In the heart of Albania, the Hupi family lives in one of the country’s most remarkable buildings—a 180-year-old fortified house known as a Kulla. Once home to a wealthy and influential family, the house endured a dramatic decline during Albania’s communist period, as economic hardships and political changes stripped it of its former grandeur.
The revival began a few years ago when Ride Albania Mountain Biking, a forward-thinking tour operator currently supported by Green Destinations in its sustainability certification journey, sought authentic accommodation for its adventure tours. At the same time, the Hupi family decided to open their historic home to guests. What started as a simple idea quickly grew into an inspiring success story. The first cyclists who stayed at the Kulla found themselves immersed in an authentic Albanian experience.
Many adventure tourists pass through scenic locations without leaving a lasting impact. However, in this case, Ride Albania Mountain Biking and its visitors have actively contributed to the community by integrating local families and businesses into the tourism supply chain. This ensures that tourism does not merely pass through but becomes an embedded force for good.
This success story is not limited to Kulla Hupi alone.
As more travelers seek meaningful, off-the-beaten-path experiences, stories like this will continue to inspire. They remind us that the best journeys are not just about the places we visit but about the people we uplift along the way.
A big thank you to Terena Cardwell from Balkan Green, who collaborates with Green Destinations as a program partner for Albania and Kosovo, for introducing us to this inspiring story from Albania.
