Opportunities for the development of cross-border tourism in South-East Europe: The case of Kosovo-Albania border.

Abstract

This paper examines the regional and institutional opportunities for cross-border cooperation, networking and tourism development at the Kosovo- Albania border, which is one of the internal borders of the Albanian ethnic territory. Completion of the study confirms the hypothesis that closure of states within the classical boundaries causes obstacles, not only for the development of cross-border tourism, especially when viewed from the perspective of sustainable tourism development in this region. While, on the other hand, cross border cooperation enables exchanges of experiences, Ideas between communities, etc., and all this reflects on the economic prosperity of these areas. In the process of developing the countries of southern Europe, particular importance has been paid to settlements and infrastructure away from border areas, while border regions have remained underdeveloped and without prospects. Development has been challenged in many border areas, including all Balkan states, while these areas were abolished as a result of the population's departure. The idea in this case study, aims to "create" the unique tourist zone "Green Albania" between the two countries, with its unique natural characteristics, leading to economic, cultural and national integration, as well as preservation and advancing the natural and cultural values of the cross-border territory.