Training with Albanian border police, U.S. Embassy: Enhancing expertise for national security
The U.S. Embassy in Tirana shared images on “X” from a recent training conducted between the Albanian border police and a U.S. overseas investigative unit. The embassy emphasized that the specialized training focused on practical techniques for detecting fraudulent documents and strengthening risk assessment skills. Further in the statement, the …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Kosova’s PM Kurti sees no progress on presidential deal after Democratic League talks
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. …
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 …
Albania will host the European Socca Championship for the first time. The event marks an important moment for minifootball in the country. Jurgen Demneri called it a major achievement and a great chance to promote Albania internationally. Albania joined Socca in 2023. The team reached the World Cup quarterfinals and …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the “Double Your Business” program will not be available to large companies. It will target startups and small and medium-sized enterprises. Rama met agrotourism representatives in Tirana. He discussed the “Mountain Package” and new support programs for small businesses. He said the national program will …
The Mountain Package covers 36 municipalities. Authorities identified 304 priority zones. Minister Ervin Demo said individuals with historically used land can apply. Farmers who have worked these lands for years can also benefit. Municipalities play a key role. They define priority areas and support applications. Authorities will publish maps on …
Prime Minister Edi Rama stressed the importance of investing in human capital. He spoke at a meeting with agrotourism representatives in Tirana. Rama urged businesses not to cut spending on staff. He said companies should pay workers well and make them feel valued. He added that human capital is essential …
TIRANA, April 20 – A new wave of travel interest is reshaping European tourism in 2026, with industry observers pointing to a growing preference for smaller, less commercial destinations across the continent. In a broader overview of emerging holiday trends, the BBC highlights several countries gaining attention from international travellers, …
TIRANA, April 20 – Albania’s Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha met European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos to discuss progress in the country’s European Union accession process. Hoxha said talks focused on the pace of negotiations and the need to maintain current momentum. He described Albania’s EU path as based on …
TIRANA, April 20 – European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has warned Western Balkan countries they risk losing more than €700 million in funding under the EU Growth Plan if reforms stall, according to sources cited by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. A letter sent on April 17 to regional capitals …
TIRANA, April 20 – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said nationalism often reflects a lack of maturity in an interview with Kathimerini ahead of his visit to Greece for the Delphi Economic Forum. Rama discussed bilateral relations with Greece, including property issues in the southern coastal region of Himara. He …
TIRANA, April 20 – An Albanian parliamentary delegation held meetings in the Italian Senate as part of a two-day visit focused on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation. Members of the delegation met Italian senator Raffaele De Rosa to discuss economic ties, parliamentary cooperation, and Albania’s European Union accession process. Talks …
TIRANA, April 20 – Albanian authorities said the coastal city of Saranda is preparing for the upcoming tourist season with expanded public beach access and new infrastructure. Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja inspected recent investments alongside local officials, including the mayor of Saranda. Officials said designated public beaches will offer free …