The "CIRCULAR TOURISM" project focuses on building capacities within Albania’s tourism sector, targeting both vocational education and training (VET) providers and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The project’s goal is to implement a sustainable, circular economy model in tourism by providing essential skills and tools to these stakeholders. Collaboration with VET institutions in Germany, France, and Spain will facilitate knowledge exchange and training in sustainable practices, with a strong emphasis on incorporating circular economy principles. By empowering local educators and business professionals, the project aims to prepare Albania’s tourism ecosystem to meet rising demands while preserving resources and protecting the environment. This initiative addresses the gap between current industry practices and the emerging need for sustainable tourism options, positioning Albania for long-term economic and environmental resilience within the European context
The project has multiple objectives aimed at transforming Albania’s VET and tourism sectors. A primary goal is to align VET curricula with real-world industry needs, placing special emphasis on sustainability, green skills, and digital competencies. The project seeks to develop a robust, adaptable training framework that encourages public-private partnerships, thus fostering collaboration between VET providers and SMEs. Furthermore, it aims to bridge gaps in skills and knowledge through study visits and knowledge exchange with European counterparts, ensuring that participants gain a thorough understanding of sustainable practices. These objectives align with EU priorities for sustainable development in the Western Balkans, supporting Albania’s transition towards a resilient, circular economy in tourism while enhancing the sector’s labor market relevance and readiness
The main results of the project are:
