AgroTimeAL
Mobile and web app for agrotourism
Description
AgroTimeAL is a web and mobile phone application designed to allow users to offer, search, access and explore agritourism experiences in Albania, organized into three primary categories: certified agritourism farms, tourist farms, and taste routes. The agritourism establishments featured in this app update their information, spotlighting traditions, histories, and local cuisines by meeting three key criteria: providing accommodation, serving traditional regional dishes, and offering engaging farm activities. AgroTimeAL addresses a significant challenge in Albanian tourism – the scarcity of updated, complete, and reliable information. On one side, the application serves as a catalyst for promoting the diverse businesses that are part of its network, on the other side it seeks to broaden its service spectrum across the entire country.
Technology
AgroTimeAL is available as a web application and mobile phone application. The mobile app is running on Android or iOS, available in Albanian and in English. Through geolocation capabilities, it allows the users to visualise agrotourism services and experiences in the country. It is also an online guide for those who want to visit tourist farms, taste local products, traditional cuisine and the special experience offered by the village through the application. AgroTimeAl teams work to add more service providers to the application. Upon opening the application, language selection can be made between Albanian or English. Then, three main filter categories appear: certified agritourism farms, tourist farms and routes of taste. When clicking on the name of the agrotourism, a photo gallery will show the services and activities that that specific agrotourism offers and their location. The farms can apply and upload their request directly through the application and they immediately become part of the free application. Users can then see the services, information and contact; however, bookings and reservations are done outside the application.
Target
AgroTimeAl primarily caters to agro-entrepreneurs situated across the country and to visitors seeking to explore Albania through agrotourism. The application consolidates information on 260 tourist farms (as of November 2023), providing tours encompassing stables, wineries, olive orchards, and citrus groves, as well as experiences centered around mussels and fish, all within a single, user-friendly platform.
Business model
AgroTimeAl is available for free download on both Apple and Android devices. Users can explore certified agritourism farms, tourist farms, and tasting routes using the guide and geolocation features within the mobile application. No reservations can be made through the app; therefore, no payments are processed. Additionally, farms meeting specific criteria can freely use the application to showcase their agrotourism services and experiences. The application is supported by the funds of the GIZ Program for “Sustainable Rural Development” in Albania in collaboration with the Albanian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and Ministry of Tourism.
Impact
AgroTimeAl’s possible impacts concern promoting local economies, cultural preservation, tourism experiences, community engagement, environmental awareness, and the overall growth and enrichment of agritourism in Albania. The application aims at bridging information gaps between farms and visitors, facilitating access to details of agritourism experiences across the country, and establishing connections between farms and rural communities, providing visibility for their services and creating avenues for additional revenue streams. By serving as a centralized platform, the application enhances the visitor experience and supports local enterprises in expanding their reach and impact, contributing to the objectives of the Ministry of Agriculture. The application aims at promoting positive changes by fostering collaboration and synergy between agritourism businesses, visitors, and governmental bodies, with the objective of creating a robust and sustainable agricultural landscape in Albania.
Partners
Ministry of Tourism; GIZ
Four Betters
Better production
Better life
