Albania has taken a significant step towards sustainable tourism with the recent passing of legislation recognizing Alberghi Diffusi accommodation structures. This groundbreaking move not only solidifies Albania’s commitment to innovation in tourism but also opens doors to unique and immersive experiences for travelers. Adding to the excitement, National Geographic’s prestigious list of must-visit hotels for 2024 prominently featured Alberghi Diffuso Kruja, further solidifying Albania’s position as a global destination for travelers seeking authentic and enriching experiences.

What are Alberghi Diffusi?

Alberghi Diffusi, which literally means “scattered hotels”, are a form of accommodation that involves the transformation of scattered, often historic, buildings within a community into a cohesive hospitality experience. The guest rooms are located in different houses or villas in historical towns, mountain villages, or the countryside, while the reception and other services are usually centralized in a common area.

This innovative model promotes sustainable tourism by revitalizing underutilized structures, contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage, and fostering economic growth in local communities. It also offers tourists a distinctive and authentic way to experience the culture, history, nature, and lifestyle of the destination.

How did Alberghi Diffusi come to Albania?

The concept of Alberghi Diffusi was born in Italy in the early 1980s, as a way to revive abandoned or depopulated villages and hamlets. Since then, it has spread to other countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Spain, and Croatia, with over 100 Alberghi Diffusi operating worldwide.

In Albania, the idea of introducing Alberghi Diffusi was initiated by RisiAlbania, a Swiss-funded project that aims to create more and better jobs for young people in rural areas through sustainable tourism development.

In 2020, RisiAlbania invited a team of experts from the Alberghi Diffusi Association in Italy to conduct a thorough assessment of some Albanian villages that belong to the 100 Villages Strategy, a government initiative to promote rural tourism

The project started the process with the Village of Dhoksat, in the Gjirokastra region. Nevertheless, despite several successful meetings, the process encountered bottlenecks and it was paused. However, RisiAlbania prepared a business campaign, promoting the model to potentially interested parties through easy-to digest information. Months later, the dream resumed, with a young entrepreneur from Kruja historical town, interested in embracing the model. The process of establishing the first Albergho Diffuso in the Balkans, culminated with the launch of Kruja Albergho DIffuso, on June 2023.

RisiAlbania has helped introduce the Albergo Diffuso model in Albania, by providing technical assistance, training, and networking to potential and existing hoteliers, as well as advocating for the legal recognition of this hospitality model.