‘North Korea of Europe’ now a tourism magnet, says Albanian PM

22 Janar 2025, 15:09Society TEMA
‘North Korea of Europe’ now a tourism magnet, says Albanian PM

DAVOS, Jan 22, 2025 – Albania has transformed from an isolated communist state into a booming tourism hotspot, Prime Minister Edi Rama said at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Speaking at the panel “How We Travel,” Rama touted the country’s rapid development, especially in aviation and tourism.

“Albania used to be the North Korea of Europe, with an airport that was practically a desert,” Rama said. “Back then, we had just 5,000 tourists a year. Last year, we welcomed 12 million visitors, with 10 million passengers passing through our airports.”

He highlighted Tirana International Airport’s meteoric growth, surpassing Belgrade as the region’s busiest. Rama also revealed that a new airport in Vlora, southern Albania, will soon open to manage rising tourist numbers.

“Tourism is our driving force,” he said, pointing to major investments, including Jared Kushner’s plans for Sazan Island and an Arab company’s project to build a luxury marina in Durrës.

The PM emphasized balancing economic growth with preserving Albania’s stunning natural beauty. “We’re expanding protected areas and working with world-renowned architects to ensure sustainable development,” he said.

The Forum has brought together leaders to discuss global economic trends, with Albania’s tourism boom serving as a success story.

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