Preserving Local Character for Sustainable Tourism Development: National Park of Theth as a Case study

Abstract

This paper studies the physic/architectural character in National Park of Theth, considering it as a tourist attraction of special importance. Despite the contextual qualities typical of this alpine area, the actual construction character in Theth is changing in relation to local architecture, which requires more attention and research. The purpose of this paper is to determine whether new development design in the tourism destinations making local character count and whether including of local community in this process, can contribute positive to physical attractive environments. The objectives of the study are analyzing the local architectural character of Thethi region, which is one of the most important protected and tourism areas in Albania, and offering to be applied in Theth of a model of international experiences of engaging local people in constructive debate about local character preservation in the new development design in a place. To realize this study, authors used the information obtained from published material and also from made the observation of the situation in the Theth region regarding the physical/architectural character of its. The study was undertaken by following some logical steps. First, it explains the concept of sustainable tourism development and the concept of local character. Also, the paper argues necessity of preserving local character and involvement of local people in new development design of area for sustainable tourism. Then, the paper passed to assessment of local physic/architectural character of area and the problems shown to preservation of its in Theth. The paper presents a model to apply in Theth from international experience of engaging local people in constructive debate about how to help ensure that new development design in their area fits its surroundings and is in keeping with local character of the areas in which they live. Finally the paper gives conclusion of authors about the issue in the study for the preservation of local character in the alpine area of Thethi as we try to realize the concept of sustainable tourism development.