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 …
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, …
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 …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has once again commented on the protests that have been taking place in Tirana for the past seven days. In a post on his Facebook page, Rama reiterated that he is ready for dialogue with anyone, “except those engaging in violence and political parties that fail …
Prime Minister Edi Rama and Interior Minister Ervin Demo held a meeting with senior State Police officials following last night’s violent protest. During the meeting, Rama condemned attacks on police officers and announced significant salary increases for police personnel starting January 1, as well as financial support of €2,500 for …
The Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Albania, Marco Tarquinio, and the European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur for Albania, Andreas Schieder, have expressed concern over the escalation of protests in Tirana. In a joint statement, they condemned violence, attacks on institutions and the destruction of property, while calling …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has renewed his call for dialogue with protesters, urging them to distance themselves from acts of violence, stone-throwing and arson attacks against institutions. Rama stressed that the government is ready to hold talks at any time and without preconditions, while calling on protest organisers to set …
Interior Minister Ervin Demo has once again responded to the protests of recent days, stressing that the right to protest is guaranteed by the Constitution and that the State Police have a duty to ensure demonstrations take place peacefully. Demo emphasised that police intervention will only take place when necessary …
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, has reacted to the wave of protests sweeping several European countries in a post on the social media platform X. In his statement, Berset also mentioned Albania, highlighting the causes of social discontent as well as the violent incidents that …
Albania has been featured in a US State Department report on the security of digital infrastructure in developing countries, in which Washington acknowledges the progress made following the Iran-backed cyberattack in 2022. In the document submitted to the US Congress, the State Department states that the United States responded to …
Montenegro has taken steps to resolve disputes with Croatia that could hinder Podgorica’s ambition to become the 28th member of the European Union by 2028. Last week, Zagreb circulated an eight-point list to other EU member states, outlining issues it wants resolved before Montenegro joins the bloc. Most of the …
Tirana Police have issued an official statement regarding Sunday’s student protest, confirming that 69 people have been arrested and another 20 are facing criminal proceedings. The arrests were made after the suspects allegedly attacked police officers and damaged public and private institutional buildings using stones and other hard objects. “Tirana/Following …
Several first aid tents have been set up this Monday behind the Prime Minister’s Office to provide medical assistance to police officers injured during the student protests. As seen in the footage, the tents are also equipped with tables to facilitate the provision of first aid. Dozens of police officers …