Albania’s transition from a centralized to a market economy has resulted in a fragmented and mostly informal business landscape, where small enterprises dominate and sustainability-oriented strategies remain underdeveloped. However, with EU accession, Agenda 2030 commitments, and global climate objectives, there is a growing urgency to align local business models with circular and inclusive practices. This study aimed to explore how sustainable business model frameworks can be effectively applied in emerging contexts by the Triple Layered Business Model Canvas (TLBMC) to Mrizi Zanave, a leading agrotourism enterprise in North Albania. The research employs a qualitative case study approach, combining two semi-structured interviews with founders/managers and desk research across multiple data sources, including the National Business Center registry, company websites, and social media communications. The results indicated that Mrizi Zanave creates value across economic, social, and environmental layers by embedding traditional knowledge, regional supply chains, and community-based employment. Quantitatively, the enterprise cooperates with 400 smallholder farmers, employs 105 staff and hosts approximately 90,000 visitors annually [As by the latest data delivered by the company on National Business Center registry (data for the business fiscal year 2024)]. However, formal measurement of environmental and social impacts remains limited, reflecting institutional and infrastructural constraints. By operationalizing the TLBMC in a context shaped by structural informality and historical marginalization, the study contributes to the international literature on business model innovation in post-socialist and emerging European contexts, particularly within the Western Balkans. It highlights both the opportunities and challenges of place-based entrepreneurship for sustainable rural generation in the Western Balkans.

The concept of dark tourism has obtained significant attention in recent years, and its appeal to younger generations is a topic of great interest. This study examines the behavioral intentions of Generation Z towards dark tourism in Albania, a country with a strong cultural and historical heritage. Using a quantitative research design, the study collected data from 312 respondents and analyzed them using exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression. The results found several key variables that influence the behavioral intentions of Generation Z towards dark tourism, including attitude, motivations, social media, and perceived psychological risk. Interestingly, the study found that attitude is the strongest predictor of behavioral intentions towards dark tourism. This suggests that if young people have a positive attitude towards dark tourism, they are more likely to visit dark tourism sites. On the other hand, the variable of perceived psychological risk was found to have a negative influence on the behavioral intentions of Generation Z to visit dark tourism sites. This implies that if young people perceive dark tourism as risky or threatening, they are less likely to participate in it. The study contributes to dark tourism research by offering empirical evidence from Albania and by highlighting the importance of educational, reflective and ethically sensitive interpretation for Generation Z visitors. The findings of the study reveal the importance of developing tourism experiences that are not only educational and emotionally engaging, but also ethically based. This is particularly relevant for emerging destinations like Albania, where dark tourism remains underdeveloped despite its significant cultural and historical potential. By shaping tourism experiences for younger audiences, destinations like Albania can tap into the potential of dark tourism and offer unique, meaningful experiences for visitors.

The hotel industry significantly contributes to tourism, local economies, employment, and destination development. Despite their dedication to effective management and service, hotel managers still experience service failures. Due to the simultaneity of production and consumption in hotels, achieving a completely flawless service is impossible (Del Río-Lanza et al., 2009). A service failure triggers the service recovery process. This recovery effort gives hotels a valuable opportunity to please customers affected by service disruptions. This study uses primary research by conducting interviews with hotel managers to explore their perspectives and strategies regarding service failures and recovery efforts. Thirty-two Albanian managers from hotels and hotel complexes participated in interviews. The analysis is presented descriptively, with a summarized overview of the managers’ responses to each question. This research lays the groundwork for future studies exploring consumer viewpoints.

Introduction: Geographical Indications (GIs) are increasingly recognized as instruments for rural development, territorial identity, and gastronomic tourism. This study assesses the potential of Albanian local food products for inclusion in GI schemes and explores stakeholder perceptions regarding their contribution to rural development. Methods: An exploratory mixed-method approach was employed, combining qualitative inquiry with descriptive quantitative analysis. Data were collected from 100 stakeholders representing producers, tourism operators, public officials, experts, and local community members through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Results: Findings reveal limited awareness of GI schemes among many stakeholder groups, although respondents perceived significant economic, cultural, and tourism- related benefits associated with GI certification. Twenty-nine local products were identified as having strong potential for GI registration. Key barriers included institutional weaknesses, limited technical expertise, insufficient stakeholder coordination, and certification-related costs. Discussion: The findings suggest that GI certification could enhance product value, strengthen territorial identity, support rural livelihoods, and contribute to gastronomic tourism development in Albania. Strengthening institutional capacity, stakeholder cooperation, and awareness-building initiatives is essential to unlock the development potential of GI schemes.