A Qualitative Study of Waste Management in Albanian Agrotourism

Abstract

Agrotourism is increasingly promoted in Albania as a pathway for sustainable rural development, linking agricultural traditions with tourism growth. However, waste management remains one of the sector’s most pressing challenges, with rural areas often lacking reliable collection infrastructure and institutional support. This study examines how agrotourism businesses in Albania manage waste, what challenges they face, what factors shape these challenges, and how national legal, institutional and policy frameworks influence outcomes. A qualitative research design was applied, combining semi-structured interviews with seven agrotourism operators and four experts, field observations and documentary analysis of national strategies and EU directives. The findings reveal that businesses adopt diverse minimization, reuse and composting practices, yet these emerge largely out of necessity due to infrastructural gaps. Persistent challenges include irregular municipal services, limited staff capacity, visitor behaviour and seasonal fluctuations. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is among the first studies to examine waste management practices specifically within Albanian agrotourism. It shows that operators already act as active problem-solvers, but stronger institutional engagement is needed to consolidate local practices and advance Albania’s transition toward sustainable tourism.