (Table 16.1). Kosovo has made progress in all sub-dimensions. Positive developments were recorded in the areas of tourism governance, public-private dialogue, data collection, connectivity framework, accommodation framework and availability of qualified labour. Little progress was made in tourism marketing or in the valorisation of natural and cultural heritage, while almost no progress was made in vertical co-operation and information exchange or the promotion of sustainable tourism.
The key findings are:
Kosovo has made strides in its strategic framework for tourism development, marked by the enactment of a new Law on Tourism in 2022 and the formulation of a draft Tourism Development Strategy spanning 2023-30. Nonetheless, the rollout of the strategy remains uncertain as it awaited governmental approval at the time of writing.
While some aspects of data collection for tourism statistics have undergone modernisation, the data still lack reliability in accurately assessing the full scope of tourism activity in the economy. Additionally, the absence of Tourism Satellite Accounts (TSA), due to resource constraints, further hampers comprehensive measurement of the sector’s economic impact.
Positive steps have been taken to bridge skill gaps for the tourism workforce. Kosovo has forged connections with regional skills partnerships and initiatives, like the Education Reform Initiative of Southeastern Europe project, aimed at establishing shared international professional standards for the technical aspect of tourism across the Western Balkans.
While the Department of Tourism is instrumental in overseeing tourism development and marketing, the establishment of an economy-wide tourism organisation could further enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of efforts to promote tourism and drive economic growth. Potential benefits could include improved co-ordination, enhanced strategic planning, increased investment and collaboration and stronger monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
Concerted efforts towards capacity building and certification of accommodation facilities are gaining momentum. Consequently, various measures, including financial incentives and support, are being implemented, particularly targeting specific regions. However, there is a recognised need to intensify training programmes and provide additional support to ensure the successful implementation of these initiatives.
Enhanced collaboration between municipalities and the national government driven by the Kosovo Tourism Council is evident, as demonstrated by various regional collaborative initiatives.
Since the last assessment in 2021, Kosovo has been experiencing a steady increase in tourism in recent years. In 2023, the economy welcomed 386 661 foreign tourists, a significant increase from the pre‑pandemic year of 2019, when the economy received 177 358 visitors (Kosovo Agency of Statistics, 2023[1]). Overall, Kosovo's accommodation establishments recorded 1 523 297 overnight stays in 2023. International tourists contributed significantly with 64.5% (297 589) of the arrivals, while domestic tourists accounted for 35.5% (162 878), resulting in a total of 460 467 arrivals for the year, as indicated by Kosovo Agency of Statistics data for 2023 (Kosovo Agency of Statistics, 2023[1]). With 1.78 overnight stays per tourist, Kosovo shows a considerable difference to the benchmark in WB6, Montenegro (3.7). As Figure 16.1 shows, there is also a seasonal distribution of arrivals in Kosovo, with further strong arrivals in the period after the summer.
In thousands
Source: Kosovo Agency of Statistics (2023[2]).
In 2022, accommodation and food services contribute to 2.1% of GDP and 6.4% of employment revenues (Kosovo Agency of Statistics, 2023[1]) now constitute 1% of Kosovo’s GDP, with diaspora-related tourism playing an important role in this development. Around 50% of foreign tourists are from five destinations: Albania (22%), Germany (12%), Switzerland (10%), Turkey (6%) and the United States (4%).
Pristina International Airport achieved a record by serving 3 million travellers through 21 842 flights in 2022. Compared to the previous year, passenger numbers surged by 37.31%, totalling 2 994 560 while flight operations also increased by 21.28%.
In turn, Kosovo has been investing in developing its tourism infrastructure, including accommodation, transportation, and tourist attractions. The Kosovo Government, along with international organisations and stakeholders, has been implementing various initiatives to promote tourism development, including markeing campaigns, investment incentives, and capacity- building programmes.
