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, …
Work continues on “Lungomare 4”, Demo: Boosting tourism in the area
Workers extend the coastal promenade “Lungomare 4” at the Old Beach in Vlorë. The project strengthens tourism and improves urban infrastructure. Minister of State for Local Government Ervin Demo shared updates on social media. He said the project improves access, mobility, and safety in one of the city’s busiest tourist …
Albania emerges as budget-friendly Mediterranean alternative to Maldives, says UK outlet
TIRANA, April 7 – A tourism expert has highlighted Albania as a rising holiday destination for British travelers, according to an article by Grace Piercy in Daily Express. The report presents Albania as an affordable option that offers high-end experiences without long-haul travel. British tourists now shift toward budget-friendly summer …
Remembering Mujo Ulqinaku and Albania’s first resistance of WWII
TIRANA, April 7 – Albania commemorates a defining moment in its modern history, marking the anniversary of the Italian invasion of Albania. The country honors Mujo Ulqinaku as a symbol of resistance against foreign occupation. The events of April 7, 1939, remain central to national memory. On that day, Fascist …
“The Telegraph”: 10 reasons to choose Albania for your next holiday
Albania hides in the Balkans. It offers culture, nature, and adventure. Skip crowded Greece or Montenegro. See Ottoman houses in Gjirokastër. Relax on untouched beaches along the Riviera. Taste modern cuisine in Tirana. Explore ancient ruins at Butrint, a UNESCO site. Reach Albania easily. Fly direct from London, Birmingham, Manchester, …
Clear skies across Albania as temperatures reach 26°C
TIRANA, April 7 – Albania will experience stable weather this Tuesday, April 7, with clear skies across most of the country, according to the Military Weather Service. Some temporary, thin clouds may appear in the northern regions around midday. Winds will blow from the southwest to northwest at an average …
Spring blooms at Tirana’s Grand Park as residents enjoy green spaces and activities
TIRANA, April 7 – Spring arrives at Tirana’s Grand Park, where the artificial lake draws people of all ages. Residents enjoy the sun, fresh air, and scenic surroundings. Visitors stroll among lush greenery and relax by the calm waters. They use multifunctional spaces for recreation, sports, and leisure. The lake …
Albania sees 11% rise in tourist arrivals in March despite global challenges
TIRANA, April 7 – Albania continues to grow as a preferred tourist destination, with visitor numbers steadily increasing. In March 2026, the country welcomed 609,363 foreign tourists, up 59,598 visitors, or roughly 11%, compared with March 2025, according to Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sports Blendi Gonxhja. “Amid global challenges, …
Affairs of Albania: Prime Minister Rama convenes SP MPs on laws and regional tour
TIRANA, April 7 – Prime Minister and party leader Edi Rama convened the SP parliamentary group on Tuesday, April 7. The meeting focused on legislative priorities and MPs’ participation in the “Affairs of Albania” regional tour. Parliament is aligning legislation with Albania’s European Union accession directives. MPs are also working …
Direct flights from Tirana to Dublin launched at “Mother Teresa” airport
TIRANA, April 7 – Tirana International Airport announced a new direct flight connecting the Albanian capital with Dublin, Ireland. The route adds a key destination to Tirana’s growing flight network and provides passengers with more travel options. Flights will operate twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays, offering a convenient …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
TIRANA, April 7 – Prime Minister Albin Kurti of Kosova said after a two-hour meeting with Democratic League of Kosova leader Lumir Abdixhiku that the discussions produced no new developments. Kurti remained optimistic that talks could eventually lead to an agreement but stressed that today’s meeting did not yield results. …
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 …
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, …