Agritourism Management in Sustainable Rural Development and Cultural Heritage Preservation

Introduction. Sustainable rural tourism drives economic growth while respecting nature and preserving cultural traditions. Tourism has become a key driver of national, social, and economic development in Albania. It has emerged as a significant contributor to income generation for the government, businesses, and households, with statistics indicating that tourism plays a central role in a country’s economic growth each year. Aim and tasks. This study examines how agritourism succeeded in Albania by examining its economic, social, and environmental impacts using real-world data. It investigates the relationship between agritourism growth and broader sustainable development in rural areas, testing the hypothesis that enhancing agritourism contributes to sustainability at the territorial level. Results. This study analyses case studies of 110 agritourism sites in Albania that promote tourism without endangering the environment or local lifestyles. The data collection involved direct observation of agritourism websites and online and phone communications with agritourism operators. The research spans the years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. Quantitative and qualitative research methods were employed with analysis, comparisons, and generalisations based on evaluations across the country. The target population consists of participants from Albania's tourism sector, focusing on agritourism organisations in rural areas. A diverse sample of agritouristic subjects from various administrative districts was selected. The findings demonstrate that agritourism boosts economic gains and supports social cohesion and environmental preservation, making it a vital element of sustainable rural development in Albania. Conclusions. The study concludes with suggestions for improving Albanian agritourism, highlighting the importance of social and cultural values, environmental conservation, and economic progress for a sustainable model. It is also to highlight that incorporating traditional building materials and cultural elements enhances the distinctiveness of agritourism and aids in preserving local cultures. Rural tourism is vital and receives strong backing from local and national governments.