Suela Tahiraj, sustainability consultant and GSTC auditor, joins us to explore whether tourism can genuinely be a force for good - with a focus on the Balkans. We trace the region's journey from communist-era hospitality to today's sustainable tourism movement, and what that arc means for the opportunities and risks it faces right now.

We talk about the tension between global certification standards and local realities, where stakeholder communication breaks down - and where it creates real progress. We also look at the cost of short-term thinking: unfinished hotel blocks, brain drain, and chasing visitor numbers without measuring carrying capacity.

Finally, we bring the story back to you: What can you personally do to travel in a way that strengthens communities rather than extracting from them?

The Balkans are at a decisive moment - one where they can still build something genuinely better from the start.

This Episode is for anyone who travels, works in tourism, or simply wants to be a more thoughtful guest in the world.

💡 HIGHLIGHTS of this Episode

✨ Global certification standards are only as good as their local translation — without customisation, they produce compliance, not change

✨ The Carrying capacity must be measured before growth is planned, not after the damage is done

✨ Stakeholder dialogue is the single most critical factor in whether sustainable tourism succeeds or fails

✨ Every traveller has agency: choosing certified operators, spending locally, and giving back are not gestures, they are leverage

👋 ABOUT Suela Tahiraj (she/her)

Suela is a sustainability consultant in the tourism industry, with a strong focus on sustainable tourism and GSTC standards. Through her work with Balkan Green, she helps tourism businesses and destinations put sustainability into practice in ways that are both meaningful and achievable.

With a background in tourism and a passion for responsible travel, Suela brings a practical, approachable voice to sustainability. She is passionate about planting the seeds of sustainable tourism and supporting the industry as it moves toward a more responsible future....

🔗 CONNECT & follow Suela Tahiraj's work

👉 LinkedIn

👉 The Balkan Green

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💌 CONNECT & engage with Pia

Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn to follow and support each other’s work. 🤗

If you consider yourself an #impactjobseeker or aspiring #impactpreneur at the beginning of your journey, jump on my Newsletter “Impact Insights” where I regularly share tools and best practices from my work as a sustainability consultant and system change facilitator. 🤓

For daily insights “behind the scenes” and event updates, join the extended community on the @work.with.impact Instagram account. 🧐💓

Take care of yourself and others!

Pia 🤍

P.S. You can also watch this Episode on our YouTube Channel to see our faces 👋 🙂

#SustainableTourism #BalkanTravel #RegenerativeTourism #GreenDestinations #TourismForGood #ResponsibleTravel #SocialRegeneration #CommunityTourism #GSTC #EcoTourism #ImpactTravel #TravelWithPurpose #VisitAlbania #HiddenEurope #TravelPodcast