This study investigates airborne bacterial and fungal communities in south-eastern Italy and Albania using advanced DNA-based techniques and compositional data analysis (CoDa). We assess the significance of airborne microbial communities, detailing our methodologies for site selection, sample collection, DNA extraction, and data analysis. Our results reveal distinct differences in microbial composition between the two regions, driven by local environmental factors. Specifically, Albanian samples showed higher abundances of bacterial species such as Rubellimicrobium roseum and Sphingomonas cynarae, while Italian samples were characterized by a prevalence of Truepera radiovictrix and Rubrobacter radiotolerans. In terms of fungi, Albanian sites exhibited greater abundance of Mycosphaerella tassiana, Aureobasidium pullulans, and Ascochyta herbicola. Aitchison distance-based dendrograms and principal component analysis (PCA) biplots, utilizing singular value decomposition, clearly delineated a geographical separation of microbial communities, underscoring the impact of regional atmospheric conditions on microbial composition. In the discussion, we interpret these findings in the context of regional environmental factors, highlighting their implications for understanding regional differences in airborne microbial communities. The conclusion emphasizes the effectiveness of advanced DNA techniques and CoDa in environmental microbiology, offering insights into how local environmental conditions shape microbial communities and suggesting directions for future research and public health considerations.

This study explores the quality of tourist destinations along the Albanian Adriatic coast, focusing on seasonality, visitor motivations, and barriers to year-round tourism. It examines key predictors of destination quality from stakeholder perspectives. Albania has a coastline stretching 477 kilometers, washed by both the Adriatic and Jon seas. They are integral parts of the Mediterranean basin. The study focuses on the Albanian Adriatic coastline, which represent not only a valuable natural resource, but also a key asset for sustainable tourism development. From a physical geography perspective, this area is part of Albania’s Western Lowland. A quantitative approach was employed, using an online questionnaire completed by 186 stakeholders from tourism-related sectors. They offer a multifaceted perspective on tourism development. Addressing challenges such as seasonality and ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of destination quality. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequency analysis, Spearman’s correlation, and multiple regression. Findings reveal that seaside tourism (23.6%) is the primary reason for visits, followed by cultural (16.8%) and gastronomic tourism (13.5%). However, strong seasonality persists, with 88.2% of visits occurring in summer. Regression analysis indicates that public transport is the strongest predictor of destination quality, followed by accommodation, and pre-arrival information, accessibility, and on-site tourist information. To extend the tourism season, investment in infrastructure, and accessibility is important. Strengthenin g public transport, improving tourist information, and enhancing environmental sustainability will boost destination qual ity and competitiveness. Furthermore, improving collaboration between local stakeholders and central institutions is important for strengthening destination quality. The study contributes to the literature on emerging tourism by offering recommendations for more effective policies and practices in managing coastal destinations in Albania.

The article carries relevance in the field of tourism, as the authors endeavor to highlight the effects of the post-COVID situation on cruise travel, transitioning from the global to the national level. However, several suggestions can be considered:...