@article{2025:kroni:the_role_o,
title = {The role of online platforms in shaping tourism and labour dynamics in northern Albania},
year = {2025},
note = {The digital transformation of tourism is reshaping labour markets and
regional economies. Northern Albania, rich in natural and cultural
resources but limited by infrastructure and workforce challenges, has
adopted online platforms such as Booking.com, TripAdvisor and Airbnb,
opening up new opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and
income diversification while also creating pressures linked to
seasonality, informality and unequal digital skills. Based on
secondary data, literature and sectoral reports, this article examines
the role of digital tourism in driving labour market changes and
economic development. Results suggest that digitalisation lowers entry
barriers for small businesses, enhances competitiveness and supports
micro-entrepreneurship, particularly among young people and women.
Yet, persistent skills gaps, weak infrastructure and a reliance on
unstable demand risk reinforcing insecurity and exclusion. The study
concludes that, while digital tourism offers strong potential for
inclusive and sustainable growth, its benefits depend on targeted
policies in digital training, the formalisation of work and regional
development.},
journal = {SEER Journal for Labour and Social Affairs in Eastern Europe},
pages = {249--260},
author = {Kroni, Fatjona and Kalaj, Ermira},
volume = {28},
number = {2}
}