Tourism is expected to facilitate the economic recovery of the country, as well as that of the region.
Most likely this will happen with the official launch of this summer season in the wake of a project of the Regional Cooperation Council that was endorsed by all the six Western Balkan states.
In 2020, tourism was among the sectors that suffered a major blow due to pandemic-related restrictions. Not only Albania but neighbor countries too were severely affected by the loss of around 75% of their reservations.
#Tourism can be a powerful catalyst for economic recovery of the #WesternBalkans.Our focus is to reposition it to generate higher growth rates in both visitor arrivals&income for local communities▶️@MajlindaBregu @ High-level Regional #TourismConference
👉 https://t.co/GSJe6Ae7CY pic.twitter.com/hCNyu6BwWb— RCC (@rccint) April 8, 2021
But this year, a fresh scent of optimism can be sensed in the air.
“By concluding this project successfully, RCC is getting ready for the next step and refocusing the agenda of sustainable tourism as an integral part of the Joint Action Plan of the Regional Market 2021-2024 by including the government, industry, communities, and destinations, and other parties of interest for a long term and stable vision in the sector”, said Majlinda Bregu, the Secretary-General of the Regional Cooperation Council.
The Tirana Declaration foresees the coordination of the travel and tourism supply chain, facilitations for safe transport, enforcement of health and hygiene protocols to boost the trust of travelers, and promotion of destinations.
“I am convinced that this conference is a springboard for the future through joint efforts. Through regional cooperation we can contribute, you can contribute, to the recovery of the tourism sector, of the economy and make it really a prime example of the region’s path to EU integration”, said Alessandra Viezzer Deputy Head of Unit Western Balkans Regional Cooperation and Programmes at European Commission (DG NEAR).
In a three-year period, the project engaged 100 experts and professionals as well as 60 civil society organizations, supported the 4 major cultural and adventure routes, and awarded 36 small grants in the amount of €1,6 million.
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