Two Innovation Centers for Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism in Zagori and Dardhë through Interreg-RISTOR
Two mountain villages, Demati in Zagori and Dardhë in Albania, which experienced intense migration and partial depopulation during the 20th century, are becoming the focal point of an initiative aimed at revitalizing local communities through sustainable tourism.
This is the cross-border Interreg-RISTOR program, co-financed by the European Union through Interreg VI-A IPA “Greece–Albania 2021–2027”, which is expected over the next two years to transform two underutilized municipal buildings into Innovation Centers for Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism. The initiative offers new opportunities for residents to build sustainable communities, achieve development in harmony with their natural environment, and attract visitors from around the world.
Demati, one of the most picturesque villages of Zagori with only four permanent residents, and Dardhë, a historic Albanian village near Korça, are known for their natural beauty and traditional architecture. At the same time, they share a common past of migration and depopulation.
Dardhë, Municipal Building
Within the framework of the program, the former school building in Demati and a historic, unused municipal building in Dardhë will be renovated with respect for local architecture and traditional construction methods. In 2027, they will operate as modern cross-border collaborative spaces, where local communities, tourism professionals, and visitors will meet, develop skills, exchange knowledge, and jointly shape the future of sustainable tourism. The use of modern tools and business practices will be implemented with respect for local traditions and the natural environment.
In the long term, the sustainable operation of the two centers will promote diverse and inclusive forms of tourism—cultural, agritourism, hiking, and nature-based tourism—while strengthening the participation of young people, women, families, creative professionals, and small producers as beneficiaries and co-creators.
According to those responsible, the program provides for the training of more than 100 local professionals, the development of more than 30 new tourism products and services, and the annual attraction of over 2,500 visitors.
Through these actions, the program will promote the sustainable development of tourism services, the diversification of tourism products, and the improvement of the visitor experience, effectively connecting local communities with the dynamics of sustainable tourism.
It is worth noting that the program is implemented with the participation of five partners:
- Municipality of Zagori: Coordinates the project and leads the restoration of the former school in Demati.
- Municipality of Korça: Implements the restoration of the building in Dardhë and activates the local community.
- Impact Hub Athens: Designs the communication strategy, training actions, and entrepreneurial empowerment initiatives, and connects the project with national and European networks.
- P2P Lab: Focuses on integrating accessibility practices and developing specialized educational content for socially just tourism.
- Observatory for Children and Youth Rights: Supports inclusive, family-friendly services and participates in workshops and training for local ecosystems.
The Old Primary School of Demati
About Interreg–RISTOR
Interreg–RISTOR is a cross-border project co-financed by the European Union and the National Funds of Greece and Albania through the Interreg (VI–A) IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Programme “Greece–Albania 2021–2027”.
The project brings together five partners from Greece and Albania—the Municipality of Zagori, the Municipality of Korça, the Observatory for Children and Youth Rights, P2P Lab, and Impact Hub Athens—with the aim of developing sustainable and inclusive tourism in the areas of Eastern Zagori (Greece) and Korça (Albania).
Through the renovation of two abandoned municipal buildings in Demati and Dardhë, the project creates Innovation Centers that will operate as cross-border collaboration hubs for local communities, tourism professionals, and visitors. RISTOR promotes social innovation, entrepreneurship, community connectivity, and sustainable development, contributing to the positioning of these areas as year-round destinations with respect for culture, nature, and accessibility.
