The assessment of the rural tourism development in the Valbona Valley National Park

Mountain tourism takes place in rural areas, contributing to the protection of the natural, social and cultural environment. The purpose of the research is to support the development of sustainable rural tourism in the mountainous areas of Valbona. The survey is carried out by interviewing the most successful business owners, visitors and representatives of the local government. In the recent years, there has been a growing interest by tourists to visit the Albanian Alps. The number of domestic Albanian visitors is slightly higher than the number of foreign visitors. Tourists, who visit the area, mostly stay for a few nights. Hiking is the most popular activity. The tourists’ average expenditure (all included) per night is quite affordable. The number of inns, guest houses, hotels and tourists has seen important growth between 2004 and 2013. The total income generated by mountain tourism is considerable.