This activity brought together local mountaineers, mountain guides, tourism operators, institutional representatives, as well as nature lovers.
In an atmosphere of commitment to the sustainable future of tourism, participants experienced the beauties of Rugova up close, and became part of a larger message for environmental protection and sustainable development.
Upon reaching Liqenat, the participants discussed the joint commitment with all tourism stakeholders in Kosovo to highlight the great potential that mountain and cultural tourism hold in Kosovo.
The hiking activity towards Liqenat is a concrete example of how tourism can be a tool for education and awareness, not only for visitors but also for tourism development policies.
The theme for this year: "Tourism and Sustainable Transformation," selected by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), aims to encourage reflection and action to transform the tourism sector through smart and sustainable investments, placing people, the planet, and long-term prosperity at the center.
The Vision of Kosovo's Tourism Strategy is that, by the year 2030, Kosovo will transform into a sustainable and competitive tourism destination in the Western Balkans.
The Acting Minister of the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Trade announced that this vision for sustainable tourism will be achieved through the implementation of support measures from the Government of Kosovo, defined in the 3-year plan and according to the strategic objectives of the Tourism Strategy 2030.
In particular, investments in quality and sustainable infrastructure for tourism development, along with the active engagement of local tourism stakeholders and field experts, promoting and protecting nature and the environment, guarantee the building of foundations for sustainable tourism that does not deplete natural resources, but protects and develops them for future generations, emphasized Minister Hajdari.
With her deep gratitude for the local mountaineers and mountain guides for their voluntary commitment and their long-standing successes in promoting our country's mountain tourism, Minister Hajdari received a valuable gift—the flag of the Gjeravica Mountaineering Association, which is the oldest mountaineering organization in Kosovo and the region.
In conclusion, Minister Hajdari congratulated the Kosovo Mountaineering and Sport Climbing Federation for their commitment and successes in promoting our country on the international stage through two historical achievements:
– The organization of the General Assembly of the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) 2025 in Peja, on October 25 and 26, 2025—one of the most prestigious mountaineering events, which will be attended by delegates from over 90 countries. This event will gather climbers and mountaineers from Kosovo and neighboring countries in the Balkan region to explore mountain medicine, safety, and training under the guidance of international experts.
– Membership of the Kosovo Mountain Search and Rescue Service in the International Association for Search and Rescue (ICAR), making Kosovo part of the global network for mountain safety and rescue. This success is the result of the great commitment of the Kosovo Mountain Search and Rescue Team Volunteers, who are on standby and at service at all times, to tourists in need, whose contribution has increased safety for local and international visitors in Kosovo and the region, whenever the need arises.
Additionally, Minister Hajdari congratulated the Kosovo Mountain Guides Association for their commitment and successes in promoting and including our country on the international stage through:
– The certification of Mountain Guides from Kosovo and the countries of the region, in line with the standards of the Union of International Mountain Leader Associations (UIMLA).
-The steady progress made in the continuing effort towards Kosovo's membership in UIMLA.
"These successes of the local mountaineers and mountain guides are extraordinary achievements for presenting the beauties of Kosovo, for developing and promoting mountain tourism, and for empowering sports, all contributing to the general development of our country," emphasized Minister Hajdari in her message for World Tourism Day 2025!
