The 5Ps of Service Excellence: A Practical Roadmap for Albanian and Western Balkan Service Providers
By Professor Alaa Garad Tirana Times, April 07, 2026 – In my earlier article for Tirana Times, I described Albania as a country that moves from being visited to being remembered. Having since deepened my engagement with the Albanian health tourism and hospitality ecosystem, and having had the privilege of …
Tourism in Gjirokastër shows positive trend but service improvements needed
TIRANA, April 7 – Tourism in Gjirokastër is showing strong growth this season, with increased interest from domestic and international visitors. Tour operators report satisfactory bookings and expect visitor numbers to rise further in the summer months. Despite this growth, several challenges persist that require urgent attention. One major concern …
Austria ranks fifth-largest investor in Albania in 2025
Austria ranked as the fifth-largest investor in Albania in 2025. Austrian investments reached €146 million, up 22.7% from 2024, according to the Bank of Albania. Austrian capital flows target key sectors. They focus on insurance, energy, and hospitality services. Businesses see strong growth potential in these areas. Austria’s total investments …
New road to Ksamil nearing completion ahead of summer season
TIRANA, April 7 – Ksamil, a top tourist destination in southern Albania, is preparing for the summer season with improved access and infrastructure. Visitor numbers have risen in recent years, prompting upgrades to support tourism. The new road connects Ksamil to the Pulëbardha beach junction. It features panoramic sidewalks and …
From Emigration to Agritourism: Reçi Urges Return to Albania
Esat Reçi spent years working in Greece. Then, he returned to his hometown in Kurbin. Before, he worked in construction. Now, he invests in agritourism. He turned his grandparents’ house into a guesthouse. Today, it attracts both local and foreign visitors. “Lahuta e Vjetër” sits among green hills. Moreover, it …
Deputy Speaker Spahiu visits Arbëresh community in Italy
TIRANA, April 7 – Deputy Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Klodiana Spahiu visited Italy, stopping in Hora e Arbëreshëvet, a key center of the Arbëresh community and Albanian cultural heritage. During her visit, Spahiu met with the town mayor, Rosario Petta. They discussed ways to strengthen institutional cooperation and preserve …
Justice Minister Gogu meets students in Elbasan: European integration guides daily justice
TIRANA, April 7 – Justice Minister Toni Gogu met students in Elbasan to discuss European Union integration and judicial reform. Gogu emphasized on social media that “Europe is not just a political destination. It is a daily standard of operation.” He highlighted concrete results from judicial reform, including new institutions, …
12-year-old Albanian Ambra Marku to compete at Sanremo Junior
TIRANA, April 7 – Twelve-year-old Ambra Marku from Lezha will compete in the 17th edition of Italy’s Sanremo Junior, held in mid-April at the Ariston Theatre. Marku, a student at Besëlidhja School, will perform “Valsi i Lumturisë” [Waltz of Happiness] a song by Albanian music icon Vaçe Zela. For Marku, …
Vaçe Zela, Albania’s queen of song
TIRANA, April 7 – Today marks the birthday of Vaçe Zela, one of Albania’s most beloved musical icons. Her powerful and emotive voice shaped the country’s musical identity and continues to inspire generations. Born in Lushnjë in 1939, Zela rose to national fame through her performances on RTSH and as …
Driloni: A Peaceful Oasis That Attracts Tourists
Driloni Natural Park lies just 6 km from Pogradec. It ranks among Albania’s most beautiful tourist spots. Recent investments transformed the park into an eco-tourism hub. They also increased its appeal for visitors from Korçë. The infrastructure now includes about 4,000 meters of walking paths. In addition, the park area …