Kosovo's tourism governance is currently undergoing several developments that demonstrate signs of clear progress since the last assessment. The adoption of a new Law on Tourism No. 08/L-074 in 2022 aims to define principles, standards and rules for the development and promotion of sustainable tourism and delineates the duties and responsibilities of public institutions, travel agencies, tour operators and other entities operating in the field of tourism1. In addition to the new law, several regulatory initiatives related to tourism have been developed over the past two years by the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade (as listed in Table 16.2). Updates to the National Tourism Strategy have been in progress since 2021. While the draft strategy for national tourism development has been prepared and publicly discussed, it awaits government approval. The expected updates to the strategy aim to enhance strategic clarity and detail action plans, responsible bodies, budgets, implementation timeframes and monitoring and reporting mechanisms. The strategy is complemented by the Action Plan 2023-25, which provides concrete measures, timelines, and budgets for implementing activities. Similarly, OECD member states are striving to develop sustainable tourism destinations with a comprehensive approach to sustainability, as exemplified by Estonia's National Tourism Strategy 2022-25 (see Box 16.1).
Despite the absence of an economy-wide tourism organisation, the Department of Tourism within the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Trade (MIET) oversees tourism development and marketing, producing an annual progress report on strategy objectives and action plan implementation. Additionally, Kosovo has formed the Kosovo Tourism Council (KTK), a governmental body comprising representatives from multiple ministries, municipalities, tourism experts, and NGOs. The Council is tasked with overseeing tourism governance, including marketing, policy development, and facilitating dialogue between public institutions and economic operators, while also striving to promote innovation in the tourism sector through the ongoing revision of the National Strategy for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. However, key challenges facing the governance structure of the national tourism strategy governance structure in Kosovo are insufficient capacity and technical ability of staff, lack of financial resources, and shortage of human resources. In certain instances, local-level tourism strategies have faced hindrances due to inadequate budget allocations, as evidenced by the difficulties in implementing the National Strategy for Cultural Heritage 2017-2027. To address these challenges, the government is taking significant steps by allocating more funding for tourism efforts; notably, the MIET budget for policy development and supporting tourism businesses has been increased, with plans to disburse grants in 2024. Furthermore, the Ministry of Agriculture not only has increased grants targeting the promotion of rural tourism and agritourism but also has prioritised tourism within its Agriculture and Rural Development (ARDP) programme for 2023‑27, particularly under Measure 7, "Diversification of farms and business development2 (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, 2023[4]). However, several elements of the governance structure and monitoring mechanisms, including climate change adaptation strategies and risk mitigation plans, are yet to be fully established, indicating areas where further development is required to bolster Kosovo's tourism governance.
Vertical co-operation and information sharing in Kosovo showcases effective vertical co-operation betweenthe national and local levels, spearheaded by the Kosovo Tourism Council (KTK). This structure, established in 2017, encourages the participation of local communities and regional authorities in shaping national tourism strategy. Additionally, some municipalities maintain tourism departments that oversee local development projects and activities, while the Regional Development Agency for the West co‑ordinates six municipalities in the region. Collaborative initiatives, such as the development of walking and cycling paths and cross-border projects like the Via Dinarica Trail3 demonstrate further co-operation among different levels of government. However, challenges persist, primarily linked to a lack of financial resources in implementing local and regional tourism strategies. Moreover, the national level contributes on a needs basis to the planning and implementing of local and regional destination strategies which may lead to uncoordinated efforts. While destination management organisations (DMOs) actively involve stakeholders in the tourism development process (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, 2019[5]), concrete evidence showcasing advanced vertical co-operation contributing to efficient national strategy implementation remains elusive. DMO-West, an NGO, supports sustainable tourism development and promotion in the region by collaborating with local authorities, businesses, public institutions, and strategic partners, including municipalities, private companies, civil society organisations, and other tourism stakeholders, to attract visitors and generate significant economic benefits. Furthermore, the absence of a comprehensive tourist information system, coupled with a pending action plan for information availability, limits tourists' access to accurate and convenient information about Kosovo's attractions.
