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After Years of Emigration, Mountain Tourism Revives the Village of Strelcë

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”72f69213-2f23-4414-8091-864f914f4def” data-turn-id-container=”72f69213-2f23-4414-8091-864f914f4def” data-testid=”conversation-turn-5″ data-turn=”user”> Just 25 kilometers from the town of Maliq lies Strelcë, one of the best-known villages in the Gora region, which has experienced a revival in recent years thanks to the growth of mountain tourism. Once home to more than 300 houses …

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Katy Perry Lights Up Sunny Hill Festival, Waves Kosovo Flag During Spectacular Pristina Performance

The latest edition of the Sunny Hill Festival has kicked off in Bërnicë, Pristina, attracting thousands of music fans from Kosovo and abroad. The high turnout caused long traffic queues on roads leading to the festival grounds on the opening night. The highlight of the evening was the performance by …

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August Begins with Scorching Heat as Vlora’s Beaches Fill with Holidaymakers

The first weekend of August has brought a surge of visitors to Vlora, with the city’s beaches packed with both domestic and international tourists enjoying the peak of the summer season. The start of the month has seen a significant influx of holidaymakers, many of whom have chosen the Albanian …

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Week in Review: Cocaine Busts, Changing Goals, Tourism Woes

Our selection of Premium stories this week takes a look at Washington’s shifting foreign policy priorities in the Balkans, a suspicious drug trawl, surging property prices and more. Original post Here

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Defense company chief hails tactical vehicle milestone

TIRANA, July 31 – Ardi Veliu, chief executive officer of Albania’s state-owned defense company KAYO, said the delivery of the first 40 NATO-standard tactical vehicles produced in Albania marks an important step for the country’s defense industry. The company Timak Defence produced the vehicles, which include 35 light tactical vehicles …

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Gonxhja: Albania Suspends Construction Works in Tourist Areas During Summer Season

Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced that Albania will halt construction works and related activities in tourist areas during the summer season. The Council of Ministers approved the measure to improve visitors’ experiences and protect the quality of the tourist season. The decision will prevent construction activities from …

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PM Rama: Albania aims for fully domestic-made military equipment by 2028

TIRANA, July 31 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania aims to equip its Armed Forces with military vehicles and capabilities produced in the country by 2028. Rama made the statement during a ceremony where the Armed Forces received the first 40 tactical vehicles produced in Albania by Timak Defence …

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PM Rama: Albania plans to produce super-intelligent drones for air defence

TIRANA, July 31 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania is developing new defence industry capacities. He said the country plans to produce intelligent drones and advanced military equipment. Rama spoke at the ceremony for the delivery of tactical vehicles from “Timak Defence”. He said Albania would soon present more …

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New administrative reform aims to preserve European Union standards

TIRANA, July 31 – Deputy chair of the Special Commission for Administrative-Territorial Reform, Arbjan Mazniku, said the proposed territorial division aims to consolidate municipalities and improve public services. He added that the reform will preserve the standards achieved through the current system. Presenting the main elements of the draft reform, …

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U.S. Senate clears way for Eric Wendt vote as new ambassador to Albania

TIRANA, July 31 – The US Senate approved a procedural resolution that allows a group vote on 74 nominations from the American administration, including Eric Wendt’s candidacy for ambassador to Albania, according to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee website. The resolution passed with 50 votes in favor and 47 against, …

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274 Armed Forces personnel deployed to fight wildfires

TIRANA, August 13 – Firefighting operations continue on the ground and from the air. The Armed Forces are supporting operations in several areas across Albania. Defence Minister Ermal Nufi said 274 Armed Forces personnel are currently deployed. They are using 21 vehicles, 1 water tanker, 3 ambulances and 9 firefighting …

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Bank of Albania expects inflation to ease as growth continues

TIRANA, August 13 – Albania’s economy continues to grow, while the recent rise in inflation is mainly temporary, according to the Bank of Albania. The central bank said average inflation reached 3% in the second quarter, up from 2.5% in the first quarter. Higher fuel prices and some domestic services …

News
Korça Beer Festival marks 20th edition at new events venue

TIRANA, August 13 – The 20th Korça Beer Festival opened on Wednesday evening at the new Events Hub in Drenova. The festival runs until August 16 with 5 nights of music, beer, gastronomy and entertainment. Korça Mayor Sotiraq Filo said the opening night created a lively atmosphere. He described the …

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Foreign tourists discover Gjirokastër through history and tradition

TIRANA, August 13 – Gjirokastër continues to attract tourists from around the world. Visitors experience the “stone city” through its history, architecture, traditions and hospitality. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video featuring tourists from Australia, Sweden, New Zealand, Belgium, the Netherlands and other countries. Visitors praised the Cold War …

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Eyes on the Sky for the Solar Eclipse in the Balkans

