The future of high-standard tourism in Albania - A project implemented by PikHost and EU partners
PikHost is working towards a brighter future by constructing a sustainable and innovative, tourism-oriented business in Shkoder, Albania. A business that prioritizes progress and growth while ensuring the preservation of our region for generations to come. At the forefront of technology, we bring our expertise to lead the charge in reducing the environmental burden whilst making an impact that matters. This way we are poised to build a thriving and responsible business in Shkoder, Albania.
Regional
Albania
Shirokë, Shkodër - Municipality of Shkodër
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
No
No
Yes
2022-01-09
As a representative of an organisation
Name of the organisation(s): PIKHOST ALBANIA SH.P.K. Type of organisation: For-profit company First name of representative: Brendi Last name of representative: Hoti Gender: Male Nationality: Albania If relevant, please select your other nationality: Albania Function: Co-Founder Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: Rruga Dervish Hima, Kulla 1 Town: Tirana Postal code: 1001 Country: Albania Direct Tel:+355 69 402 0275 E-mail:brendihoti@gmail.com Website:https://pik-host.al/
PikHost is an innovative short-term property management company based in the picturesque region of Shirokë, Shkoder in Albania. In addition to managing properties, the company also actively promotes culture and tourism in the region. This way PikHost contributes in promoting water sports, making tourist destinations more accessible, organizing sports events, and supporting local businesses. These initiatives have attracted an influx of tourists to the area, bringing substantial economic benefits to the local community.
At the heart of PikHost's mission are the values of inclusion, enhancement of the overall quality of tourism, and sustainability. The company's goal is to achieve these objectives with greater efficiency and effectiveness.
PikHost is committed to employing local individuals who lack financial means, with a particular focus on those with disabilities. The company has currently employed only individuals form the region of Shirokë. The company's use of process automation has enabled its human capital to concentrate on higher-value tasks, such as promoting local culture and learning new languages, resulting in an enhanced tourist experience. PikHost is also working to establish a sustainable tourism system, offering electric transportation and promoting recycling, which also serves to educate the local community. This project brings together a diverse group of professionals from various fields to collaborate and drive innovation. The project's methodology and approach can be replicated in other locations, benefiting different groups and communities. PikHost is addressing global challenges by providing locally-based solutions and is having a positive impact on its local community and the environment. With a strong commitment to sustainability, inclusion, and the aesthetic and quality of experience for guests, PikHost serves as a shining example of how a company can make a positive impact on its surroundings.
Technology
Sustainability
Tourism
Inclusion
Ecosystem
Our endeavor to establish a sustainable and innovative business has yielded significant progress and achieved key objectives. Our commitment to employing local people who were previously unable to find financial stability has been a resounding success, leading to the creation of jobs in areas such as transportation, tour guiding, quality control, and info point clerk. This has had a positive impact on the community, providing employment opportunities and contributing to its sustainable growth.
One of our core objectives has been to promote a green ecosystem, and we are proud to announce that our efforts to educate the people of Shirokë on the importance of recycling have met with remarkable success. The implementation of recycle bins has made a considerable difference, and we can see that people are becoming more conscious of their waste and are making an effort to recycle, resulting in a cleaner and greener community. However, we recognize the need for further support in promoting a better recycling system and welcome the opportunity to learn from industry experts to implement this in a cost-effective and efficient manner.
We are committed to taking our efforts to the next level, and our plans include investing in electric golf carts for transportation and implementing solar panels to reduce our carbon footprint, provide clean energy to the community, and lead the way in sustainable energy solutions. By incorporating solar panels, we can also demonstrate our commitment to sustainability and attract customers who prioritize environmental responsibility. This can help improve the overall image of our service and engage more people in the ecosystem.
We are proud of our achievements thus far and are confident in our ability to continue making a positive impact in the region of Shirokë, Shkoder, Albania. Our dedication to building a sustainable and innovative business is a testament to the power of collaboration and teamwork towards a common goal.
Our project has always placed a high emphasis on creating an aesthetically pleasing and memorable experience for those who visit us. We understand that design, positive emotions, and cultural benefits are key factors that contribute to the overall quality of the experience, and we have worked hard to meet these objectives.
