The Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sports launched a program to revive towers in 14 northern municipalities. The initiative aims to preserve heritage and boost cultural tourism.

Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the program will document, restore, and repurpose traditional towers as active cultural and economic assets. He added that experts from heritage and monument institutes support the project.

The program runs in two phases. Phase one (2025–2026) covers Shkodër, Lezhë, Dibër, and Kukës. Authorities will inventory, document, and select towers for pilot projects. Phase two (2026–2028) focuses on restoration and repurposing towers as guesthouses, museums, cultural centers, and artisan spaces.

Gonxhja highlighted rising interest in cultural heritage. Visits to heritage sites rose 13% in January–September 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Restoration projects increased 309%, and investments in monuments grew 363%.

The program also supports local artisans. So far, 43 artisans developed traditional products. Gonxhja said the initiative integrates towers into cultural routes and sustainable tourism itineraries.

Additionally, the plan extends the tourist season beyond summer. Northern Albania becomes a key hub for cultural tourism, linking history, nature, and art.

MTKS and GIZ Albania collaborate to ensure economic, cultural, and tourism development through heritage preservation. Towers will become tourist attractions that enhance local economy and community life.

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