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523 towers towards transformation, the plan that aims to change tourism in northern Albania

2026-04-07 19:41:05Aktualitet SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
523 towers towards transformation, the plan that aims to change tourism in
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The "Revitalization of the Towers" program in Northern Albania is entering a new phase of development, expanding with the involvement of the State Cadastre Agency and the Faculty of Architecture.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports and GIZ Albania, the aim is to build an integrated approach to addressing ownership issues and developing restoration projects.

The news was announced by the Minister of Tourism and Culture, Blendi Gonxhja, during an event in Malësia e Madhe, where he presented the progress and future phases of the program.

According to him, the initiative aims not only to preserve cultural heritage, but also to turn it into an asset for the economic and social development of local communities.

According to him, the program is currently in a consolidated institutional and technical phase.

During the years 2023-2025, through a 'pilot' project with the support of GIZ Albania, 20 kullas, guesthouses and agrotourism units were included, integrating into the tourist offer through structured itineraries and training of local operators.

In November 2025, the Ministry officially launched the national program and formalized the cooperation with GIZ Albania through a Memorandum of Understanding. Currently, work is focused on building a comprehensive database and preparing concrete interventions on the ground.

So far, 523 towers have been inventoried in the regions of Lezhë, Shkodër, Dibër and Kukës.

In parallel, a digital GIS platform for planning and decision-making has been established, while analyses have been conducted on the legal status and ownership of facilities.

The program also includes the drafting of restoration projects in collaboration with the Faculty of Architecture, as well as recommendations for the functionalization of the towers as hostels, museums and spaces for cultural activities. An important role is also played by the combination of tangible and intangible heritage, which includes elements such as the lute, the xhubleta and the “Oja”, part of the UNESCO lists.

In the framework of cooperation with the State Cadastre Agency, work is being done to resolve ownership issues and facilitate procedures for obtaining ownership certificates, with the aim of attracting private investment.

The Minister emphasizes that these interventions will directly impact the development of tourism, creating an authentic product that expands the offer beyond the season and traditional destinations, especially in mountainous areas.

The program is expected to enter its full implementation phase during the period 2027-2029, with an initial budget of 400 thousand euros for 2027 and expectations for growth in the following years. The focus will be on the restoration, functionalization and integration of the towers into the national tourist network.


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