Albania was among a handful of countries invited to address the Assembly session, attended by representatives from 160 nations. The country’s growing international visibility and cooperation prospects in the tourism sector were noted during the event, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture said.

In his address, Gonxhja outlined Albania’s efforts to improve the visitor experience, extend the tourist season and diversify destinations beyond the coast by promoting rural areas and empowering local communities.

He highlighted the adoption of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) standards and the creation of “smart destinations” using real-time data to manage visitor flows and protect resources.

The minister also underlined the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on global tourism, saying it enables a shift “from tourism volume to tourism quality” by improving data management, preserving cultural and natural heritage, tackling informality and boosting overall sector efficiency.

Gonxhja said Albania’s public services are increasingly accessible through the “e-Albania” digital platform, ensuring transparency and standardized governance. He noted that this approach is reinforced by the work of the world’s first Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Diella, who oversees integration of AI across key strategic sectors, including tourism.

The minister also emphasized investment in human capital through training programmes for hospitality professionals, artisans and cultural workers, alongside greater use of technology to enhance quality, efficiency and innovation within the industry.

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