The Impact of Tourism on the Economic Development of Kosovo

Abstract

The Tourism sector of Kosovo’s Economy is dominated by small and medium economic agents(operators), meanwhile large economic agents(operators) are still under privatisation processes, for this reason there is a necessity for a more favorable sectorial strategy which will provide long term stability to tourism operators, oferring a diverse tourism product portfolio. Based on the methods and models of stabile developments in tourism presented in this paper, tourism operators will find it easier to coordinate with their respective communities and the public sector to promote the clear message to the tourist regarding the tourism products offered of specific tourist destinations. The analysis shows opportunities for the application of, and potential for integration of those operators in the planning of tourism on a significant scale. Following a theoretical review, a model is proposed in the planning of tourism based on their respective communities. To analyse the differences between the theoretical model and practical application, we examine the Tourism Region of the Albanian Alps of Kosovo.The findings in this study highlight the challenges of institutions in seeking to identify appropriate responsibilities and coordination strategies of all agents involved in the processes of the planning and development of a stabile tourism sector. The Tourism Region taken for example in this paper offers critical evaluation on how to help tourism strategists on their approach in the composition of tourism policy with the aim of helping agents (operators) improve their planning and development methods of tourism, in full cooperation of their respective communities, while also giving aid in guiding organizational direction in seeking new tourism regions in Kosovo.