The Tirana Tourism and Travel Show provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the immense potential of Via Dinarica Kosovo, a newly updated tourism itinerary that brings a fresh perspective to sustainable tourism development in Kosovo.
The Utalaya Foundation, as part of the consortium that contributed to this project, was honored to participate in this fair, presenting the unique offerings of this natural itinerary. Via Dinarica Kosovo stands out for its untouched wilderness, now enhanced by improved tourism services. With the support of NaturKosovo, a project funded by AICS Tirana, and in collaboration with RTM, CELIM Milano, and the municipalities of Peja, Deçan, and Junik, this trail has now become a fully structured destination for nature explorers and adventure enthusiasts.
In the speeches held by Nicola Ghedin (AICS Tirana), Uta Ibrahimi (Utalaya Foundation), Filippo Vigani (RTM) and Tuba Safçiu it was explained that:
“Via Dinarica Kosovo’s journey, from international recognition to local impact, reflects years of dedication. As a NaturKosovo partner, Utalaya Foundation enhances guiding standards, trains service providers, raises environmental awareness among kids, and elevates VDK’s branding and digital presence” – said Uta Ibrahimi (Utalaya Foundation).
“Strategic partnerships with the Italian Alpine Club (CAI) and CNSAS have been established to enhance Via Dinarica’s infrastructure and safety, leading to the development of Alpine Rescue Teams and the improvement of tourism services. Training exchanges with Italian experts have been implemented to strengthen local capacities, while the Endowment Fund has been created to support tour operators and service providers. Efforts have been directed toward policy-making, environmental protection, and the sharing of best practices to safeguard cultural and natural heritage. A regional approach has been adopted to ensure sustainable tourism development along Via Dinarica, integrating conservation with economic opportunities” – said Nicola Ghedin (AICS Tirana).
“The results achieved so far amount to 1.8 million euros, fully financed by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation. Efforts have been directed toward sustainable tourism development in Kosovo through the enhancement of cultural, historical, and natural resources, the promotion of sustainable growth, job creation for local communities, and strengthened governance of tourism by local institutions.
Significant progress has been made in maintaining, building, and mapping the Via Dinarica Kosovo trail, along with the implementation of three thematic paths in collaboration with three municipalities. A structured training cycle for mountain rescuers has been conducted, leading to the establishment of a consortium for the management of Via Dinarica Kosovo and the exchange of best practices at the European level through study visits.
The Endowment Fund has been introduced to support tourism services, while specific technical-professional training has been provided. Via Dinarica Kosovo has also been actively promoted at regional and European levels through branding initiatives and awareness-raising sessions in schools, focusing on the rich flora and fauna of the trail” – said Filippo Vigani (Volontari nel Mondo – RTM).
“The Via Dinarica Kosovo is more than a trail—it is a living tale woven through the Accursed Mountains, the high pastures of Rugova, and the cultural heartlands of the Dukagjin region. Each step echoes history, every peak whispers legends, and the rivers sing of past travelers. More than distance or altitude, this journey immerses adventurers in the spirit of the land—its breathtaking vistas, the warmth of its people, and the untamed beauty that makes time stand still” – said Tuba Safçiu (Utalaya Foundation).
The fair served as a platform to introduce this new tourism product to key stakeholders in the travel industry and to establish new connections with tour operators, travel agencies, and nature lovers. Through meetings and discussions, the importance of strengthening the capacities of local service providers was emphasized, ensuring that visitors can now experience raw natural beauty with the comfort and safety of well-structured services.
This event not only reinforced Via Dinarica Kosovo’s presence as a unique itinerary on the Balkan tourism map but also highlighted the commitment of AICS and its partners to sustainable tourism development that supports local communities and preserves natural ecosystems.