Albanian beekeepers in the border area between Albania and Greece are collaborating with their Greek counterparts to develop the agritourism sector and produce high-quality honey and its by-products. The initiative aims to boost the local economy and attract visitors to the cross-border region.

“Beekeeping aims at developing people, and alongside it, agritourism will also grow. Together with agritourism, the local economy develops. This is a positive and welcome initiative for all Albanian beekeepers,” said Jaçe Meçi, Head of the Gjirokastër Beekeepers Association.

According to beekeeping expert Evangjelia Qirka, cross-border cooperation will improve the quality of honey and its by-products, making them more competitive and sought-after in the market. She emphasized that this initiative supports the development of agricultural tourism and increases interest in the beekeeping sector on both sides of the border.

“This cooperation enables the development of the beekeeping sector on both sides of the border. In this way, honey and its by-products will be better, higher in quality, and more in demand in the market. At the same time, we support and promote the development of tourism, especially agritourism,” said Evangjelia Qirka.

In the Gjirokastër region, beekeeping is seen not only as a way to preserve tradition, but also as an important source of income for local farmers, contributing to the sustainable development of rural communities.