Kosovo's public-private dialogue in tourism demonstrates a meaningful presence of the private sector, which is represented by various associations and organisations, such as the Union of Tourism of Kosovo (UTK) and the Chamber of Hospitality and Tourism of Kosovo (OHT). Recommendations from private sector representatives significantly influence the development of the national tourism strategy. Public-private collaboration at the national level is facilitated through the Kosovo Tourism Council (KTK), which includes representatives from various ministries, tourism experts, NGOs and academia. Likewise, roundtables, organised by the Ministry, are held to foster dialogue for tourism development. Despite these efforts, challenges persist, particularly in terms of financial and human resource constraints. These limitations can hinder the effective operation of the body. Kosovo's destination management structure encourages public participation in sustainable planning and management, primarily at the municipal level. Municipalities, such as Pjese, Pristina, Prizren and Ferizaj prioritise tourism development and naturally include public input in their development plans. While dedicated events inform the private sector at all levels about the national tourism strategy during its drafting, there is room for improvement in terms of publishing the strategy on various platforms and establishing a public-private partnership model for national tourism.
In Kosovo, several institutions, including the Statistical Office, the Kosovo Police, and local tourism information offices, are involved in data collection for tourism. They gather a range of supply and demand‑side data, such as accommodation capacities, visitor numbers, and travel patterns. The statistical data collected adhere to international standards, specifically Eurostat standards, which ensures that the data are compatible with global practices. Efforts have been made to improve data collection and analysis effectiveness, including the introduction of standardised data collection methods and formats, collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders, the use of technology, and training for private sector actors. However, several challenges hinder the implementation of an effective data collection system. These include insufficient human and financial resources, a low level of information provision by the private sector, and a lack of information obligations for private companies. Nevertheless, Kosovo’s agency for statistics (Kosovo Agency Statistics, 2024[6]) has taken steps to modernise data collection, transitioning from physical questionnaires to electronic systems and establishing an online portal for tourism statistics. A collection and publication schedule has also been established, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are in place to ensure the quality and accuracy of collected data. To date, there is no evidence of implementation of Tourism Satellite Accounts (TSA) to support tourism statistics.
Estonia’s National Tourism Strategy 2022-25 has a goal for the country to become a sustainable tourism destination that offers visitors diverse and unique travel experiences in all seasons. Estonia’s cross‑cutting approach to sustainability is defined by three principles: valorisation of the local culture, the environment and the community; co-operation; and contribution to fulfilling the UN SDGs. Activities already set out by the Estonian Tourist Board for the period 2022-25 to enhance the sustainability and resilience of the Estonian tourism sector include:
participating in the international Green Destinations programme, running the annual GreenEST summit and circular economy programmes
recognising sustainable tourism operators and enhancing the application of eco-labels
sharing information and best practices about green investment and resource-saving support options and the best sharing practices
providing financial support for sustainable and inclusive tourism sector product development (EUR 14.1 million from REACT EU measures)
supporting new business models
developing thematic networks and routes.
The Strategy also sets out several measurable goals for the tourism sector to be achieved by 2025. These goals include increasing the average length of stay of international tourists to at least four nights, increasing participation in the network of sustainable tourism businesses to include at least 150 firms, and the achievement of at least six Estonian destinations receiving the Green Destinations Award.
Source: OECD (2022[7]).
Kosovo has taken some steps to improve its connectivity framework for tourism. For instance, the economy introduced measures to allow visa-free entry for certain nationalities in 2022, such as Ukrainian citizens. Additionally, the government is supportive of ecological means of transport for tourists, including trains, trams, and bikes. Various initiatives have been launched to encourage the use of sustainable, low‑emission vehicles and public transport, along with promoting active transport modes like walking and cycling. These efforts aim to reduce tourism's contribution to air pollution, congestion, and climate change. However, there are still areas of stagnation and challenges in Kosovo's connectivity framework. No new visa-processing measures have been adopted, and systematic monitoring of visa requirements and processing adjustments is lacking. Moreover, there is no specific regional travel facilitation strategy to make border crossings easier for tourists. The Peaks of the Balkans trail operates through specific mountain hiking points, outside regular border crossings, facilitated by a longstanding state agreement. Efforts are underway to establish a similar agreement with North Macedonia for hikers on the High Scardus Trail. Additionally, Kosovo has secured a co-operation agreement aimed at consolidating border crossing points. Cross-border tourist trails providing access to Kosovo face constraints in tourism connectivity due to limited initiatives for easing border crossings.
