March 2025

As one of the most renowned travel trade fairs in the world, ITB Berlin provided an extraordinary platform to highlight the unspoiled beauty, cultural richness, and adventurous spirit that Via Dinarica Kosovo has to offer. This year’s event was even more significant, with Albania honored as the official Host Country, bringing the Western Balkans into the spotlight like never before.

For decades, ITB Berlin has been the beating heart of the global travel industry. This colossal event gathers thousands of exhibitors and tourism professionals from every corner of the world, creating an unparalleled hub for networking, inspiration, and industry growth.

Via Dinarica Kosovo’s presence at ITB Berlin 2025 was not just about showcasing a destination—it was about telling a story. A story of adventure, untouched beauty, and a nation ready to welcome the world. As Kosovo strengthens its position on the global tourism map, travelers everywhere are invited to explore its mountains, embrace its culture, and embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

Via Dinarica Kosovo was passionately promoted as an unforgettable hiking and adventure experience. Designed for explorers, nature lovers, and adrenaline seekers alike, the Via Dinarica is a paradise of towering peaks, ancient forests, and cultural encounters.

ITB Berlin provided a good opportunity to showcase Kosovo’s dedication to ecotourism, sustainable travel, and regional cooperation. International visitors, industry professionals, and travel influencers engaged with the team, discovering why Kosovo is quickly emerging as a must-visit destination for adventure tourism.

The success of the Via Dinarica initiative in Kosovo is backed by a strong network of partners, including NaturKosovo, a project financed and promoted by AICS Tirana with the support of the Embassy of Italy in Pristina. The initiative is implemented by Volontari nel Mondo RTM and CELIM Milano, in collaboration with Utalaya Foundation, CAI – Club Alpino Italiano, Corpo Nazionale Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico – CNSAS, and AITR – Associazione Italiana Turismo Responsabile.

These partnerships are instrumental in promoting sustainable tourism and preserving the region’s natural and cultural heritage.

The Tirana Tourism and Travel Show provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the immense potential of Via Dinarica Kosovo, a newly updated tourism itinerary that brings a fresh perspective to sustainable tourism development in Kosovo.

The Utalaya Foundation, as part of the consortium that contributed to this project, was honored to participate in this fair, presenting the unique offerings of this natural itinerary. Via Dinarica Kosovo stands out for its untouched wilderness, now enhanced by improved tourism services. With the support of NaturKosovo, a project funded by AICS Tirana, and in collaboration with RTM, CELIM Milano, and the municipalities of Peja, Deçan, and Junik, this trail has now become a fully structured destination for nature explorers and adventure enthusiasts.

In the speeches held by Nicola Ghedin (AICS Tirana), Uta Ibrahimi (Utalaya Foundation), Filippo Vigani (RTM) and Tuba Safçiu it was explained that:

“Via Dinarica Kosovo’s journey, from international recognition to local impact, reflects years of dedication. As a NaturKosovo partner, Utalaya Foundation enhances guiding standards, trains service providers, raises environmental awareness among kids, and elevates VDK’s branding and digital presence” – said Uta Ibrahimi (Utalaya Foundation).

“Strategic partnerships with the Italian Alpine Club (CAI) and CNSAS have been established to enhance Via Dinarica’s infrastructure and safety, leading to the development of Alpine Rescue Teams and the improvement of tourism services. Training exchanges with Italian experts have been implemented to strengthen local capacities, while the Endowment Fund has been created to support tour operators and service providers. Efforts have been directed toward policy-making, environmental protection, and the sharing of best practices to safeguard cultural and natural heritage. A regional approach has been adopted to ensure sustainable tourism development along Via Dinarica, integrating conservation with economic opportunities” – said Nicola Ghedin (AICS Tirana).

“The Via Dinarica Kosovo is more than a trail—it is a living tale woven through the Accursed Mountains, the high pastures of Rugova, and the cultural heartlands of the Dukagjin region. Each step echoes history, every peak whispers legends, and the rivers sing of past travelers. More than distance or altitude, this journey immerses adventurers in the spirit of the land—its breathtaking vistas, the warmth of its people, and the untamed beauty that makes time stand still” – said Tuba Safçiu (Utalaya Foundation).

The fair served as a platform to introduce this new tourism product to key stakeholders in the travel industry and to establish new connections with tour operators, travel agencies, and nature lovers. Through meetings and discussions, the importance of strengthening the capacities of local service providers was emphasized, ensuring that visitors can now experience raw natural beauty with the comfort and safety of well-structured services.

This event not only reinforced Via Dinarica Kosovo’s presence as a unique itinerary on the Balkan tourism map but also highlighted the commitment of AICS and its partners to sustainable tourism development that supports local communities and preserves natural ecosystems.

As part of the NaturKosovo project, supported by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and the Italian Embassy in Pristina, an important milestone was marked last week through an extensive expedition into the captivating trails of Via Dinarica in Kosovo.

This activity represents not only a journey through unspoiled nature but also a significant step towards strengthening connections between the project’s stakeholders and the local communities, while promoting the rich natural and cultural heritage of this extraordinary region.

From August 19 to August 26, 2024, a team responsible for trail content creation, including guides, photographers, videographers, and writers, led by the only local organization involved, “Utalaya Foundation,” and supported by members of the Italian NGO “Volontari nel Mondo RTM,” began preparatory work for the development of a website and a hiking guidebook for the Via Dinarica trails in Kosovo.

An 8-day trek was organized from Peja to Junik, passing through the municipality of Deçan and key locations such as Lipa, Stedim, Hajla, Boga, Haxhaj, Kuqishtë, Milishevc, the Bjeshkët e Gacaferrit, and Gropa e Erenikut, culminating in Koshare.

This activity was essential for gathering information about the Via Dinarica trails, which will be featured on the website and in the hiking guidebook.

“These two communication tools will promote the trails, the natural heritage, and the services provided by local communities along the Via Dinarica in Kosovo.”

The Via Dinarica trails traverse the high mountain ranges of the Dinaric Alps, stretching from Slovenia to Albania, passing through the heart of several Western Balkan countries.