EU program trains youth to unlock Bylis tourism potential

In the Mallakastër area of Albania, a program supported by the European Union is training young individuals to become qualified tourist guides at the archaeological park of Bylis. This initiative aims to develop the area as a prominent tourist destination by enhancing local skills, improving services, and ensuring effective management. The training program includes lectures from Professor Neritan Ceka, who has extensive experience excavating in the park, along with various communication modules that equip the trainees with critical skills such as public speaking and group management. The project operates on three core pillars: the preservation of cultural heritage, improvement of tourist infrastructure, and economic development of local communities. These pillars are integral in enhancing the usability and attractiveness of cultural heritage assets found at Bylis. The program not only focuses on the immediate training of the youth but also emphasizes the importance to the local economy by engaging with local communities and providing them opportunities to develop relevant skills. As part of its objectives, the program plans to establish facilities such as a visitor center, community corner, and trails within Bylis Park, furthering tourism and community interaction. This development signifies a shift towards recognizing the numerous opportunities inherent in local resources, including cultural, historical, and natural assets. The trainees, who have lived in proximity to Bylis their entire lives, are now uncovering the potential that tourism holds for their economic future. Through the initiative, local artisanal products will gain visibility, and the program aims to showcase the area's authenticity through traditional recipes and crafts. The transition from merely residents to informed guides represents a broader movement towards sustainable tourism that benefits both the local community and the archaeological heritage of Bylis, ultimately fostering a prosperous and resilient tourist destination.