TIRANA, Aug 17 /ATA/Following an incident at a hotel in Vlora the previous day, the inter-institutional tourism task force convened today to review measures aimed at strengthening safety at accommodation facilities, enhancing coordination among authorities and ensuring a rapid response to emergencies during the tourist season.
At the task force meeting, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja stressed that the safety of holidaymakers and standards at accommodation facilities are a priority.
“Prevention, cooperation, protocols and accountability among all stakeholders remain essential. The safety of every visitor and citizen is at the heart of our efforts to ensure a safe and high-quality tourist season. Awareness, enforcement measures, effective organisation, vigilance and regular updates to operational systems are essential,” Minister Gonxhja said during the online meeting.
The task force stressed that the safety of holidaymakers, citizens and tourism-sector workers is non-negotiable and requires all tourism businesses and facilities to strictly comply with safety standards.
In this context, authorities called for stepped-up inspections of accommodation facilities across the country, with particular attention to compliance with technical requirements and fire safety measures, the functioning of safety systems and equipment, emergency exits, signage and evacuation plans.
The relevant institutions were also tasked with strengthening coordination on the ground and information-sharing so that any problems identified are followed by a rapid response and concrete measures.
The meeting also stressed the need for inspections to be accompanied by direct communication with tourism operators to raise awareness and reinforce accountability in complying with safety standards.
The task force also praised the solidarity shown by Vlora’s tourism business community, describing it as an example of the responsibility and cooperation expected across the sector, particularly in emergency situations.
State institutions will continue to monitor the situation throughout the tourist season, maintaining an increased presence in high-traffic destinations and taking immediate action in any case that compromises safety standards or service quality.
Albania remains a safe and welcoming destination, while ensuring the safety and well-being of every visitor is a shared responsibility between public institutions and the private sector.
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