As of 2021, the government of Kosovo has not taken any measures to facilitate investments in accommodation capacity and quality. However, the economy does have a consistent accommodation quality standard framework that follows internationally recognised accommodation quality standards. This framework includes guidelines prepared for the classification and categorisation of accommodation structures, which are harmonised with EU standards. While there is a register of accommodation facilities, categorisation of these facilities is not mandatory; accommodations are not obliged to apply for certification, as the application is voluntary. Accredited experts implement the categorisation assessment, with the commission responsible for this process consisting of several members from public officials in the Department of Tourism, tourist associations, and experts in the field of tourism and architecture. Unfortunately, there currently are no training courses available for accommodations regarding the categorisation process and quality standards. Furthermore, the Market Inspectorate under the MIET is tasked with inspecting quality standards; however, it encounters challenges stemming from a shortage of human resources. The government is in the process of developing a monitoring mechanism to ensure the implementation and efficiency of the accommodation quality standards framework, with adjustments made accordingly during the semi-annual monitoring process. While there is no evaluation of the accommodation facilitation framework in place, a sustainable labelling framework for tourist accommodations exists on a voluntary basis. This framework also includes requirements for the availability of accommodations for persons with disabilities, while plans are in place to include energy efficiency requirements in the legal basis being drafted. The government supports businesses in their efforts to improve energy efficiency through financial incentives and aligns with its broader Energy Strategy 2022-30. Some accommodation providers in Kosovo have received sustainable tourism certifications with the support of the project Promoting Private Sector Employment. In addition, there is an ongoing initiative in Kosovo called “Tourism for the Future”, which is specifically focussed on the Peja region. This project is dedicated to capacity building and certification of eco-labelled accommodation facilities. Furthermore, measures have been implemented to promote investment in the expansion or renovation of high-quality private housing. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development has approved a measure to facilitate the expansion and renovation of private housing in rural areas.
Kosovo does not have a separate strategy for human resources in tourism. However, the development of human resources is integrated into the broader tourism strategy, and is one of the strategic objectives. Kosovo demonstrates a proactive approach to opening up the labour market and allowing foreign workers into the tourism sector. The labour market conditions influence the economy’s openness to foreign workers, but it is generally open to all who are interested in working in the tourism sector. In some cases, Kosovo has seen the return of individuals from the diaspora who are directed toward employment in the tourism sector, contributing to the availability of a qualified workforce. Kosovo has made efforts to develop its vocational education and training (VET) framework for tourism, notable changes have been introduced since the last assessment, including the implementation of Dual Education for the profile of “Hotel Hospitality Assistant”. Practical training is a mandatory part of the VET and higher education framework, and curricula are updated in response to industry needs. Kosovo is also involved in regional skills partnerships and initiatives, such as the Education Reform Initiative of Southeastern Europe4 project, which aims to develop common international professional standards for the technical profile of tourism in the Western Balkans. This collaboration involves tourism companies, education providers, trade unions, and other organizations committed to jointly agreed training targets for their workforce, showing a commitment to addressing the skills gap in the tourism industry.
Kosovo has made strides in developing its tourism brand identity, and research and analysis have been conducted to support tourism branding and marketing. The Department of Tourism, with the support of the UNDP, has undertaken work to develop and maintain a national symbol of tourism, including the development of procedures for designing the brand symbol and slogan. Additionally, Kosovo has identified target markets and established a tourism marketing strategy, taking into consideration market segmentation, trends, brand perception, and image. However, while a draft tourism branding strategy was developed, it is currently used internally to provide guidelines for brand development but was never published. The Kosovo Investment and Enterprise Support Agency (KIESA) offers support for the presentation of tourism providers at international trade fairs in order to promote them. Regional initiatives are also under development aiming to establish common tourism branding, such as the Peaks of the Balkan trail and the Via Dinarica hiking trail extending from Albania to Slovenia. There are challenges in effectively implementing digital marketing strategies, including resistance to change among stakeholders and the potential cost associated with digital transformation initiatives. The Tourism Department of the MIET has set up the "Tourism Register", a system for registering all tourism services. Through this platform, tourism businesses can apply for permits, authorisations and various tourism certificates. The development of this digital platform was launched in 2023. In addition, the MIET is planning a call for tenders to support SMEs in the digitalisation of tourism in 2024, for which a budget of EUR 500 000 has been earmarked. Despite the progress, there is currently no formal or informal marketing co-ordination body in place, and monitoring and evaluation of the brand image and marketing strategy are lacking.
