The International Tourism Fair "Philoxenia" opens in Thessaloniki/ 50 countries participating in the 39th edition

2024-11-14 18:59:00, Qyteti im CNA

The International Tourism Fair "Philoxenia" opens in Thessaloniki/ 50

The International Tourism Fair "Philoxenia" has started in Thessaloniki, Greece. In the 39th edition of this fair, the municipalities of the Korçë district present their tourist package. For three consecutive days, City News Albania will be near this fair to bring its latest developments.

Korça returns to this fair for the second time, this organization initiated by the District Council in cooperation with the municipalities of the southeast. "Philoxenia" is the most important event that takes place in Thessaloniki, as it brings together the countries of Europe, where culture is at the center of this edition.

The Chairman of the Korçë District Council, Erjon Nexhipi, has shown details about this fair and what it represents, showing that the southeastern part of Albania is presented with the elements that characterize it, such as culture, nature, gastronomy, but above all the hospitality that characterizes Albanians.

"For the second year in a row, Korçë District presents the tourist product of our region in Philoxenia. Philoxenia is the International Tourism Fair that takes place in Thessaloniki, the largest in the Balkans. This year is the 39th edition, where culture is at the center. We appear at this fair with those elements that characterize us, culture, nature, gastronomy, events, but above all the hospitality that characterizes us in all other parts of Albania. That's why this year's slogan is "Welcome to the region of Korça".

The International Tourism Fair "Philoxenia" opens in Thessaloniki/ 50

Among other things, Nexhipi shows that the participation in this fair is very important for the program of this institution, in support of economic development and especially in tourism. The head of the District Council says that this year they have focused on the six municipalities of the district and especially on businesses, creating increased access to establish direct relations with the tourism industry because the flow of tourists has also increased in recent years. Working with the foreign market is quite important for Nexip as it has been embraced by businesses.

"For us it is very important because in our program we have put economic development at the center. In recent years, tourism is the sector that has undergone the fastest growth. We have a complete program as the District Council, in cooperation with the municipalities to promote and support tourism. Tourism is a joint work and cannot be developed by leaving the other part out. This year, we have focused on all six municipalities, especially on businesses they should use this space to establish direct relations with the tourism industry, creating opportunities for contracts so that the flow of tourism in Korça District is increased. The truth is that we are champions for the domestic tourist market, but we need to work more a lot for the foreign market, and this is a very good opportunity. Fortunately, this year the business has understood and strongly joined us in this initiative."

The Korça region has countless resources, an extraordinary cultural heritage with old churches and mosques, with museums that are not only a national treasure but also a world treasure. Through this presentation of these resources, Nexhipi emphasizes that the chances of tourists staying longer in our region increase.

"Tourism is synergy, it is not an individual job. Presenting itself as a joint tourist offer, we manage to materialize our national slogan 'Albania All Senses', we materialize it. Fortunately, the resources of the Korça district are numerous. From water, we have more than other parts of Albania. We are part of the Vjosa river, the only wild river in Europe; we have an extraordinary cultural heritage, old churches and mosques in our region, we have many museums, as the Museum of Medieval Art which is the wealth of the world, not only ours. So, potentially, if we present ourselves in the market with all these resources, we increase the chances that tourists will have a rich experience and stay longer in our region. "

Countries such as Turkey, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Kosovo, Thailand, the Philippines and beyond are participating in the "Philoxenia" Fair. Vilson Imamaj, the Albanian who has been living and working in Turkey's Bursa for 16 years, approached the stands as soon as he saw the photos of Korça and other districts. Imamaj considers this fair as one of the most important in the tourism sector at the European level, while what attracted him today is the presence and promotion of the beautiful cities of Albania.

"This fair is one of the most important in the tourism sector, especially at the European level, and Greece is one of the most beautiful destinations visited by tourists around the world. What attracted me today to this fair is the presence and promotion of the cities of beauties of Albania. As an Albanian, I feel strong ties to my country, despite the fact that I live outside it. As a tourism professional, I am following the development of tourism in Albania, especially in cities like Korça, Gjirokastra, Përmeti, Vlora, which are moving fast in this field."

Imamaj emphasizes that Albania has a tremendous potential to become a favorite destination in Europe. Among other things, he singles out the wonderful nature, the fauna and the rich culture intertwined with the hospitality of the Albanian people. For Wilson, Albania deserves the attention and admiration of the whole world.

"I am convinced that Albania has an incredible potential to become one of the most favorite destinations, not only in Europe, but also in the world. We combine the wonderful nature, the unique fauna and the rich culture with the extraordinary hospitality of the people Albania is a country that deserves the attention and admiration of the whole world. I thank you for the opportunity of this interview and I hope that we can work together to promote Albania as a world-class tourist destination."

More than 50 countries are participating in the 39th edition of the "Philoxenia" fair. During the three days of this fair, the district of Korça will aim to attract as many foreign visitors as possible through the presentation of tourist packages./ CNA