Minister of Defense Ermal Nufi said that, “Thanks to the rescue team’s swift and professional response, the tourist was successfully pulled from the ravine. He sustained a fractured leg and was airlifted to the Trauma Hospital in Tirana, where he is currently receiving medical care”.

According to Nufi, the other four tourists are in good health.

” Air Force stands ready to save lives”, wrote Nufi.

/k.s/r.e/p.s./

Holidaymakers interviewed by the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) praised the positive transformation of Velipoja in recent years, highlighting improvements in cleanliness, safety, and beach organization. Visitors from Kosovo, including Mitrovica and Gjakova, consistently noted the destination’s affordable prices—often lower than in their hometowns—as well as the welcoming hospitality and excellent coastal conditions that keep them returning year after year.

In a recent interview with ATA, Shkodra’s General Director of Sustainable Economic Development Bekim Mema outlined the municipality’s successful coastal preparations. Highlighting ongoing beach cleaning and space zoning, Mema emphasized that a primary focus is guaranteeing free, accessible public areas. Notably, 30–35% of Velipoja Beach remains a free public zone. This year, the municipality has also introduced discounted umbrellas and loungers on publicly managed beaches to improve affordability for all vacationers.

Mema said that they are working closely with the National Coastal Agency to ensure private operators strictly fulfill their contracts regarding beach safety. “Our goal is 100% compliance, requiring all beach operators to provide certified lifeguards and proper emergency infrastructure. This ensures every vacationer in Velipojë receives immediate assistance in an emergency, supported further by municipal coastguards”.

“The expectations are high and we hope that we will exceed last year, where in the peak periods of July and August, Velipoja has a beach capacity of 100 to 120 thousand vacationers. We hope this number will increase and we are working hard with private operators to keep prices in normal levels so that they are as affordable as possible for everyone”, said Mema. /m.q/j.p/r.e/p.s./

Vlora Port Captain Lorenc Rexhepaj told ATA that the upcoming season will deliver an extraordinary coastal experience, with tourist fleets ready to guide visitors to the region’s premier destinations.

Rexhepi states that certified boats holding over 12 passengers are strictly monitored by the Port Captain’s Office, guaranteeing safe, smooth trips for families and large groups.

‘Tourists are already flocking to the Lungomare promenade and Vlora port, and operators report strong booking numbers from day one,’ he added.

This year, Vlora cements its status as Albania’s premier maritime tourism hub. Set sail on an unforgettable cruise to Sazan Island, a mysterious former military base now celebrated for its untouched nature and captivating history. Journey to the breathtaking Haxhi Ali Cave, where ships pause for a refreshing plunge into crystalline waters. Finally, explore the Karaburun Peninsula, featuring spectacular stops along its coastline and pristine, wild beaches along the Ionian Sea.

/k.s/ /a.g/p.s./

​

Ibrahimaj emphasized that tourism sector has become a major economic engine for Albania, with over 12 million foreign tourists—a massive rise from 2019 levels—driving €5.7 billion in revenue and powering 270,000+ jobs.

She highlighted the significance of maritime tourism and development of tourist ports, presenting a master plan based on the best regional and international models.

The proposed legislation by MP Zamira Sina aims to align strategic investment procedures with concession laws, streamlining the approval and development of tourist ports by the project proponent.

“When tourist ports are part of strategic projects, their construction is carried out by the strategic entity itself without being subject to the general concession procedure. This does not violate transparency and enables the advancement of projects according to the approved procedures,” Ibrahimaj added.

The minister noted that this initiative drives strategic tourism investment, boosting Albania’s economic growth. /e.xh/j.p/p.s./

Prime Minister Edi Rama posted in the social media images of numerous tourists who have chosen to visit Tirana have a taste and get acquainted with the attractions and history of the capital more closely through the scenic tour.

Rama wrote that the double-decker takes visitors through the busy streets of Tirana, showing them the history, colors and vibrancy of our city.

The hip on, hip off double-decker gives an opportunity to the domestic and foreign visitors for a sightseeing tour all over the city, exploring the attractions, monuments and history of the city, from Skanderbeg Square in Tirana downtown to Bunk’Art 1, accompanied by a multilingual audio guide that makes their tour rather friendly. /p.s./

In the message that Minister of Health and Social Protection Albana Koçiu shared in the social media, she stated that Pablo and his mother, during their vacation in Albania, encountered an unexpected situation, which was professionally taken care of by Durrës emergency staff.