One of our primary goals was to incorporate elements of modern design into the local culture, creating a sense of pride for the people of Shirokë and Shkoder in general. Given that people who work closely with our project are locals, there is a connection between the project and the community. We have designed our own uniforms and merchandise using colors and shapes that evoke positive emotions and create a sense of comfort. We understand the importance of design in shaping the overall experience.
Moreover, we have also aimed to create a memorable experience for those who visit, through the incorporation of cultural and educational elements. At our info-point/reception visitors can see attractions and many cultural activities to do in the area. Our goal is to provide a unique and enriching experience that not only benefits the community but also leaves a lasting impression on those who engage with it.
In conclusion, we are proud of the progress we have made in achieving our aesthetic and quality objectives. Our efforts to create a welcoming and culturally rich environment are aimed at providing a positive experience for all those who engage with our project. We look forward to continuing to build on this success in the future.
Our project has always placed a strong emphasis on inclusivity, and we are proud to report that we have made significant progress towards meeting our key objectives in this area. Our goal is to create a project that is accessible and affordable for all, promotes inclusive governance systems, and embodies design for all principles, as well as new societal models.
Another critical aspect of our project is to provide job opportunities to local people, particularly those who are economically disadvantaged or have disabilities. Offering employment not only benefits the individuals but also contributes to the overall well-being of the community. By establishing new business avenues, such as transportation, tour guiding, quality control, and info-point clerk positions, we have created new job opportunities for community members. Our aim is to not only support these individuals in finding a source of income but also help boost the local economy. Our project is not just about generating revenue or providing a unique experience, but also about giving back to the community and making a positive impact on people's lives. By providing employment, we hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it the most.
Additionally, by employing local people, we are able to promote a sense of community ownership and investment in the project. This has helped to ensure that the project is sustainable in the long-term, and has contributed to the creation of a thriving and inclusive community. In conclusion, our project is a shining example of what can be achieved when inclusivity is placed at the forefront of development efforts. Our efforts to create a project that is accessible, affordable, and inclusive, along with our focus on employing local people, have been successful, and we are proud to be setting an example for other projects to follow.
Over the past five years, our project has been dedicated to promoting culture and tourism in Northern Albania, specifically in the region of Shkoder. Our hard work has paid off as we have welcomed over 5000 guests to the area, leaving a positive impact on the local community. These tourists have experienced the unique culture of the region by eating at local restaurants, visiting museums, and spending money in the area, which in turn has provided economic benefits to the local civil society.
One of the key factors contributing to the success of our project has been the involvement of the local community. From the very start, we have been working closely with individuals who have taken on various roles, such as info-point clerks, receptionists, gardeners, cleaning ladies, and security guards. This has not only provided new employment opportunities in the area, but it has also ensured that our project is aligned with the values and goals of the local community.
The involvement and support of the civil society is of the utmost importance to us as it demonstrates their understanding of the positive impact that our project brings to the region. This support has been essential in helping us to achieve our goals, and we are proud to see the results of our efforts.
In conclusion, our project serves as a shining example of the power of active involvement by citizens and the civil society in development initiatives. Through working with local individuals, we have created a project that not only benefits our guests but also the local community. We are proud to set an example for other projects to follow, showcasing the benefits that can be achieved when all parties come together to promote growth and prosperity.
The design and implementation of our project have been a collaborative effort that involved stakeholders at various levels, including local, regional, national, and European. This multi-level approach has been crucial in ensuring that our project is aligned with the needs and goals of all stakeholders, and that it has a positive impact on the local community.
At the local level, we engaged with members of the civil society, including local businesses, community organizations, and individuals, to gain a better understanding of the needs of the community and what it has to offer. Their input was invaluable in shaping the design of our project and ensuring that it was aligned with the values and goals of the local community. In addition, we managed to include in the ecosystem all the stakeholders that helped with the industrial chain. At the regional and national levels, we worked closely with local and national government agencies to ensure that our project was in line with the broader development goals of the region and the country. This engagement helped to ensure that our project was able to leverage existing resources and infrastructure, and that it was able to take advantage of national and regional initiatives such as setting a brand new info-point and reception centre in the centre of Shiroke. Finally, at the European level, we engaged with various stakeholders that have supported us in building the business model and creating the systems and procedures.