Kosovo has made some positive strides in its natural and cultural heritage valorisation frameworks, with the national tourism strategy recognising their importance and the government adopting dedicated strategies for their preservation. Private stakeholders, local communities, academia, and NGOs are actively involved in developing heritage strategies, including management plans for various sites like the National Park "Sharri." The government has approved spatial plans for national parks, such as Bjeshket and Nemuna, while donor-funded projects like NaturKosovo focus on sustainable tourism development, including grants for the Via Dinarica hiking trail. However, many strategies lack detailed implementation plans, budgets, and timelines, and are hindered further by a shortage of financial resources and qualified staff. Without adherence to wildlife management standards, Kosovo's potential for sustainable tourism development of its rich heritage remains limited. Despite this, economies in the region are showing promising initiatives, such as Albania's Integrated Management Plan for Butrint National Park 2020-30. (Box 16.2).
Kosovo is embracing sustainable development and operations by integrating specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) initiatives into its tourism strategy. The tourism sector recognises the importance of environmental measures aimed at protecting natural assets and managing tourism’s environmental impact. However, there is room for improvement in establishing a comprehensive policy framework for promoting sustainable tourism and ensuring sufficient budget allocation for its implementation. While some economic instruments are employed, such as infrastructure investments and education campaigns, there remains a need for enhanced co-ordination between the government and tourism enterprises to promote sustainability practices. There is also limited evidence of effective channels of communication between destination management structures and tourism enterprises to facilitate the promotion and support of sustainability efforts. A Sustainable Tourism Observatory, which would provide valuable data and insights to guide future sustainable tourism initiatives, is not in place or being established. This absence constrains efforts, ultimately hindering Kosovo's tourism sector's long-term sustainability.
The Integrated Management Plan for Butrint National Park (2020-30), approved by DCM No. 538 on 22 July 2020, is a key document for the sustainable development of Butrint as an outstanding international tourist destination. Visitor management is of great importance. The balance between public access and the preservation of Butrint's archaeological and natural treasures is a challenge.
One of the outstanding features of the proposals for visitor management at Butrint is the creation of a state-of-the-art new visitor centre. This facility will act as a gateway to the park and provide visitors with important information about the cultural and environmental significance of the site. The centre will play a crucial role in educating visitors about the importance of responsible tourism and sustainable practices. In addition, the plan promotes environmentally sustainable transport within the park to minimise the ecological footprint of visitors and contribute to overall conservation efforts.
A pioneering initiative that is part of the visitor management strategy marks the implementation of the first carbon-free project in Butrint. As part of an ongoing process, this ambitious endeavour aims to make Butrint one of the first carbon-free parks in Albania. By utilising innovative technologies and sustainable practices, the administration aims to reduce the environmental impact of park operations and set a precedent for conservation efforts across the economy.
To enhance the visitor experience while preserving the integrity of the park, the plan calls for the creation of trails, including boardwalks, and informative signage in Butrint. These trails will guide visitors through the site and ensure that they have a meaningful and educational experience while minimising impact on the archaeological and natural features. The emphasis on comprehensive visitor management measures emphasises the commitment to preserving Butrint's status as a UNESCO World Heritage and Ramsar site for future generations.
Sources: Information based on responses to Tourism Questionnaires completed by national authorities; Albania Ministry of Culture (2020[8]).
Progress on recommendations has been mixed: the economy has made strong advances in strengthening its strategic framework while moderate improvements have been made across all other areas particularly stagnating in domains such as promotion of sustainable development. Below, Table 16.3 shows the economy’s progress in implementing past recommendations for developing the tourism sector.
