Zhupa: The tourist season did not meet expectations in Saranda

2025-10-11 11:07:00, Politikë CNA

Democratic Party MP Ina Zhupa has stated that the tourist season has not met expectations in Saranda. The MP said that this tourist season has had very little impact on the local economy.

In a post on her social media, Zhupa states that this year has been weaker than 2024 and 2023 and adds that the profile of tourists who have frequented the area has changed significantly.

The MP also listed some of the reasons that, according to her, have influenced the departure of tourists.

Full post:

The tourist season did not meet expectations in Saranda, very little impact on the local economy!

During meetings and conversations with entrepreneurs, tourism operators and citizens, one thing was common to all: this year's tourist season has not been at the right level and in line with their expectations. The year 2025 has been weaker than 2024, which itself was weaker than 2023. The trend is negative and worrying.

The profile of tourists who have frequented the area has also changed significantly. Mostly tourists with a bag on their shoulder, who have not contributed to the local economy. They have used basic services, such as markets, fast food, but have not consumed in local restaurants, have not received services, have not created an economy in the community. Very little real impact on the economic life of the city.

Some fundamental problems that are driving away tourists and negatively impacting their experience, causing many of them to never return and not recommend Saranda as a destination are:

A city without a functional public parking lot, where chaos with cars has become a daily part of life. The lack of drinking water is not only unacceptable, but also shameful. Poor waste management, garbage scattered throughout the city and along the beach alleys, is another plague on local tourism.

Heavy traffic and lack of normal circulation in the most frequented areas, which creates stress and removes any sense of rest.

To orient tourism towards a model that produces economy and increases local well-being, a new and more sustainable strategy is needed.

Real investments are needed to improve the lives of residents, which will also lead to improved conditions for tourists. Also, value-added tourism, cultural, gastronomic, adventure and nature tourism should be promoted that attracts visitors with more spending capacity. The goal should be year-round tourism that boosts the local economy./CNA