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Despite growing scholarly interest in rural tourism, empirical evidence on agritourism as a driver of sustainable development in the Balkan region remains limited. This study examines the role of agritourism in strengthening rural economies and communities in Albania, using Mrizi i Zanave as a primary case study. Specifically, the research evaluates agritourism's contribution to employment creation, income diversification, cultural heritage preservation, and environmental sustainability, while assessing its potential as a sustainable model for rural transformation.

A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining an online survey of 200 respondents conducted between March and May 2025 with a semi-structured interview involving the management of Mrizi i Zanave. The findings confirm that agritourism generates significant positive impacts across economic, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions. More than 85% of respondents expressed support for the further expansion of agritourism initiatives in Albania, highlighting its growing recognition as an important approach to sustainable rural development.

The study concludes that agritourism represents a scalable and sustainable development model capable of enhancing rural resilience and supporting long-term socio-economic development in Albania and comparable destinations. However, its lasting success depends on coherent policy frameworks, institutional cooperation, and targeted investment in rural tourism infrastructure.