Two family-run businesses in Kukës are taking concrete steps to strengthen sustainable tourism inside the Korab–Koritnik Protected Area. Through the CNVP Albania project “Sustainable use of natural resources for transboundary socio-economic development of protected area”, funded by Prespa Ohrid Nature Trust (PONT), these enterprises are improving their services while staying committed to local traditions, clean nature, and responsible use of natural resources.

In the village of Bushtricë, right on the border of the Korab–Koritnik Nature Park, the family business “Zgara Bushtricë” has grown steadily since 2015. Known for its restaurant and guesthouse, the business depends heavily on products sourced from the surrounding alpine pastures. The owners have long faced a common regional challenge: despite the abundance of high-quality milk in the area, the lack of local processing facilities has limited both livestock development and the promotion of traditional dairy products. Their new project aims to change this reality. With CNVP’s support, they are establishing a small milk collection and processing point that will enable local producers to transform raw milk into quality products directly within the community. This investment will improve the availability of traditional dairy products, increase income for mountain households, and strengthen the tourism offer with clean, authentic, locally made goods.

Further up in Shishtavec, in the village of Novosej, the well-known agrotourism destination “Stani i Hoxhës” is taking another step toward becoming fully aligned with sustainable tourism standards. Built in 2013, the hotel-restaurant complex has become a popular stop for visitors who want to experience the landscapes of Shishtavec while enjoying traditional hospitality. With rooms for 35 guests, a restaurant that serves 70, and a campsite for another 50 people, the business operates year-round and requires a reliable, efficient source of heating. To reduce environmental impact and improve comfort for visitors, the owners are investing in a central heating system powered by pellets. The upgrade replaces older, less efficient heating methods and introduces a cleaner, safer and more sustainable approach that fits the needs of a tourism business operating inside a protected landscape.

Both initiatives share a clear vision: local development must go hand in hand with environmental protection. By modernizing their facilities and improving the quality of services they offer, these businesses are not only supporting their own growth, but also contributing to a stronger, greener and more competitive eco-tourism sector in Kukës. With the financial support of PONT and the technical guidance of CNVP Albania, the protected area is seeing a new wave of small-scale investments that respect nature, empower local communities, and enhance the travel experience for every visitor stepping into the Korab–Koritnik region.