Prime Minister Edi Rama and Gonxhja met representatives of Israeli airline Sundor, a subsidiary of EL AL, to thank them for their role in promoting tourism and closer ties between the two countries, Tourism Minister said in a social media post a day ago.

Gonxhja said Sundor CEO Gal Gershon was presented with a symbolic award in recognition of the company’s support for the joint initiative to boost year-round tourism.

“Through this cooperation, in just a few months, Albania has welcomed 570% more Israeli visitors compared with 2024, with 110 direct Tel Aviv -Tirana flights and a projection of around 60,000 Israeli visitors by the end of the year,” he said.

Albania, known for its Adriatic and Ionian beaches, mountain scenery and Ottoman-era towns, is seeking to position itself as a sustainable, year-round destination. Tourism has become a key source of income for the country’s economy.

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The surrounding mountain scenery and the spectacular landscape are turning the town of Kukes into the newest popular destination for leisure activities such as hiking, skiing and nature lovers.

Klodian Hajdari, a tourist guide in Kukes told Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) on Thursday that more than 150 Israeli tourists have visited the mountains and Black Drin River in Ujmisht during the past two months.

“During their visit, Israeli tourists have been engaging in hiking activities, experiencing the scenery landscape, and have tasted traditional dishes in Kukës county,” Hajdari said.

According to Hajdari, after hiking in the mountains, Israeli tourists visit Krume and National Park of Valbone in Tropoja.

Local residents in the surrounding villages are showing increased interest in investing in guesthouses and restaurants in the area.

Kukes with its natural beauties and cultural monuments is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination. A growing number of local and international tourists, nature lovers and hikers are visiting the area to enjoy the beauties of the mountains in recent years.Korab-Koritnik nature park is one of the main destinations for this 9-month period.

A little-known nature wonders in Kukes is the Jezina cave near the village of Bele. Sasati, Red Foundain, and White Fountain are becoming popular attractions for a growing number of visitors to the area during autumn and winter months in particular.

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