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Albania Celebrates Sustainable Tourism Leaders at the 2025 SDG Business Pioneers Award Ceremony
December 8, 2025
Albania Celebrates Sustainable Tourism Leaders at the 2025 SDG Business Pioneers Award Ceremony
UNDP Albania
Tirana, 4 December 2025 — Albania honored its most forward-thinking tourism businesses at the SDG Business Pioneers Award 2025, celebrating companies that are redefining excellence through environmental responsibility, social impact, and responsible business practices.
Hosted in Tirana by the Embassy of Sweden and UNDP in the context of the project: “Business Partnerships and Solutions for SDGs”, the ceremony brought together key partners, government representatives, development partners, and private-sector leaders to recognize businesses that are championing the Sustainable Development Goals and building a more resilient and responsible future for Albania’s tourism sector.
This year’s edition placed a strategic spotlight on sustainable tourism—tourism that protects nature, uplifts communities, preserves cultural heritage, and demonstrates that sustainability is not just good practice, but a new standard of doing business. As Albania’s tourism industry continues to grow, these pioneers are showing what long-term vision, innovation, and responsible leadership looks like in action.
Niklas Ström, Ambassador of Sweden to Albania with this year’s Micro Category winner, Sondor sh.p.k.
UNDP Albania
“Over 100 businesses applied to become SDG Pioneers this year, with more than 70% representing small and micro enterprises—an encouraging sign of growing commitment to sustainability within Albania’s private sector. This strong engagement signals to donors and international partners the importance of continuing support in this direction.
The SDG Pioneer Award recognizes Albanian leaders and companies driving positive change through their operations, products, services, and business practices. While the Sustainable Development Goals are ambitious, they are achievable when businesses take proactive action.
Sweden has long championed the role of the private sector in advancing sustainable development. Swedish companies are expected to operate responsibly—upholding human rights, gender equality, decent working conditions, environmental protection, climate action, and anti-corruption standards—and have shown that sustainability is not only possible but a driver of innovation and competitiveness”, said Niklas Ström, Ambassador of Sweden to Albania.
Randi Davis, Resident Representative of UNDP Albania
UNDP Albania
“The way tourism businesses grow today will define how Albania is experienced tomorrow. That is why this award matters: it honors the courage and leadership required to ensure that rapid growth is also responsible growth. I would like to thank the Government of Sweden for their long-standing partnership with the project and for their support in helping Albanian businesses advance their sustainability journey”, underlined Randi Davis, Resident Representative of UNDP Albania.
Celebrating Albania’s 2025 Sustainable Tourism Champions
Six awards were presented across company categories and special thematic recognitions reflecting the three core pillars of sustainable development: People, Planet, and Prosperity.
Company Awards
Micro Business Category — Sondor sh.p.k.
This year’s Micro Category winner raised the bar with responsible active and cultural tourism experiences that showcase Albania’s natural beauty and heritage. With internationally certified standards and measurable sustainability results, Sondor is proving that adventure and responsibility can go hand in hand.
Small Business Category — Balkan Pearls Tour Operator sh.p.k.
A women-led company shaping the future of green tourism. With Travelife certification and deep engagement with artisans and local suppliers, Balkan Pearls demonstrates how empowering communities enriches the entire tourism experience.
Medium Business Category — LOTUS Group sh.p.k.
LOTUS Group stands out for modern hospitality built on sustainability—investing in energy-efficient solutions, prioritizing community engagement, and leading by example in Albania’s evolving tourism landscape.
Thematic Awards: People, Planet & Prosperity
People (Social Impact) — Agroturizëm Ndryshe sh.p.k.
Awarded for inclusive employment, and meaningful contributions to their local community—proving that social impact and business success go hand in hand.
Planet (Environmental Impact) — Visit Gjirokastra DMC sh.p.k.
Recognized for reducing environmental footprint, protecting cultural heritage, and supporting local families through responsible tourism.
Prosperity (Economic Impact) — Albanian Trip sh.p.k.
Selected for strengthening rural family economies, embracing digital innovation, and advancing sustainability through measurable improvements.
The SDG Business Pioneers Award aims to inspire and mobilize businesses across the country to embed sustainability into their strategy, operations, and long-term vision. In 2025, the award exclusively targeted companies whose core business operates directly within tourism—from accommodation providers and agrotourism ventures to tour operators, travel agencies, and cultural attraction managers.
The award encourages businesses to:
- Align with global sustainability priorities for long-term resilience
- Communicate impact transparently to investors, partners, and consumers
- Innovate and collaborate to create value for people, planet, and the economy
- Demonstrate measurable, verifiable achievements linked to the SDGs
As Albania continues to rise as a regional tourism destination, the 2025 award winners show that the country’s future is anchored in sustainability, inclusivity, and quality.
About the SDG Business Pioneers Award
Launched to accelerate private-sector engagement in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, the SDG Business Pioneers Award recognizes Albanian companies that demonstrate leadership through sustainable practices, ethical governance, and innovation. The award is part of a broader effort to build a resilient business community aligned with the 2030 Agenda.
Together, Albania’s sustainability pioneers are proving that responsible tourism is not only possible—but essential for the country’s long-term success.
The SDG Business Pioneers Award is organized in the context of the "Business Partnerships and Solutions for SDGs" Funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) through the UN Albania SDG Acceleration Fund, and implemented by UNDP, FAO, ILO, and UNIDO. The project empowers Albanian businesses to embed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their operations. It supports alignment with European Union (EU) standards as Albania progresses toward EU accession. The project aims to amplify the private sector’s positive impact on the environment and society, driving inclusive economic growth across Albania.
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