Published on
December 19, 2025
Greece and Albania have unveiled a pioneering initiative aimed at revitalizing their mountain villages through sustainable tourism, a project that not only promises to boost local economies but also ensures the preservation of their rich traditions. This forward-thinking collaboration seeks to harmonize tourism growth with environmental and cultural conservation, creating a model for rural development that benefits both communities and visitors alike.
Two mountain villages, Demati in Zagori and Dardhë in Albania, which experienced significant migration and partial depopulation during the 20th century, are at the heart of a revitalization initiative aimed at reinvigorating local communities through sustainable tourism. This initiative is part of the Interreg-RISTOR program, a cross-border project co-financed by the European Union under the Interreg VI-A IPA “Greece–Albania 2021–2027.” Over the next two years, this program will transform two underutilized municipal buildings in the two villages into Innovation Centers for Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism. These centers will not only provide new opportunities for residents to develop sustainable communities but also offer them the chance to harmonize development with the natural environment, all while attracting visitors from around the world.
Demati, a scenic village in Zagori, is home to just four permanent residents. Despite its sparse population, the village is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque spots in the region, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and traditional architecture. Similarly, Dardhë, a historic Albanian village located near the city of Korça, is renowned for its cultural heritage, natural beauty, and tranquil environment. Like many other rural areas in the region, these villages have witnessed significant migration over the years, with many of their inhabitants moving to urban centers in search of work and better living conditions.
Both villages, despite their historical challenges, share common characteristics—natural beauty, traditional architecture, and a past marked by migration and depopulation. The Interreg-RISTOR program aims to address these challenges and offer both Demati and Dardhë the chance to transform into thriving hubs for sustainable tourism. The initiative will ensure that these villages retain their unique charm while also adapting to modern economic and social needs.
As part of the program, two key buildings will be renovated: the former school building in Demati and an unused municipal building in Dardhë. Both buildings will undergo respectful renovations that preserve the villages’ architectural heritage while incorporating modern infrastructure. The focus will be on maintaining the authenticity of the local construction methods and materials, ensuring that the renovations complement the natural surroundings.
By 2027, these buildings will be transformed into Innovation Centers for Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism. These centers will serve as collaborative spaces where local residents, tourism professionals, and visitors can gather to exchange knowledge, develop skills, and work together to shape the future of sustainable tourism in the region. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience both the beauty of the landscape and the richness of the cultural heritage, all while learning about the sustainable practices that aim to preserve these resources for future generations.
The long-term goal of the initiative is to foster the sustainable operation of these centers and promote a diverse range of tourism options. These include cultural tourism, agritourism, hiking, and nature-based tourism. The focus will be on creating inclusive and culturally rich experiences that provide economic opportunities for local communities. Over time, the initiative will engage various stakeholders, including young people, women, families, small producers, and creative professionals, ensuring that they are not only beneficiaries of the program but also active co-creators.
According to the program’s framework, more than 100 local professionals will be trained in sustainable tourism practices. Additionally, the development of over 30 new tourism products and services is expected, which will enrich the overall visitor experience. The initiative is anticipated to attract over 2,500 visitors annually to the two villages, with an emphasis on maintaining sustainability and respecting the local environment and community traditions. By incorporating both modern tools and traditional knowledge, the program will help to enhance the visitor experience, promote cultural exchange, and create new economic opportunities for residents.
One of the key aspects of the program is the emphasis on integrating modern business practices with the respect for local traditions and the natural environment. The program’s leaders are committed to ensuring that all initiatives align with the principles of sustainability. This involves not only eco-friendly tourism practices but also working closely with local communities to ensure that tourism development aligns with their needs and aspirations.
The program’s impact will be far-reaching, with benefits extending beyond the immediate villages to surrounding areas. Through a sustainable tourism model, the program will help to revive rural economies, reduce the depopulation trend, and improve the quality of life for local residents. The program also aims to create a model for other regions facing similar challenges, demonstrating how tourism, when managed sustainably, can play a transformative role in rural development.
The Interreg-RISTOR program is supported by a consortium of five partners. These include local municipalities, which are responsible for the restoration and activation of the buildings in both Demati and Dardhë. Additionally, other partners are involved in developing the necessary infrastructure, ensuring that the program’s outcomes are realized.
The partners are as follows:
- Municipality of Zagori: Responsible for coordinating the project and overseeing the restoration of the former school in Demati.
- Municipality of Korça: Handles the restoration of the building in Dardhë and ensures active community engagement.
- Impact Hub Athens: Designs and implements the communication strategy, training programs, and entrepreneurial empowerment initiatives, while also connecting the project to broader national and European networks.
- P2P Lab: Specializes in integrating accessibility practices into tourism and developing educational content for inclusive tourism.
- Observatory for Children and Youth Rights: Focuses on ensuring that the program supports inclusive, family-friendly services and participates in workshops and training aimed at strengthening local ecosystems.
Greece and Albania have launched a groundbreaking initiative to revitalize their mountain villages with sustainable tourism, aiming to boost local economies while preserving cultural traditions.
Through this collaborative effort, the program aims to bring lasting change to the villages of Demati and Dardhë, offering a model for sustainable tourism that benefits both the environment and the local community. The project’s innovative approach, which combines modern practices with respect for local traditions, is set to make these villages not only a destination for tourists but also a beacon of sustainable rural development in the region.
