ALBANIA | NADA DOLLANI, XHON SKËNDERI, ARMELA MAXHELAKU 33 contribution to the overall economy. The main products can be classified as follows28: a) Coastal tourism: this category includes coastal tourism and maritime tourism. The first refers to activities that take place on the seafront or that proximity to the seafront is the basis of their organisation, such as swimming, beach baths and other related recreational activities, while the second refers to activities taking place at sea, including tourist cruising (yachting, sailing, cruising), yacht ports with all related services and activities, and sea sports29. The beach, the sea and the sun has been the main product for years, accounting for the largest share of total tourism products30. This type of tourism in Albania has an emphasided seasonal character, and as a result most of the coastal accommodation facilities face seasonal difficulties of operation. Meanwhile, for maritime tourism, the infrastructure is currently lacking and this segment (yachting, sailing, cruising) is still in its beginnings, but the potential for development is enormous and very important for Albania’s economy and elite tourism31; b) Natural tourism: Albania is appreciated by many international operators and visitors for its beautiful nature and landscapes32. Natural and rural areas in Albania offer opportunities for the development of rural tourism, mountain tourism, ecotourism and outdoor activities (rafting, parachuting, mountain biking, fishing, trekking, mountaineering, hiking, horseback riding, study tours, etc.)33. Some of these activities are the main motive for visits by foreign visitors to the natural areas34. On the other hand, the tourism of environmentally protected areas is also added to the category35. The basis of the system of environmental protected areas consists of 15 national parks, several managed nature reserves and protected landscapes, which contain the largest natural values and biodiversity in the country36; 28 Idem. 29 Idem. 30 Idem. 31 Idem. 32 Idem. 33 Idem. 34 Idem. 35 Idem. 36 Idem.
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