Four potential risks may hamper tourism reform: Gov’t

The tourism sector in Albania is undergoing a comprehensive reform, based on the fundamental law but also on the bylaws that are expected to be implemented and which are connected to the standardization of service or the categorization of accommodation facilities.

But as the government recognizes the positive impact of initiatives in this sector, it also made an assessment of the potential risks that threaten the overall reform.

First, one of the questions is related to the lack of awareness that businesses operating in the sector have of the importance of standardization.

So far, even the spontaneous functioning of this area has generated stable revenues, something that can prompt some skepticism in connection with the reform.

Secondly, businesses operating in the accommodation sector in rural areas may face financial difficulties to meet the minimum criteria.

This can prove true because the tourist flow in rural areas is not at the same levels as in urban areas.

The third risk relates to the financial inability to invest in human resources and training.

One of the main issues that appears in each report for Albania is linked to the quality of service, which often is at minimal levels, and this as a result of insufficient and unqualified human resources.

The list cites also a fourth obstacle, namely the administrative barriers in Albania which do not apply just to the tourism sector.

Despite its conservative attitude, the government has planned to allocate special funds in the next three years for the reform in tourism.

In 2017 the government is expected to allocate 458.000 euro; in 2018 the fund amounts to 393.000 euro; and in 2019 the amount is expected to be at the level of 393.000 euro.

Funds allocated for tourism reform:

Nertila Maho/SCAN

*Material i përgatitur nga portali SCAN. Ripublikimi mund të bëhet vetëm kundrejt citimit të autorësisë dhe burimit origjinal.