Meeting the local community is the most crucial step in any project, whatever its field and wherever its location. This is also the case for Interreg RISTOR which focuses on sustainable and inclusive mountainous tourism.
RISTOR, a project co-funded by the European Union and National Funds of Greece and Albania via the Interreg Cross-Border Cooperation Programme, will revitalise two disused municipal buildings, one in the Greek village of Demati in the Municipality of Zagori and one in the Albanian village of Dardha in the Municipality of Korca, to create two accessible rural innovation centers.
From 24 to 28 May 2026, RISTOR’s five partners from Greece and Albania – Impact Hub Athens, The High Mountains Coop on behalf of the Municipality of Zagori, P2P Lab, Municipality of Korca and Observatory for Children and Youth Rights, brought together the local communities in the two regions to explore what sustainable and inclusive tourism means to them, map the challenges and opportunities ahead, as well as the existing ecosystem in the two areas respectively and co-design how the centers should operate once they are launched.
The conversation circled around slow all-year-round tourism, hosting participatory and collaborative activities, celebrating the cultural heritage and traditions and promoting the local produce and gastronomy. Synergy, accessibility, solidarity and sense identity were amongst some of the key words that were heard repeatedly.
The issue of rural infrastructure and accessible services was highlighted both as a key challenge and opportunity in both regions. And when it comes to the vision of the rural innovation centers, the local will was loud and clear: a place to connect and learn, an information and coordination hub that hosts activities 365 days a year.
These Community of Practice meetings were the first of many to come. Stay tuned and take the Interreg RISTOR’s journey with us.
Follow Interreg RISTOR on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook to stay up to date.
Project co-funded by the European Union and National Funds of Greece and Albania via the Interreg (VI-A) IPA “Greece-Albania 2021-2027” Cross-Border Cooperation Programme