The added value of this multi-level engagement has been significant. By working closely with stakeholders at all levels, we have been able to create a project that is aligned with the needs and goals of all stakeholders, and that has a positive impact on the local community from the value-added and sustainable perspective. This has helped to ensure that our project is sustainable and that it will have a lasting impact on the region.
The implementation of PikHost brought together multiple disciplines including tourism, sustainable development, environmental management, urban planning, hospitality, and marketing. The collaboration between these fields was critical to the success of the project as it allowed for a comprehensive and integrated approach to meeting its objectives.
As co-founders with expertise in these fields, we leveraged our knowledge to identify the potential for tourism development:
As tourism experts, we identified the potential for tourism development in the area and created a strategy for attracting and accommodating visitors. In sustainable development, we established a vision for the project that balanced economic growth and environmental protection, while also implementing best practices for minimizing the project's ecological impact. As environmental management specialists, we ensured that the project was designed and executed with environmentally responsible practices in mind. And as it belongs to urban planning, we made sure that the project would contribute to the sustainable development of the region. To enhance the hospitality aspect, we meticulously planned to provide guests with an enjoyable and memorable experience. Marketing was essential in making the project known to potential guests and highlighting its positive impact on the local community. By promoting the project effectively, marketing helped attract visitors and increase awareness of the project's benefits. The role of marketing was crucial in ensuring the success of the project.
The collaboration between these disciplines was key to the project's success, as it enabled the achievement of goals in a comprehensive and effective manner. The unique perspectives and expertise of each field were utilized to create an innovative, effective, and sustainable project.
PikHost is a socially responsible short-let property management company that aims to promote the rich cultural heritage and tourism in northern Albania. The key results, outcomes and impacts of PikHost can be summarised in some key points: sustainability; inclusion; economic growth and cultural enhancement and preservation.
In terms of sustainability, PikHost has taken significant steps to protect the environment through the creation of recycling systems for tourists and local residents while planning on implementing electric car transportation. The company's efforts have not only had a tangible impact on the natural environment, making it cleaner and more livable, but they have also helped raise awareness about the importance of preserving the environment.
In terms of inclusion, PikHost has made a significant impact by employing people with disabilities and local residents, with the aim of improving their well-being and preserving the cultural heritage of the region. This has not only had a positive impact on the lives of the individuals but has also contributed to the growth of the local economy. We believe that in a region with high levels of poverty, economic growth can create new job opportunities (which we already to), increase disposable income (factually done in the region) and boost consumer spending (done through the tourists). This, in turn, leads to an increase in demand for goods and services, which can stimulate local businesses, create new opportunities for entrepreneurs, and attract investment to the region.
Furthermore, PikHost has made a significant impact on cultural enrichment by funding cultural events, such as the creation of an information point in Shirokë, Triathlon Labeat, tennis tournaments, film festivals, dance festivals, water sports etc. Through this funding, the company has been able to connect with like-minded businesses and increase collaboration and value addition, resulting in a further enhancement of the local culture.
PikHost, a short-term property management company, distinguishes itself with its innovative approach to promoting culture, tourism, and sustainability in northern Albania. The company goes beyond the traditional property management practices by conducting activities such as watersports and organizing sports events to attract more tourists to the area.
PikHost's focus on sustainability, such as the use of electric vehicles, recycling and automation, sets it apart from other players in the industry. The company's commitment to inclusiveness and providing quality experiences is reflected in its efforts to employ local people, especially those with disabilities, and to automate check-in and check-out procedures so that staff can concentrate on promoting the local culture and providing a seamless experience.
As compared to the other projects in the area, PikHost offers everything that lacks. Whilst other projects focus only on tourism, restoration or sports, our project includes everything for the common goal of increasing tourism. The increase of tourism is core in developing all the above-mentioned and as such PikHost is in a position to scale up and develop everything accordingly through its innovative character.
