Mersini emphasized that the risk of fires remains high, requiring constant vigilance and immediate reporting of any smoke or flames to local authorities.

She took the opportunity to extend an appeal to the people not to light fires in the open and not to throw cigarette butts.

“The protection of Llogara and every natural asset is a shared responsibility,” the mayor said. /gj.m/a.f/p.s./

“Due to the weather conditions, it is recommended that drivers use the tunnel as an alternative route. Meanwhile, for those who choose to cross Llogara road, it is advisable that vehicles are equipped with chains”, said Prefect of Vlora region Evis Allushi.

According to her, police are monitoring the scene to ensure traffic safety. Authorities urge maximum caution and adherence to instructions as they continue to assess the situation.

Snowfall in Llogara National Park boosts its charm, transforming it into a top winter destination. The Llogara Pass serves as a crucial transit route and tourist highlight, bridging the mountainous forests with the coastal Riviera and appealing to both winter and summer travelers. /k.s/r.e/a.f/p.s./

Minister of Tourism and Environment Mirela Kumbaro shared today moments from this campaign carried out by the staff of the Protected Areas in Vlora.

“Besides the staff of Vlora Agency for Protected Areas, there were people from local institutions, organizations and volunteers who joined this initiative with great desire, also to remind us that every time we enjoy natural resources, we should also take care to leave them cleaner than we found them”, said Kumbaro.

The “Clean Mountains” initiative is organized by the National Agency for Protected Areas in ten national and natural parks.

Last year, this cleanup campaign engaged hundreds of volunteers, who removed hundreds of kilograms of waste from the national parks.

This year, the campaign will extend to the National Parks of Dajti, Tomori, Llogara, Qafëstama, Zagoria, Prespa, Shebenik, Korab-Koritnik, as well as the Albanian Alps. /m.m/r.e/p.s./

The police reported today that they, “referred materials to the Prosecutor’s Office and are working to identify the perpetrator and fully document the incident. Citizen K. K., a resident of Orikum, filed a report yesterday to the police. He said that in Llogara mountain, where he keeps a herd of horses loose, he found that two of them had suffered gunshot wounds.”

According to the media reports, it is suspected that the incident occurred due to competition or some conflict between owners who serve as horse instructors.

Most of the horse herds move freely in Llogara, as an opportunity to be seen by tourists visiting the area. /m.q/r.e/p.s./

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Belinda Balluku said that passage through the tunnel will be toll-free until September 15.

According to her, this is to support the tourism industry.

“The movement through the tunnel will be toll-free until September 15, in full support of the tourism industry, which has already begun to grow and this is clearly shown by the number of hotels that are opening in the South of the country,” said Balluku.

According to her, passage is prohibited only for heavy tonnage vehicles.

Having a length of 6 kilometers, the Llogara tunnel consists of two tubes, the main one and an emergency tunnel, connected by 11 exits.

Not only does the tunnel ease traffic, but it also reduces the travel time from Dukat to Palasa into just 7 minutes from about 30 minutes it used to take, /a.f/p.s./

The National Agency for Protected Areas shared photos in the social media of this mountain under the blanket of snow from where the tourists enjoy a magical view.

Many tourists choose to try this challenge, regardless of the weather conditions, so that to have a taste of the most beautiful area of this natural wealth.

Hiking Qorre Peak requires good physical preparation, appropriate clothing and licensed guides so that to have the safest possible experience.

One can have a fascinating view from Qorre Peak. There one can see the Vlora River with the villages and the surrounding area.

Llogara National Park is one of the most visited natural areas by domestic and foreign tourists in every season of the year. /k.s//a.f//r.e/p.s./

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video in the social media with a view of Peak of Qorre. The video shows young people enjoying the snow and sliding on it.

“The mountain activities at the Peak of Qorre in Llogara gets the adrenaline going”, wrote Rama.

The winter season tourism, or the white tourism, has also arrived in the Llogara National Park, known for its coolness during hot summer days and for the magic of snow in winter.

The Llogara National Park has great potential for the development of ecotourism, air sports, excursions and travel. /r.e/p.s./

Prime Minister Edi Rama published today in the social media photos from the tunnel, which one passes through while traveling towards Dhërmi in the south.

“To Dhërmi from the spectacular tunnel of Llogara. Opening for free circulation is just few days away”, wrote Rama.

Earlier, the prime minister announced that this tunnel will be opened on July 5, 2024, cutting the distance from Dukati to Palasa from 30 minutes to just 7 minutes.

The 6-km long tunnel of concrete is equipped with complex systems of drainage, ventilation, fire and smoke protection, lighting, emergency calls and signage./m.m/p.s./

Prime Minister Edi Rama posted in the social media photos from this construction site where nearly 88% of the works have been completed.

Rama wrote that, “Llogara tunnel is near completion and this summer you can go to the south in the blink of an eye”.

Head of the government emphasized that, “Together with the new airport of Vlora, the tunnel will add to the new tourism industry consisting of two decisive engines for Albania 2030, champion in the region”.

So far, the work to concrete the main tunnel along its entire length has been completed, while the installation of the electromechanical system and the lighting system is underway.

At the same time, the work is continuing on construction of the tunnel monitoring center.

The main tunnel, 7.70 m wide and 4.70 m high, will be lined with concrete and equipped with complex systems of drainage, ventilation, protection against fire and smoke, lighting, emergency calls and signage.

Also, the tunnel is equipped on each side with sidewalks as well as a drainage system for underground and surface bridges.

Along the traffic tunnel, there are 11 cross connecting passages with the emergency tunnel, 5 are for vehicles and 6 for pedestrians./p.s./

The works to concrete the main tunnel along its entire length has been completed, while the works on other elements are underway.

The work is in the last stage in laying the asphalt layers, the installation of the electro-mechanical system and the lighting system. Also, there is work underway on the construction of the tunnel monitoring center.

Deputy Prime Minister, at the same time the Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku, together with Director of the Albanian Road Authority Gentian Gjyli closely inspected the works on this tunnel, which is expected to be ready and open for vehicle traffic at the start of the summer tourist season this year.

Minister Balluku emphasized that there is a maximum commitment to complete all the works within schedule, so that this work, which significantly cuts the travel time to the south coast, is available to the citizens. Balluku said that after the end of the summer season, when the flow of traffic towards the coast decreases, the works will resume in the tunnel until the full completion of the works.

“The Llogara tunnel will be opened for the passage of vehicles, of course with some safety conditions as we will need to continue the work there in October”, said Balluku.

In the tunnel of Llogara, the work is being done in three shifts./p.s./