"The city needs real investments"/ Zhupa meets with tourist operators in Saranda

2026-04-05 18:11:00, Aktualitet CNA

"The city needs real investments"/ Zhupa meets with tourist operators

The Chairwoman of the Tourism, Culture and Diaspora Committee, Ina Zhupa, during the meeting with tourism operators in Saranda, highlighted the main concerns that were raised that directly harm tourism.

During the meeting, Zhupa stressed that without concrete intervention from the government, the development of tourism in Saranda remains at risk. According to the MP, tourism is one of the main pillars of the economy and Saranda deserves special attention.

Ina Zhupa's full status:

Meeting with tour operators in Saranda!

Saranda is one of the most beautiful pearls of Albanian tourism, but today tour operators are facing real problems that are directly affecting the quality and development of tourism.

In 2026, it is unacceptable to still be discussing the lack of drinking water. There can be no quality tourism without water. This is an electoral promise repeated over the years, but unfulfilled.

The port of Saranda needs investment. Since 2013, when the 180-meter pier was built, there has been no serious investment. Today, cruise ships cannot dock properly. Meanwhile, Corfu receives about 620 cruise ships per season, while Saranda only about 20. A strategic investment to expand the pier to at least 600 meters is vital for the development of maritime tourism.

The tourist infrastructure leaves much to be desired. The road to the Lëkurës Castle remains dilapidated, not reflecting the potential of this panoramic point. The 40 Saints lack road infrastructure and so do all the cultural heritage sites.

Saranda is today a city without large public or private parking lots. During the season, traffic and lack of parking become a serious problem for tourists and residents.

Unlicensed agencies are flourishing, largely driven by activity on social media. They are undermining regular tax-paying operators and creating price abuses due to the lack of control.

The Saranda branch of the University of Tirana should focus more on branches related to tourism, tourist guides and hospitality management. This would create qualified professionals for the local market, which is currently in great shortage.

The city is blessed with natural beauty and incredible potential. But without serious investments from the central and local governments, these problems are becoming an obstacle to its development.

It is time for concrete actions, not repeated promises. Tourism is one of the main pillars of the economy and Saranda deserves special attention. /CNA