Historical and Cultural Potentials in the Area of Durres in the Function of Its Sustainable Development
Historical and Cultural Potentials in the Area of Durres in the Function of Its Sustainable Development

Author(s): Manjola Xhaferri, Mirela Tase
Subject(s): Economy, Tourism
Published by: Udruženje ekonomista i menadžera Balkana
Keywords: Historical tourism; Cultural tourism; Sustainable development; Archaeological sites
Summary/Abstract: Today, in general, all over the world, there is more and more talk about the economic growth of developed and developing countries. One of the successful branches that have contributed to the economic growth of these countries is tourism. Albania is a country with an ancient history reflected in its rich cultural heritage with national and international values. To date, the preservation of its values has been associated with the preservation of national identity, pride, and wealth, while the integration into regional development policies is seen as a good opportunity not only for the preservation of cultural heritage but also for its real contribution to the sustainable economic and social development of the country. Based on the historical and ethnocultural study of Albania in general, and the city of Durres in particular, there is a need for a scientific study oriented to this economic, historical, and cultural attraction, useful and profitable for the regional economy in particular and with a direct impact on the Albanian economy in general. This study highlights the instruments and the way of studying the tourist areas to turn them into important economic centers for the region itself and the national economy. The problem can be posed in this way: Today in Albania there is a need for serious studies on sustainable development, especially in the field of tourism, studies which have not been lacking, but which should be specifically oriented towards a more concise than generalized form, studies that focus on medium or long-term solutions for the development of tourism, mainly historical and cultural, as an important direction for the economic and social development of the country. There are natural resources, human resources, capital, and entrepreneurship initiatives that need to be recognized, valued, oriented, and promoted to increase investment in regional and national tourism. But there is also a significant lack of knowledge on the instruments to be used by these entrepreneurs to be part of success rather than failure, as has happened in some cases for those who have dared to invest in this important sector of the economy and national culture. In the framework of this study, tourism is considered important for sustainable development in the city of Durres. The diversity of cultural monuments, cultural traditions, and traditional hospitality, constitute a strong attraction for domestic and foreign tourists. The aim of this study is the presentation of the tourist potential for the sustainable development of the Durres region, to serve its promotion, as well as the establishment of the relevant tourist infrastructure that will strongly influence the increase of tourists’ interest to visit and create an image for a more attractive and long-term destination.

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