Overall, PikHost's innovative property management approach sets it apart, providing added value to the region and guests. By focusing on sustainability, culture, and inclusiveness, PikHost sets a new standard in the short-term property management industry.
The approach used in PikHost's project was a combination of design thinking and agile methodology. Design thinking was used to gain an in-depth understanding of the needs and challenges faced by local communities, tourists, and businesses in the region. This approach helped to co-create innovative solutions that met these needs and addressed the challenges faced by the stakeholders. Agile methodology was employed to ensure the efficient delivery of the project, with a focus on continuous improvement and adaptability to changing requirements.
In terms of sustainability, the project adopted a multi-faceted approach to ensure long-term income generation, nature preservation, and cultural inheritance. The team worked closely with local communities and businesses to identify income-generating activities that would not only benefit the local economy but also preserve the region's natural resources and cultural heritage. For example, the project may have included initiatives to promote eco-tourism, which generates income while also preserving the region's natural beauty and biodiversity. Similarly, the project may have involved initiatives to preserve the region's cultural heritage, such as promoting traditional crafts and preserving historic buildings.
In conclusion, the combination of design thinking and agile methodology in the PikHost project ensured the efficient delivery of a project that was well-aligned with the needs and goals of the region. This approach, combined with a focus on sustainability, delivered significant benefits for local communities, businesses, and the environment, promoting long-term income generation, nature preservation, and cultural inheritance.
The PikHost project could serve as a replicable model for other similar initiatives, both in terms of its focus on sustainability and its approach to enhancing the quality of experience for guests. The use of electric golf carts for sustainable transportation, the promotion of recycling, and the automation of manual tasks are elements that could be transferred to other areas, helping to reduce environmental impact and increase efficiency.
In addition, the project's approach of involving members of the local community and civil society in various stages of the project, as well as the focus on employing local people, especially those with disabilities and limited means of income, could be replicated in other communities. This approach helps to ensure that the project is well-aligned with the needs and goals of the local community, and that it delivers tangible benefits to the people who live there.
Furthermore, the successful collaboration between different knowledge fields and the process of interaction among representatives from these fields could be replicated in other projects.The project could be replicated in other regions with similar cultural approaches, leveraging the knowledge and expertise gained from the original project to achieve economies of scale and scope. Economies of scale refer to cost savings that result from increased production volume, leading to lower average costs per unit. For example, by replicating the PikHost project in other regions, the cost of procurement and implementation of certain components, such as electric cars and golf rts, could be reduced through bulk purchasing, resulting in economies of scale. Economies of scope, refer to cost savings that result from the joint production of two or more products, where the cost of producing each product separately. This could help to reduce the costs of implementing similar projects in other regions and lead to the creation of new income-generating opportunities.
The PikHost project tackles several critical issues through its localized solutions. It aims to promote sustainable tourism, which helps mitigate its impact on the environment and protects natural resources. The project plans to do this by implementing electric golf carts for transportation, promoting recycling, and establishing industry standards for short-let property management, thereby contributing to the global goal of reducing carbon footprint and creating more eco-friendly practices.
Another significant challenge addressed by the project is driving economic growth. The project's efforts to drive economic growth through new employment opportunities in underdeveloped regions have a positive impact on education in the area. Increased economic activity and job creation can lead to higher revenues for the region, allowing for investment in education and other critical social services. This, in turn, can improve access to education and improve the quality of education, which can have a long-lasting impact on the local community. Moreover, the company's focus on providing employing and training opportunities for its employees, including those with disabilities, can also help to improve their skills and knowledge, increasing their chances of securing higher-paying jobs in the future. This can break the cycle of poverty and provide better prospects for future generations, ultimately helping to create a more sustainable and inclusive economy in the region.
Finally, the project addresses the challenge of preserving local cultures and promoting cultural tourism. By involving the local community in its activities, promoting local museums and restaurants, and encouraging cultural exchange between local communities and foreign visitors, the project helps preserve the cultural heritage of the region. This process not only preserves the unique cultural identity of the area but also promotes intercultural understanding, adding value to the future project's efforts.
