During visits to the Vlora and Kakavija customs branches, General Director of the Customs Besmir Beja reviewed work progress, service organization, and traffic flow management.

He urged customs officers to provide fast, professional service. He also stressed that making travel easier must go hand in hand with strict border controls and compliance with the law.

Furthermore, Beja highlighted the need for high standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability to build stronger trust between the public, businesses and the customs administration.

Customs announced that field monitoring will continue at all border points to ensure efficient and professional service throughout the summer season.

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A weekly report from the Health Care Services Operator shows 6,803 patient visits between August 10 and 16, 2026. Foreign holidaymakers made up 9% of these visits, highlighting the vital need for accessible medical support for international visitors.

During this period, the most common diagnoses were gastroenteritis, high blood pressure, bites, and allergies.

Summer health centers in Pogradec, Shëngjin and Velipojë had the highest number of visits.

Medical teams work on the ground daily to help all vacationers and ensure a safe, healthy season.

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During the week, the top health issues were stomach bugs, high blood pressure, animal or insect bites, and allergic reactions. Summer health centers in Pogradec, Shëngjin, and Orikum saw the most patients because many people visit these beach towns on vacation.

Summer health centers operate with extended hours and dedicated staff to ensure reliable medical care for both residents and visitors. These services form a key part of safety measures aimed at providing a secure and peaceful summer season for everyone.

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Prime Minister Edi Rama shared today in the social media a view of the beach and praised the Spille coast, highlighting it as an idyllic summer destination.

Located on the Adriatic coast, the quiet village of Spille has become a rising tourist destination known for its striking natural beauty. Visitors are drawn to the expansive sandy beach, dense pine trees and peaceful atmosphere. Nestled in a natural bay, the coastline features calm, shallow waters, making it an ideal setting for families and unforgettable sunsets. /m.q/a.f/p.s./

Between June 1 and 21, 2026, teams treated 8,057 patients. Notably, foreign visitors accounted for 22% of the 3,117 visits recorded between June 15 and 21, highlighting the country’s surging tourism.

Recently, the most common medical cases included hypertension, insect bites, allergic reactions and seasonal viruses.

The Institute of Public Health noted the highest patient volumes in Velipojë, Shëngjin, and Pogradec. Expanding health services in these tourist hubs ensured rapid medical care, guaranteeing a safer, healthier holiday season.

To ensure quality care for the summer’s influx of visitors, Albania’s national health operator has fully deployed 36 24/7 health centers nationwide.

This season introduces four new locations, including round-the-clock centers at the Saint Anthony Church of Laç and Elbasan spas, as well as new facilities at Berat and Gjirokastra castles. /e.i/r.e/a.f/p.s./

The city is dressed for spring, casting a magical spell over every neighborhood.

Summer Day celebrations in Elbasan formally began on March 9, carrying one of the most entertaining agendas of activities for citizens and visitors.

As the heart of spring, Elbasan invites visitors to a bustling celebration of concerts, fairs and cultural events.

The traditional day of the holiday brings a spectacular program from morning to evening.

The Summer Day carnivals in “Genscher” square opened the day with a parade and festive colors.

While the Crafts Fair is open during the day with artisanal products and local traditions.

Also, the “Miss Summer Flower” event will take place in “Genscher” square, while the “100 Years of Elbasan” event will be organized in the Rose Garden, bringing a symbolic moment for the history of the city.

The youth event “Summer Day Go Wild” adds energy and festive atmosphere to the city.

The celebrations will culminate with the big festive concert in “Genscher” Square, with artists MC Kresha, Lyrical Son, Lorenc Hasrama, Anxhela Peristeri and DJ NOIIAN.

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Since the early hours of the morning, thousands of citizens and visitors have taken to the squares and streets to enjoy the celebrations and activities organized by the Municipality of Tirana, around 50 events dedicated to all age groups.

At the “Martyrs of the Nation” boulevard, there was set a large screen presenting the events that focus on Albanian tradition, including music and folk costumes.

Also, along the boulevard and in other areas of the city, there were placed stands with artisanal products and traditional dishes.

The festive program carries musical concerts, DJ performances, sports activities and entertainment areas for children and families. Meanwhile, in the evening, after 7:00 PM, there will be electronic music played at the “Bllok” area.

Due to the numerous festive events, police has taken measures imposing restriction of vehicle movement along several main roads of the capital, according to the Municipality of Tirana’s festive agenda.

Photos by Florian Abazaj /gj.m/r.e/p.s./

Begaj highlighted that this is one of the holidays that has stood the test of time, closely reflecting the nature and the spirit of our people.

“May this beautiful holiday, a time-honored tradition, bring joy, optimism and prosperity to every Albanian family”, president’s greeting message reads.

On this marked day, Elbasan becomes the center of celebrations with various activities, hiking in nature, traditional family dinners, the Ballokume, i.e. Albanian cookie originating in the city of Elbasan.

Another symbol of this holiday is the wrist band, worn as a charm with white and red threads that is tied to the wrist and removed when the first swallow appears. In some regions, they hung it on tree branches so that, according to popular belief, the swallows can pick them up and bring good luck.

Passed down through generations, Summer Day is the defining tradition of Elbasan and a cornerstone of Albanian cultural heritage.

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Minister of Health and Social Protection Albana Koçiu wrote in a post in the social media today that, “68,108 local and foreign holidaymakers received service from June 1 to August 31, in the 36 summer medical centers opened 24/7, with medical teams near holidaymakers every day”.

According to her, 30% of the holidaymakers who received services in these centers were foreign tourists.

Minister Koçiu stated that, “Thanks to the dedication of the medical staff, the holidaymakers have enjoyed a calm and protected season”.

The highest flow of holidaymakers who received service was in the medical centers in Golem, Pogradec, Durrës Beach, Robi Mount and Lalëzi Bay. While the most frequent diagnoses have been stomach flu, bites and allergies, various viruses and arterial hypertension.

Summer medical centers will remain open until September 30, 2025 for a safe and healthy tourist season for all holidaymakers, local and foreign. /k.s/r.e//a.f/p.s./

One of these centers is the one in Lalëzi Bay, where doctors and nurses provide first aid and health advice to all those in need.

Prime Minister Rama shared today in the social media moments from the work carried out at this medical tourism providers, where holidaymakers receive health services near the place where they stay on vacation.

“Summer medical centers 2025, at the service of tourism. In 36 summer medical centers throughout Albania, domestic and foreign holidaymakers have received medical services 24/7 during the tourist season”, wrote Rama.

Several patients who were visited at that medical center expressed their satisfaction with the service provided by the medical staff.

During the summer tourist season, 36 medical centers are fully operational throughout the country, from north to south. They guarantee medical service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for all holidaymakers, local or foreign. /m.m/j.p/p.s./