According to data published by MIA – the Media and Information Agency, in July, air travel dominated passenger movement as ‘Mother Teresa’ Airport served more than 1.8 million people. Sea ports handled smaller shares: Saranda recorded 131,000 passengers, Durres 111,000 and Vlora just 17,000.

The data show a large jump in summer travel. This proves high tourism levels in the country. Total passenger numbers will rise further because land borders are not counted.

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Gjinari is a serene mountain retreat offering snowy winter escapes and cool summer relaxation. One can immerse there in the scent of lush pine forests, fresh air, and timeless, tranquil nature.

Gjinari’s recent infrastructure improvements, part of the ‘100 Villages’ initiative, better welcome visitors while meticulously preserving its traditional charm.

Recent years have seen a surge in agro-tourism, with local agricultural enterprises providing, authentic hospitality and fresh, farm-sourced produce.

Among the most popular dishes are traditional lid-baked pie, savory oshmari made from cornmeal and cheese and the unique sweet-and-salty kabunia, a blend of sweet and savory rice and raisins dish.

The area offers great hiking beyond the local food cuisine, with a top option being Mount Bukanik. Standing at 1,831 meters, this accessible summit offers a rewarding, easy-to-moderate trail for all ages.

Also, Lake Gjinari is an idyllic spot for a quiet picnic and scenic relaxation. Visitors can immerse themselves in the area via local bike trails, motorized tours, and emerging adventure activities.

On the way to Gjinar one can stop in Shelcan to have a taste of the 16th-century Church of Saint Nicholas. As a key example of post-Byzantine style, it holds significant artistic value, with murals and an iconostasis embodying the tradition of Onufri.

Recently, Gjinar delighted nature lovers with an unexpected March snowfall. /r.e/p.s./

According to INSTAT, the volume of loaded and unloaded freights (including air mail) via air transport is 550.5 tons, of which 74.5 % are loaded and 25.5 % are unloaded freights. Compared to the first quarter of 2024, the volume of freights increased by 10.2 %.

In air transport, during the first quarter of 2025, operated 19 airlines, of which 18 are foreign companies and 1 is Albanian companies. In the Albanian airspace have flown 65,146 aircrafts, of which 79.5 % were overpasses.

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Responding to a social media commentator, who asked him when it was last time he travelled to the United States and whether he can cross the ocean, the government head underlined that the last time he paid a visit to the U.S. it was for work-related purposes, adding he can do so anytime necessary.

Responding to another commentator why he does no longer refers to opposition leader Sali Berisha as “persona non-grata,” PM Rama clarified that there is no reason for him to do so, given the volume of work and activities he has to deal with recently.

“There are a lot more important things to be done than non-grata,” he answered, underlining that the U.S. Department of State has designated former Prime Minister Sali Berisha for major corruption and he remains a persona non-grata.

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The ministry said that this call is made in function of the safety of Albanian citizens, who plan to travel outside the Republic of Albania.

“Dear citizens of the Republic of Albania, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, being concerned of the safety of Albanian citizens who plan to travel outside the Republic of Albania, instructs them to avoid traveling to areas involved in military conflicts, countries with political unrest, epidemic or natural disaster”, is read in the press release of the ministry.

The ministry has also made available for the citizens in its webpage the necessary contacts of Diplomatic Missions and Consular Posts of the Republic of Albania. /r.e/p.s./

In her remarks at the opening ceremony, the Minister of Tourism and Environment Mirela Kumbaro said that Albania has become a popular destination and its year-round tourism will make Albania a regional champion for tourism.

Tourism & Travel Show Albania 2024 will stay open until February 1. This event is strategically designed as a premier business communication platform, bringing together key stakeholders from the local, regional, and international tourism industry.

At the event, attendees can expect comprehensive presentations and promotions of diverse products and services, as well as the exploration of potential new partnerships. Valuable insights into the latest developments in the sector and its continuous growth will also be a key highlight of the event, with a focus on the most important trends shaping the industry.

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Prime Minister Edi Rama wrote today in the social media that, “Even to the United Arab Emirates without visas from April 20”.

The Albanian government approved the agreement with the government of the United Arab Emirates at the meeting on February 8.

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Olta Xhaçka said after the government meeting on February 8 that this agreement further increases the number of countries where Albanian citizens can travel without visas.

This agreement will make it easier for all those Albanian citizens who wish to travel to this country, whether for work, business or tourism, Xhaçka added.

As soon as the agreement enters into force, Albanian citizens will no longer need entry visas, underlined Xhaçka./r.e/p.s./

Prime Minister Rama’s request was made during a joint press statement with the Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida in Tokyo.

“Of course, we are geographically distant. We are different, Japan is big, we are small; Japan is rich, we are not that rich, but in a world that is increasingly disturbed by sudden crises, we strongly believe that, despite our differences, what unites us are our values. And being part of this family of values is more important today than yesterday and maybe will be more important tomorrow than today. So, we hope that soon the Japanese government will make it possible for Albanians to travel visa-free to Japan, the same like the Japanese can come to Albania. We look forward to strengthening this cooperation”, said Rama. /gj.m/ /a.jor/ /p.s./

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared this morning a video made by a citizen traveling at dawn along the new national axis Kardhiq-Delvina.

Part of this road is also the Skërfica tunnel, 1316 m long. With a length of 33 km, the Kardhiq-Delvina road consists of 8 lots.

The completion of this infrastructural work cuts the travel time from Tirana to Saranda by 3 hours, giving a further boost to the multidimensional development of the area and the country./p.s./

During a meeting in Bulqiza, Rama reacted to the opposition’s accusations about his travel expenses.

“As prime minister, I cost the Albanian taxpayers 4 times less travel cost if we compare year by year 2021 with 2010. Berisha used to spend 2.5 million old lekë on one travel, for me the cost is 650 thousand lekë. This is the truth according to the bills. Meanwhile, that “taxi” of mine, which is not mine, is a service “taxi”, as journalists also travel on its board and do not pay anything. The same is true for the delegations. Having smaller delegations, not taking bodyguards overseas, not staying in expensive hotels, but return within the day-this is the cost, very simple”, said Rama.

Further on, Rama said, “It is true that since 2020, when we took over the presidency of the OSCE, we made an agreement with the “Air Albania” for “Air Albania”’s interest in promotion, to have a plane available for working travels”.

“I make all private trips at my own expense. The agreement has been renewed, changed. In the end, the truth triumphs”, said Rama.

“They should go to the prosecutor’s office and answer for the millions they took from Albanians through failing to pay the taxes they should have paid”, said Rama pointing to the people in the opposition who accuse him. /j.p/p.s./