Kumbaro: Tourism contributes to peace, 2 billion euros of income in the first 6 months

2024-09-27 15:19:00, Aktualitet CNA

Kumbaro: Tourism contributes to peace, 2 billion euros of income in the first 6

Mirela Kumbaro

The International Conference of the Central European Initiative "Tourism in Eastern and Southeastern Europe - New Development Paths" is being held in Tirana, an event that discusses the challenges and solutions for the future of tourism in the region, organized by the National Tourism Agency and the Ministry of Tourism and Environment.

In her opening speech, the Minister of Tourism and Environment, Mirela Kumbaro, said that this event comes to Tirana on World Tourism Day, which this year is celebrated under the motto "Tourism and Peace".

"Tourism not just as an economic sector, but tourism as an engine of emancipation, as an opportunity to exchange culturally, humanly and economically, contributes to the opening of the mind and by meeting more, especially through pleasure, we also contribute to peace no matter how little it can be seen in difficult times like these that the planet is going through", said Minister Kumbaro.

Minister Kumbaro continued her speech by stating that Albania, although historically located at a crossroads between East and West and small in size, is showing that it is not impossible to have peace and stability and it is also not impossible and no matter how many mistakes you have made in the past, turn into a factor of stability, as religious tolerance has turned into one of the country's tourist attractions.

"8.5 million foreign visitors came by August, marking 20% ??more than a year ago. Expressed in economic figures, we have 23% more of the income that entered the economy from the tourism sector for the first six months of the year", underlined Minister Kumbaro.

Minister Kumbaro stated in this conference that Albania is realizing the dream of becoming the champion of Tourism in the Balkans, therefore the projects started 10 years ago are now being implemented and are turning into a reality.

"Until 5-6 years ago, Tirana was a transit airport, because it was the airport and I came to Tirana to go to the south, or to go to the north. Today Tirana is a tourist destination. Next year, Tirana will be the Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue. However, we are not in competition and competition with anyone. We have not thought for a moment how Albania, surrounded by tourism giants, can compete with them. We are all complementary together, we complete a tourist map and all together we only help each other", continued Kumbaro.

Further, the minister said that the philosophy of travel has changed, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, as people during trips want to visit as many places and attractions as possible with shorter stay times, therefore coordination in this aspect is important.

"Every tourist will get the maximum, he wants to visit Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, and Albania within a week. Therefore, coordination between us is very important and it is good for the sector, the economy of our countries, but to return to the topic, it is good for peace and prosperity in our countries", said the minister.

Minister Kumbaro said that Albania under the slogan "Albania All Senses" Albania presents unique and new experiences. She also stated that this year Albania has been part of major tourism fairs and the main center of high-level conferences, culminating with the presence as "Place of Honor" at the world's largest tourism fair "ITB Berlin". At the end of the speech, Minister Kumbaro invited those present to enjoy Tirana with all its tastes and sensations./ CNA