“Thank you for your trust, the health of every holidaymaker is our priority,” wrote Koçiu.

The foreign tourist and her son begin the message with a, “Thank you for the extraordinary welcome, for the loving and kind people they found during their vacation in Albania.”

She stated that while the children were playing in the beach, one of them threw sand in her son’s eyes.

“In the emergency room, the medical staff reacted immediately. A very kind and professional woman-doctor took charge of the situation. She cleaned his eye with saline and after a few minutes Pablo was well and opened his eyes,” said the tourist.

She added that all the care in Durrës hospital emergency room was exemplary, full of dedication, even a better service than in Switzerland. /e.i/j.p/p.s./

To this end, Minister of Health and Social Protection Albana Koçiu, accompanied by Director of the Institute of Public Health Eugena Tomini, closely inspected the disinfestation process along the coastline of Lalëzi Bay in Durrës.

Minister Koçiu emphasized that the disinfestation process is continuing from north to south, where in collaboration with experts, there is being carried out an assessment of potential areas for collection of mosquito larvae.

“This is a process that is carried out periodically every two weeks”, noted Koçiu.

The minister also highlighted cooperation with local institutions and private operators for the smooth running of this process and guaranteeing the health of the population.

According to her, it is necessary that businesses operating in tourist areas themselves carry out this process in the area where they operate.

On her part, Director Tomini said that the disinfestation process has been extended to six municipalities in the country in tourist areas, parks, canals, ponds, urban areas, basements and wells and will continue periodically until the beginning of October, in order to guarantee a safe and healthy tourist season. /e.i//a.f//r.e/p.s./

Attending the festive event organized in Shëngjin was Minister of Justice Ulsi Manja, former Speaker of the Parliament of North Macedonia Talat Xhaferri, Mayor of Presheva Ardita Sinani, Mayor of Suhareka Bali Muharremo, Ambassador of Kosovo to Albania Skënder Dyrmishi as well as numerous visitors from Kosovo, North Macedonia and Presheva.

Mayor Ndreu said that, “We are proud of the progress made in the development of tourism. But, there is still work to be done. Every year, work will not stop for a more comfortable and attractive environment, with better infrastructure for the holiday-makers”.

“Over the years, Shëngjin, Talja and Lezha have undergone radical changes. We have officially started the tourist season, which will undoubtedly be successful”, said Ndreu.

The citizens present enjoyed the performance by famous singers Luiz Ejlli and Teuta Selimi.

Part of the celebration was also a handicraft and culinary fair, where there were promoted traditional products and cultural values ​​of the area.

Meanwhile, tourist operators presented offers and packages for local and foreign holiday-makers, aiming to attract as many vacationers as possible to Shëngjin.

Lezha has a number of resources and holiday-makers from Kosovo are on top of list of tourists visiting the area./k.s/r.e/p.s./

A visitor from France expressed his impressions of the church, as well as the impact of our cultural heritage, which he recently discovered, had on him.

“I like the monuments of Albania, especially the monasteries. The visit here is extremely beautiful. The frescoes are marvelous. The place is very quiet, suitable for reflection and meditation, and extremely relaxing. I was lucky enough to meet people who informed me accurately about these monuments and the frescoes,” said the French tourist.

St. Nicholas Church is the most important church for its post-Byzantine basilica-type architecture. The church was built from June 1721 to September 1722, while the bell tower is thought to have been built later. St. Nicholas Church was declared a first-category cultural monument in 1948, for its great architectural and artistic values. /j.p/p.s./

The minister emphasized that there are made a lot of efforts to bring more visitors, to preserve historical assets and to offer tourists a unique and unforgettable experience in the country.

The minister described the meeting as, “A key moment in the cooperation between the public and private sectors, with the aim of improving infrastructure, and the quality of services and creating tourist packages that highlight the unique values ​​of our cultural heritage”.

Albania was visited by 11.7 million foreign visitors in 2024, an increase of 15.2% compared to 2023.

Beyond the increases in tourist arrivals from countries in the region, 2024 has confirmed the growth and stability of markets from Western Europe, such as Italy, Germany, France or the United Kingdom and has expanded the map of distant markets and brought more visitors from them. /j.p/p.s./