People gathered at vantage points all across the Balkans to enjoy the unique experience of watching the solar eclipse on Thursday evening. Original post Here

News
10 fires recorded in Lezha, deliberate arson under investigation

TIRANA, August 13 – The Municipality of Lezha recorded 10 fires across its territory on Wednesday. Mayor Pjerin Ndreu urged residents to remain extremely cautious. He also called on them to report to authorities anyone identified as starting a fire. Ndreu said firefighters responded to 10 fires in different areas …

News
Agritourism AL platform helps visitors discover rural destinations

TIRANA, August 13 – The Agritourism AL application has become an information platform for agritourism and rural tourism destinations in Albania. It helps tourists and visitors plan trips and discover offers linked to nature, gastronomy and Albanian traditions. Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla said users can download the …

News
Mahmut Orhan to perform in Drymades on August 15

TIRANA, August 13 – Albania has become a popular summer destination for international electronic music artists. On August 15, Turkish DJ and producer Mahmut Orhan will perform at MOYO Drymades. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the event. The performance will start at 20:00 and continue into the …

News
12 active fires reported across Albania, 418 hectares burned

TIRANA, August 13 – Authorities reported 45 fires across Albania during the past 24 hours. Twelve remain active and 1 remains under monitoring. The Agency for Media and Information said 72 firefighting vehicles and 839 operational personnel have joined the response. The Armed Forces have provided 250 personnel, 5 helicopters …

News
Ministers visit tourism measures in Saranda

TIRANA, August 13 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja, and Saranda Mayor Oltion Çaçi visited tourism measures in Saranda. Lamallari said rising tourist numbers bring greater responsibility for the State Police. He stressed the need to protect residents and visitors. He also called for …

News

274 Armed Forces personnel deployed to fight wildfires

TIRANA, August 13 – Firefighting operations continue on the ground and from the air. The Armed Forces are supporting operations in several areas across Albania. Defence Minister Ermal Nufi said 274 Armed Forces personnel are currently deployed. They are using 21 vehicles, 1 water tanker, 3 ambulances and 9 firefighting …

News

Bank of Albania expects inflation to ease as growth continues

TIRANA, August 13 – Albania’s economy continues to grow, while the recent rise in inflation is mainly temporary, according to the Bank of Albania. The central bank said average inflation reached 3% in the second quarter, up from 2.5% in the first quarter. Higher fuel prices and some domestic services …

News

Korça Beer Festival marks 20th edition at new events venue

TIRANA, August 13 – The 20th Korça Beer Festival opened on Wednesday evening at the new Events Hub in Drenova. The festival runs until August 16 with 5 nights of music, beer, gastronomy and entertainment. Korça Mayor Sotiraq Filo said the opening night created a lively atmosphere. He described the …

News

Foreign tourists discover Gjirokastër through history and tradition

TIRANA, August 13 – Gjirokastër continues to attract tourists from around the world. Visitors experience the “stone city” through its history, architecture, traditions and hospitality. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video featuring tourists from Australia, Sweden, New Zealand, Belgium, the Netherlands and other countries. Visitors praised the Cold War …

News

Eyes on the Sky for the Solar Eclipse in the Balkans

People gathered at vantage points all across the Balkans to enjoy the unique experience of watching the solar eclipse on Thursday evening. Original post Here

News

10 fires recorded in Lezha, deliberate arson under investigation

TIRANA, August 13 – The Municipality of Lezha recorded 10 fires across its territory on Wednesday. Mayor Pjerin Ndreu urged residents to remain extremely cautious. He also called on them to report to authorities anyone identified as starting a fire. Ndreu said firefighters responded to 10 fires in different areas …

News

Agritourism AL platform helps visitors discover rural destinations

TIRANA, August 13 – The Agritourism AL application has become an information platform for agritourism and rural tourism destinations in Albania. It helps tourists and visitors plan trips and discover offers linked to nature, gastronomy and Albanian traditions. Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla said users can download the …

News

Mahmut Orhan to perform in Drymades on August 15

TIRANA, August 13 – Albania has become a popular summer destination for international electronic music artists. On August 15, Turkish DJ and producer Mahmut Orhan will perform at MOYO Drymades. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the event. The performance will start at 20:00 and continue into the …

News

12 active fires reported across Albania, 418 hectares burned

TIRANA, August 13 – Authorities reported 45 fires across Albania during the past 24 hours. Twelve remain active and 1 remains under monitoring. The Agency for Media and Information said 72 firefighting vehicles and 839 operational personnel have joined the response. The Armed Forces have provided 250 personnel, 5 helicopters …

News

Ministers visit tourism measures in Saranda

TIRANA, August 13 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja, and Saranda Mayor Oltion Çaçi visited tourism measures in Saranda. Lamallari said rising tourist numbers bring greater responsibility for the State Police. He stressed the need to protect residents and visitors. He also called for …