In the coastal resort town of Saranda in Albania, a waiter in a local restaurant apologetically informed new customers that there was limited availability on the menu. He jokingly attributed this to Italians who have visited the town in large numbers, stating that Italy was once again occupying Albania. This sentiment reflects the feelings of some Albanians due to Italy’s fascist regime’s past occupation of the country during World War Two. However, despite historical tensions, Italians now make up a significant portion of the growing and profitable tourist industry in Albania, contributing 20% to the country’s GDP last year.
The Albanian Tourism Minister Mirela Kumbaro anticipates that this figure will further increase in 2023. Italians can easily reach Saranda through discounted flights or ferries that travel a short distance of only 80 km across the Adriatic Sea. They are enticed by the pristine sandy beaches, picturesque landscapes, and significantly lower prices compared to other popular Mediterranean holiday destinations such as Italy and France. Daniela Cudini, an Italian tourist, stated that they had chosen to visit Albania due to the country’s reputation for good beaches and affordable prices.
Aurora Marku, the manager of a beach near Saranda, confirmed that the majority of visitors to the area are foreigners, with Italians making up 80% of the tourist population. Tourist arrivals have experienced a 25% increase in July 2023 compared to the same month in the previous year. In the first seven months of the year, over 5.1 million foreigners, including more than 430,000 Italians, visited Albania—a 50% increase from last year’s numbers.
Albania’s Tourism Minister, Mirela Kumbaro, emphasizes the country’s focus on attracting quality tourists who spend longer durations and contribute to the local economy. She believes that a high number of short-term tourists is not beneficial. Quentin Billon, the French CEO of local tour operator Breathe in Travel, suggests that foreign tourists are attracted to Albania not only for its beaches but also for the opportunity to explore a new frontier, as the country was isolated for almost 50 years under the Communist regime of Enver Hoxha, preventing foreign travelers and Albanians from leaving the country.
Notably, even the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, chose to vacation in Albania in July. She even paid the bill for a group of Italians who left a restaurant without settling their dues, earning the appreciation of a restaurant owner in Saranda.
Overall, Albania’s tourist industry is thriving, benefitting from its natural attractions and affordability. Foreign visitors, particularly Italians, are increasingly recognizing the appeal of this once-isolated country and contributing significantly to its economic growth.
(Reporting by Fatos Bytyci and Florion Goga; editing by Mark Heinrich)
Credit: The Star : News Feed
