July brings record number of hotel visitors, up 15% from a year earlier
The summer tourist season has boosted activity at accommodation establishments in Albania, with around 817,000 visitors recorded in July alone. Data show that the number of visitors staying in hotels and other accommodation establishments increased by 15% compared with July of the previous year. The vast majority of the increase …
‘Albanians for America’ says Hague ruling must not become judgment of Kosova’s war for freedom; notes right to appeal
The Albanian-American organization Albanians for America has reacted to the Hague Special Court’s ruling on former Kosova Liberation Army leaders, saying it disagrees with the judgment and considers it unfair to those who fought for Kosova’s freedom. The organization said the KLA fought for freedom and to protect Kosova’s population. …
TourMaG.com highlights Albania’s mix of modern development and cultural heritage
French travel media outlet TourMaG.com presents Albania as an increasingly attractive Mediterranean destination, highlighting its historical heritage, distinctive cities, nature and modern development. The article takes readers from Tirana and Kruja to Shkodër and Durrës. In Tirana, it highlights the mix of modernist, communist-era and contemporary architecture, as well as …
Albanian Assembly to issue joint statement after Kosova Liberation Army leaders’ Hague sentences
The Assembly of Albania will issue a joint statement after the Hague Special Court sentenced four former leaders of the Kosova Liberation Army to a total of 81 years in prison. Assembly Speaker Niko Peleshi said the Assembly had adopted a common position involving all political forces. He described the …
Visitors Continue to Flock to Lezhë Castle in September
Cultural heritage sites across Albania continue to attract domestic and international visitors in mid-September. Lezhë Castle remains one of the city’s most visited attractions. It combines history and archaeology with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Since January, the castle has welcomed 5,884 visitors. Most came from Western Europe, with …
Albania launches automated platform for businesses under Double Your Enterprise program
The Ministry of Economy and Innovation has launched a fully automated platform to support small and medium-sized businesses applying to the “Double Your Enterprise” program. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said the platform simplifies the application process. It also assists businesses at every stage, from expressing interest to preparing …
PISA school selection follows OECD methodology
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro said PISA school selection follows rules set by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the international consortium managing the assessment. She said the Education Ministry cannot arbitrarily choose or change participating schools. According to Kumbaro, international sampling procedures aim to ensure statistical representation …
Lake Shkodër highlighted as major tourism and nature destination
Lake Shkodër continues to attract growing numbers of domestic and foreign visitors as one of the region’s major tourism and nature destinations. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared evening images of the lake, highlighting its tourism and natural attractions. UNESCO declared Lake Shkodër a Transboundary Biosphere Reserve in June. The lake …
Over 816,000 visitors stayed in Albanian hotels in July
More than 816,000 visitors stayed in accommodation facilities across Albania in July, with foreign tourists accounting for most of the increase. Data from the Institute of Statistics show that visitors from Kosova, Italy and Poland formed the largest groups among foreign tourists. According to the latest data, accommodation facilities recorded …
International Criminal Tribunal researcher Nevenka Tromp says Special Chambers were created to satisfy Serbia
The appeal process could change the sentences imposed by the Specialist Chambers in The Hague on September 16 on four former leaders of the Kosova Liberation Army, according to Nevenka Tromp, a researcher at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. The court found Hashim Thaçi, Jakup Krasniqi, Kadri …
Prime Minister Edi Rama responded to opposition demands for explanations regarding the appointment of Vlora Hyseni as head of Albania’s State Intelligence Service (SHISH). In a message from Mother Teresa International Airport, Rama said that Hyseni’s appointment to lead the State Intelligence Service was also based on assessments and references …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said that during his years in politics he may have made mistakes, but, according to him, no one can accuse him of acting against Albania’s interests. In a video message from Mother Teresa International Airport, Rama said that various accusations may have been made against him, …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said that the justice reform has created a justice system that, according to him, operates independently of political power. Rama said the reform was an achievement of himself and the Socialist Party (PS), describing it as a process through which political power handed the “sword of …
Albania opened their UEFA Nations League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Belarus at the Air Albania Stadium in Tirana on Saturday. Kristjan Asllani put Albania ahead from the penalty spot in the 34th minute, before Ernest Muçi doubled the lead shortly before half-time after an assist from Elseid Hysaj. …
The European Union has sent a clear message from Brussels regarding Albania’s justice system, expressing confidence in and support for SPAK in the investigation and prosecution of organized crime. The statement came in response to questions concerning the case of former SHISH director Vlora Hyseni, who has been placed under …
President of the Republic Bajram Begaj welcomed the new U.S. Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt, at the Presidency this Saturday, where the ambassador officially presented his Letters of Credence, marking the start of his diplomatic mandate in the country. During the ceremony, the Head of State wished Ambassador Wendt success …
“The General” Officially Takes Up Role as U.S. Ambassador to Albania — Who Were His 10 Predecessors?
Eric Wendt has officially taken office as the United States Ambassador to Albania, bringing a confirmed ambassador back to the helm of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Tirana after nearly three years. This Saturday, Wendt presented his credentials to President Bajram Begaj, officially beginning his mandate in Albania. He succeeds …
The new United States Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt, officially presented his credentials to President Bajram Begaj this Saturday. In an official statement, the US Embassy in Tirana welcomed the new ambassador, noting that during his meeting with President Begaj, the strong strategic partnership between the two countries was reaffirmed. …
Florin Hoxha, Florida Hoxha and Eris Cani are the three Albanians reported missing beneath the rubble of a building that collapsed following a powerful explosion in the Plaka area of Athens. Florin Hoxha and Florida Hoxha are brother and sister, while Eris Cani is Florida Hoxha’s husband. They are among …
Citizens and activists took to the streets this Saturday for another protest, which has now entered its 119th day. As they have done every afternoon, after 6:30 p.m., protesters initially gathered in Skanderbeg Square, chanting slogans such as: “Your time is up,” “A New Albania,” and “Rama, resign.” After gathering …