Rama said the two areas were emerging as tourism destinations, driven by entrepreneurship and investment beyond the image of Albania often portrayed on social media and television.

One guest, Kanton Gashi, returned from the United States after 32 years and opened “Liqeni Camping and Agrotourism” in his native village of Gashaj, in Malësi e Madhe. The restaurant and campsite attract foreign visitors, including Germans, Dutch and French tourists, even during winter. Gashi said his return was motivated by his attachment to his homeland and his ambition to build his own business, which also supports local producers.

Another guest, Ergi, returned from London in 2017 and invested in hospitality in Tirana. His business now offers seven rooms, with bookings available through Booking.com, and he plans to develop a hotel combining accommodation and agrotourism in Përmet.

“I had offers to move abroad, but I decided to stay with my business in Tirana. I find greater motivation in working for myself,” he said.

Rama also outlined the government’s “Double Your Business” programme, which supports small and medium-sized enterprises in sectors including agrotourism, livestock, agro-processing and technology. The scheme offers loans at interest rates of up to 2%, with the state guaranteeing 70% of the loan, repayment terms of up to 10 years and financing of up to €2 million, depending on the business plan and collateral.

Rama said agrotourism remained a priority sector for government support, particularly in areas with strong tourism potential.

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The “NONA” national festival is a vibrant celebration of our roots, culinary arts, and the enduring love we hold for our elders. By putting the spotlight on grandmothers as the keepers of family recipes and traditions, the event transforms Përmet into the ultimate destination for authentic Albanian hospitality and cultural tourism.

The sixth edition of the NONA festival is set to energize Përmet, featuring a vibrant artistic program of local singers and instrumentalists.

Now a cherished annual tradition, ⁠the event celebrates Përmet’s renowned cuisine, breathtaking nature, and cultural heritage, drawing visitors from near and far. At its core, the festival is a heartfelt tribute to Albanian grandmothers—the guardians of our hospitality, age-old recipes and local traditions for generations. /gj.m/j.p/p.s./

The two-day event, which began on Friday and continues through the weekend, has attracted hundreds of visitors to one of southern Albania’s best-known natural attractions, combining adventure sports, live music and cultural activities.

Organizers say the festival aims to promote sustainable tourism and environmental awareness while showcasing the unique natural and cultural heritage of the Benja area.

In a post on social media, Rama highlighted the growing popularity of the destination, encouraging visitors to explore the region throughout the year.

“Until recently, people complained there was nowhere to walk or sit. Today, the celebration continues,” Rama said, inviting tourists to visit Benja and Permet, which he said are increasingly becoming popular weekend destinations.

Located near the Vjosa River, the Benja thermal springs are among Albania’s most visited natural sites, known for their thermal waters, scenic canyon landscapes and historic Ottoman-era stone bridge.

The festival forms part of broader efforts to strengthen sustainable tourism and diversify visitor experiences in southern Albania.

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Prime Minister Edi Rama shared today in the social media the example of the “Kaso” guesthouse which has established itself as a premier destination, welcoming hundreds of domestic and foreign travelers over the past three years.

PM Rama wrote that, “Përmet is boosting its tourist appeal through initiatives centered on authentic local hospitality and sustainable, eco-friendly growth.”

“Experience authentic Albania at “Kaso” guesthouse, where meticulous attention to detail, natural surroundings and deep-rooted traditions merge perfectly”, emphasized Rama.

After many years in emigration, Irakli Kaso decided to invest in his homeland and supported by Agency for Agriculture and Rural Development/IPARD II, he successfully completed the construction of this guesthouse.

Growing demand for rural tourism has fueled a boom in agrotourism, establishing popular, year-round destinations. /k.s/j.p/p.s./

The streets of Sanremo came alive today with the debut of Përmet’s traditional folklore group at the opening parade of the World Folklore Festival.

Përmet’s traditional song, dance and costume are set to enchant audiences in Sanremo, Cannes and Monaco, bringing a piece of authentic Albania to the world.

The ensemble from Përmet will represent Albanian cultural heritage at the festival with a curated program of traditional folk music and dance, showcasing the distinct artistic flavor of their region.

This festival is a wonderful opportunity to bring the soul of Albanian folklore to the world stage and connect with diverse cultures through music and dance. /k.s/a.f/p.s./

The giant fir tree in the city center, colorful lights and special decorations have added a festive atmosphere to Përmet for this time of the year in the threshold of Christmas and New Year.

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared moments from the festive atmosphere in the city, where many citizens enjoyed the moment of lighting the tree lights and the concert of the children’s artistic group.

The festive atmosphere of numerous decorations and lights will accompany the entire city of Përmet this month, attracting the attention of citizens, but also various visitors. /e.i/j.p/p.s./

Mayor Alma Hoxha told Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) that tourist arrivals reached 150,000 from January through October, up sharply from last year, with foreign visitors accounting for about 60% of the total.

“Permet is turning into a year-round destination. Even in autumn and early November, we continue to see a strong flow of mainly foreign tourists drawn by the area’s nature, cuisine and cultural heritage,” Hoxha said.

Permet’s main attractions include the Hotova Fir National Park, the Vjosa River, the “Stone of the City” monument, the Benja thermal waters, the historic old quarter, the Sopot waterfall and mountain trails in the Nemerçka range.

Hoxha said work was progressing on the rehabilitation of the Benja thermal baths, a project due for completion in March 2026. It aims to upgrade infrastructure, lighting and surrounding areas to create an integrated modern tourist zone.

New agrotourism businesses, hotels and guesthouses have opened in the area in recent years, offering local cuisine and traditional products such as jams, preserves and the region’s well-known raki spirit.

“Permet is no longer a one-day stop; visitors can now spend several days exploring its many attractions,” Hoxha said.

A visitor centre is also under construction near the “Stone of the City” site, designed to serve as a cultural and natural heritage museum.

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The upgraded facility now includes contemporary science laboratories, sports fields, and improved classrooms aimed at providing decent conditions for both students and teachers.

Posting images of the refurbished school on social media, Rama said the building has been completely modernized and will serve not only as a learning space but also as a community center for extracurricular activities, in what he described as one of the town’s most scenic areas.

The project is part of a broader national investment in education infrastructure. According to the government, the school is among 30 educational institutions either newly built or extensively renovated and brought into service this academic year.

These projects add to the more than 450 schools and sports facilities constructed or restored across the country in the past decade.

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Minister of Tourism and Environment, at the same time political leader of the Socialist Party in the Gjirokastra region, Mirela Kumbaro shared today photos from this school in the social media.

“September is approaching and the students of the “Meleq Gosnishti” school in Përmet will find fully renovated premises, modern classrooms and dignified conditions for them and for the teachers thanks to the investment of the Ministry of Education and Sports and the Municipality of Përmet”, wrote Kumbaro.

This school, located in one of the most picturesque areas of the city, will also be a community center, which can be used for various activities after the school hours.

With the 2025 budget, there will be built or reconstructed about 70-80 basic education facilities, with about 1000-1200 classrooms/laboratories, from which will benefit about 20,000-25,000 students and 1500-2000 teaching staff.

Preparations are underway throughout the country to make schools ready for the new 2025-2026 school year. /gj.m/r.e//a.f/p.s./

The National Agency for Protected Areas reported today that the tourists were saved thanks to the cooperation between the Police and the fire services.

“Përmet police station, in cooperation with the fire services and employees of the Gjirokastra Regional Administration of Protected Areas checked the entire area and made it possible to locate the tourists and then organized the rescue operation”, emphasized the agency. /k.s//a.f/p.s./