To ensure further successful development of tourism, policy makers should:
Allocate sufficient resources for national tourism strategy implementation. Once approved by the government, the tourism strategy requires extensive support for its successful implementation. Kosovo's tourism strategy implementation faces challenges, including insufficient capacity, technical ability, financial resources, and human resources. It is crucial to allocate the necessary budget and human resources to facilitate the implementation of the strategy.
Establish a national tourism organisation responsible for the sustainable development and marketing of the destination, including the digital marketing of Kosovo. To improve tourism marketing and branding, Kosovo should consider enhancing its destination marketing capabilities, engaging stakeholders, and establishing mechanisms for brand management and marketing evaluation. The legal establishment of a national tourism organisation with the provision of a sufficient budget and a team of qualified staff is a prerequisite for the successful launch and development of the economy-wide tourism organisation.
Establish destination management organisations to enable communities or destinations to manage tourism development. Policy measures should include capacity - building programmes for local tourism organisations and sufficient funding should be provided for the start-up phase of development and operation of the organisations. Donor support could be valuable for the development of destination management organisations as they can provide examples of best practice from advanced tourism economies.
Develop a comprehensive tourist information system. Kosovo should focus on establishing a comprehensive tourist information system to provide accurate and convenient information about its attractions to visitors. This system should be complemented by monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for information quality, ensuring that tourists have access to reliable information.
Establish mechanisms for sustainability in tourism. To promote sustainability, Kosovo should develop a comprehensive policy framework based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s criteria (Global Sustainable Tourism Council, 2024[9]), with clear measures and budget allocations for sustainable tourism. The government should also establish Implementation of certification schemes, monitoring of visitor satisfaction, and evaluating the impact of sustainability measures by an independent body. These will further enhance the effectiveness of Kosovo's efforts in promoting sustainable development and operations within the tourism sector.
References
[8] Albania Ministry of Culture (2020), Parku Kombëtar i Butrintit Plani i Menaxhimit të Integruar (2020-2030), https://kultura.gov.al/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/PMI-i-Parkut-Kombetar-te-Butrintit-2020.pdf (accessed on 30 May 2024).
[5] Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH (2019), Destination Management in Developing and Emerging Countries. Handbook and Guidelines for Building Sustainable Destination Management Organizations, https://mia.giz.de/qlink/ID=245633000.
[9] Global Sustainable Tourism Council (2024), Global Sustainable Tourism Council: GSTC Destination Criteria, http://www.gstcouncil.org (accessed on 12 June 2024).
[3] Government of the Republic of Kosovo (2024), Online Platform for Public Consultations is launched, http://Platform for Public Consultations (rks-gov.net) (accessed on 30 May 2024).
[1] Kosovo Agency of Statistics (2023), Publications, https://ask.rks-gov.net/Publication (accessed on 12 June 2024).
[2] Kosovo Agency of Statistics (2023), Tourism in Kosovo, https://ask.rks-gov.net/Themes/Tourism (accessed on 30 May 2024).
[6] Kosovo Agency Statistics (2024), Welcome to KAS, https://ask.rks-gov.net/ (accessed on 12 June 2024).
[4] Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development (2023), National Program for Agriculture and Rural Development, https://www.mbpzhr-ks.net/repository/docs/NATIONAL_PROGRAM_FOR_AGRICULTURE_AND_RURAL_DEVELOPMENT_20232027.pdf.
[7] OECD (2022), OECD Tourism Trends and Policies, OECD Publishing, https://doi.org/10.1787/a8dd3019-en.
← 1. This new law is line with Directive (EU) 2015/2302 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2015 on package travel and linked travel arrangements, amending Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 and Directive 2011/83/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Council Directive 90/314/EEC. https://gzk.rks-gov.net/ActDetail.aspx?ActID=59633.
← 2. The programme highlights the development of tourism infrastructure, investments in equipment, environmental protection, development of activities and attractive areas (focus on mountainous areas), and interweaving renewable energies with rural tourism.
← 3. The Via Dinarica hiking trail in the Western Balkans spans 1 200 miles and eight economies – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Slovenia. https://www.viadinarica.com and https://trail.viadinarica.com.
← 4. For more information: https://www.erisee.org