TIRANA, Nov 2 /ATA/ – Albania has taken part for the second consecutive year in the Mediterranean Exchange of Archaeological Tourism (BMTA) in Paestum, Italy, showcasing its archaeological heritage and tourism potential to international visitors and industry professionals.
The country’s participation focused on its cultural and archaeological heritage, opportunities for tourism development and international cooperation to ensure the sustainable management of archaeological sites.
The Albanian delegation included Deputy Ministers of Tourism, Culture and Sport Lira Pipa and Marinela Prifti, National Institute of Cultural Heritage Director Endri Haxhiu, Gjirokastra Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage Director Ardis Duka and Durrës Museum Centre representative Alban Ramohitaj.
At its exhibition stand, Albania presented Butrint National Park in cooperation with the Butrint Management Foundation, highlighting the outstanding value of the UNESCO World Heritage site and its sustainable management model.
Particular attention was also given to the archaeological parks of Byllis and Antigonea, presented with support from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), as examples of the potential for cultural tourism, local development and the creation of new tourist destinations.
A key event was an international panel discussion entitled “Cultural Heritage and Cooperation: Partnerships for Shared Development in the Framework of the Pact for the Mediterranean”, bringing together senior representatives from Italy, the European Commission, Albania, Egypt and Jordan.
The panel opened with remarks by Edmondo Cirielli, Italy’s deputy minister for foreign affairs and international cooperation, and Marco Riccardo Rusconi, director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.
During the discussion, Pipa and Prifti outlined Albania’s experience and priorities in protecting, managing and promoting cultural heritage as a driver of economic growth, sustainable tourism and regional cooperation.
Other participants included representatives of Italy’s Ministry of Culture, the European Commission, the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority in Jordan and the Grand Egyptian Museum.
The strategic partnership between Albania and Italy, particularly through cooperation with AICS, continues to support the preservation and promotion of Albania’s archaeological heritage, strengthen institutional capacity and develop cultural tourism.
Albania’s participation for a second consecutive year reflects its efforts to raise the international profile of its cultural heritage, expand partnerships and turn its historical assets into sustainable development opportunities for local communities.
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