A historic building in Korça will be revitalized to serve both the administration of the Protected Areas of the Korça region and as a multifunctional community center.

Minister of Tourism and Environment, Mirela Kumbaro, attended the presentation of the architectural restoration and urban regeneration project, aimed at creating new working spaces for the Regional Administration of Protected Areas in Korça.

She explained that Korça as natural and cultural beauty, along with collaboration with the local municipality, led to the discovery of several old, unused buildings. The best way to repurpose these spaces, she said, was through the “Creativity” project, which focuses on revitalizing historical sites by giving them new life through architectural innovation.

“We decided to breathe new life into the building in Korça known as the old land registry. It will not only serve as office space for the Regional Administration of Protected Areas but will also become much more. Our aim is to create a new urban space within Korça and the wider region—a destination with educational programs for children and youth, a tourist information center to showcase the region’s offerings, and a venue for events,” Kumbaro explained.

The project is part of the Ministry’s “Creativity” initiative, within the European Interreg IPA program: “Cultural and Creative Industries.”

Kumbaro also highlighted the ongoing revitalization of the Drilon-Tushemisht natural park and the creation of a comprehensive ecotourism map for the Korça region.

“This isn’t the first such project in Korça. Earlier this year, we were in Pogradec, where we showcased significant progress in the Tushemisht-Drilon Park, including the revitalization of the park and the development of a new visitor center dedicated to the Pogradec area and Lake Pogradec, a UNESCO heritage site. These efforts will give visitors more reasons to come to Korça and encourage the younger generation to explore the entire region,” Kumbaro added.

Korça Mayor Sotiraq Filo noted that the new center would benefit the entire city.

“This center will feature educational elements for children and include a museum where visitors can learn about the potential of the protected areas. I believe it will be another major attraction for Korça. Once the project is completed, we will also be able to launch another initiative to revitalize the former Pioneers’ House,” Filo said.

From January to October 2024, 4.9 million visitors visited protected areas across Albania, a 20% increase compared to the previous year, indicating growing interest in natural attractions and the expansion of Albania’s year-round tourism offerings.

/a.p./