In mid-November, CNVP Albania’s team set out on a three-day FAM-tour across the Korab–Koritnik region, a journey that brought together tour operators, local guides, municipalities, and community members from Dibër and Kukës. Supported by Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust - (PONT), the tour aimed to show the real potential of this cross-regional destination: its nature, small villages on daily life, and the growing network of people shaping a more sustainable tourism offer.

From the first morning, the mood was clear: everyone was curious, open, and ready to experience the region with fresh eyes. After gathering in Maqellarë for a short introduction, the group headed to Kërcisht, a quiet village surrounded by mountain views and simple rural life. It’s medieval churches with interesting stories are a big reason to attract tourists.

Walking through the village, guided by local experts, the group could see how nature and tradition blend naturally here. A short meeting with a nature guide working in the Korab–Koritnik area helped everyone understand the challenges and opportunities of guiding in protected areas.

The next stop led us to Melan, where we met Pervis Shehi, a well-known local guide. Even though the weather was uncertain, Pervis shared stories about the trails, the seasons, and the many tourists who come for hiking and adventure. A short walk on the Hinoskë trail gave the group a real feeling of the terrain: calm, clean, and rich in untouched beauty. By afternoon, the tour continued with a visit to Zagrad. Conversations here focused on how small villages like Zagrad can grow their tourism services while keeping their authenticity. 

The second day started in Peshkopi. Visits to the local businesses that produce bio and authentic products were a big point of interest for the guides. The journey continued towards Kukës region were many attractions made us stop like: Troja e Kastriotit (birthplace of Albania’a national hero Gjergj Kastioti Skënderbeu), different historical villages and panoramas of Korab region.

Next stop was Ujmira guesthouse where the owners shared their experience of hosting visitors throughout 2025: what worked, what was hard, and what they hope to improve. These honest conversations helped tour operators understand the local reality beyond brochures and photos. In Tejs, the group visited the new tourist information center and Flored Hotel, a new investment that attracted a lot of interest. Again, the discussion turned naturally to collaboration, how agencies and local businesses can support each other.

From there, the group moved to Zgara e Bushtricës to meet another guesthouse owner, supported by CNVP’s project to modernise and diversify his production line of dairy. It was a simple but important stop, a reminder that tourism in this region grows thanks to many small family businesses working with passion.

By early afternoon, the FAM-tour arrived in Kukës where the city tour, guided by the Kukës Tourism Office, gave the group a closer look at local crafts, including the traditional carpet workshop and a business focused on medicinal plants. These visits showed how culture and nature come together to build a stronger tourism identity for the area.

The third day took the group to Shishtavec, one of the most special destinations in the region. The Kukës Tourism Office presented the growing tourism interest there, especially for “Shtegun e Ngjyrave” and among visitors looking for nature, peace, and authentic local life. The group visited Lake Kallabaku and walked through the surrounding area, taking in the quiet landscape. A stop at Stani i Hoxhës, a grant beneficiary of CNVP’s project, added a final touch, a place where local families are working to offer new rural experiences for visitors.

The fam tour closed in Kukës with one last round of reflections where everyone agreed on the same thing: Korab–Koritnik has something real, something that can’t be staged. It has nature, culture, and people who care about their land. And it has the potential to grow if local actors and tour operators keep working together.

This three-day journey was not just about visiting places. It was about seeing the region through the eyes of the people who live and work there. Thanks to Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust - (PONT) support, the FAM-tour helped build new connections, inspire new ideas, and open new possibilities for future tourism packages that respect nature and bring value to local communities.