Foreign citizens are not allowed to work as a tourist guide in Albania without Albanian certificate

The Ministry of Economic Development, Tourism, Trade and Entrepreneurship has announced a new law regarding foreign tour operators. 

According to law no. 93/2015 “On tourism” and Decision of the Council of Ministers no. 692, dated 05.10.2016, the activity of tourist guide in the Albanian territory may not be exercised without the relevant certificate from the Ministry of Economic Development, Tourism, Trade and Entrepreneurship.

The foreign tour operator, offering travel packages comprising visits in the territory of the Republic of Albania, has the obligation to ensure that the tourist group is accompanied by a certified guide by the Ministry of Economic Development, Tourism, Trade and Entrepreneurship. In case of inspection, the foreign tour operator has the obligation to produce the service contract entered into with the certified tourist guide or Albanian tour operator.

The exercise of this activity by foreign citizens, in absence of a certified tourist guide, is punishable by a fine amounting to 150.000 Albanian Lek. The State Market Surveillance Inspectorate, under the Ministry of Economic Development, Tourism, Trade and Entrepreneurship, exercises control and takes measures against infringements.

Source: Ministry of Economic Development, Tourism, Trade and Entrepreneurship 

Albania - from Lake Koman to Valbona Valley

The beauty of Lake Koman and Valbona Valley of the Northern Albania has attracted a lot of tourists last years. This time a Portuguese travel blogger has visited the Koman Lake and Valbona Valley. "The boat trip to Lake Koman is one of the most amazing things you couldn’t miss in Albania, as it is one of the ten most beautiful boat trips in the world", he says. 

Credits: projecto100rota

After experience with the boat ride along the magnificent Koman Lake they headed to Valbona Valley where they spent the night in a guesthouse.  After having a nice sleep in the guesthouse, the next morning they visited the landscapes of Albanian Alps and the river Valbona, a tour that gave them the feeling of being  in paradise.

 

Credits: projecto100rota

See original article in Portuguese https://www.projecto100rota.com/2017/06/13/albania-do-lago-koman-a-valbona/

Tgcom24 /Albania: The Mediterranean to be explored

“Here is Albania with dreamy beaches, warm seas, lush scenery, endless sunshine and affordable prices.” Tgcom 24, the online global news site in Italy describes our country as the new place for holidays. Between sea and culture, history and fun, Albania is the emerging destination in Mediterranean, with great value for money. A country with breath-taking landscapes, spectacular beaches that looks like Caribbean beaches and great hospitality.

Photo source: Tgcom24

Sea in Albania, is synonymous of the low-cost holidays. The south of the country is the most spectacular and the most beautiful with crystal-clear waters:  from Valona to Saranda and beyond, in the Llogara National Park, with coves, beaches and small villages.

Tgcom 24 makes a list with some places for a holiday that will surely surprise you.

Saranda loved by young people - Defined as "The White City", it overlooks at a small and open bay, surrounded by hills, and is right in front of the Greek island of Corfu. Beyond the sun, sea, and night life, Saranda has a rich history and culture:  Castle Lëkurësi (now a restaurant with a wonderful view over the town and the Butrint lagoon) and absolutely should visit also Archaeological Park of Butrint.

Photo source: Tgcom24

The Blue Eye with its colour in deep blue which stands at an altitude of 152 m.

Vlora, a charming and very quiet, sandy, bathed in wonderful turquoise waters, crystal clear.

Drymades: a beautiful golden sandy cove where you can camp or rent a bungalow and enjoy one of the spectacular sunset characteristic of this stretch of Albania.

Photo source: Tgcom24

The Pirate Cave - The Beach of Livadhi, at the foot of the castle of the city of Vlora is framed by thick vegetation behind the walls and rocky walls on the sides: here is perfect for a quiet swim.

See full article in Italian: https://amp.tgcom24.mediaset.it/articolo/893/3076893.html

The Best of Albania Takes Travelers Off the Tourism Conveyor Belt

Francesca Masotti, the journalist and blogger from Italia writes again about Albania and the best places to visit in our country. Stunning shores, fabulous beaches, great food and a wallet-friendly economy only scratch the surface when describing this lively Balkan country. While it is becoming more popular with tourists, Albania (the correct name is Shqipëria or, more officially, Republika e Shqipërisë) remains undiscovered. Certainly there are the terrific coastlines and historic attractions, but the best reason to come to Albania is to discover a completely unknown country wrapped in mystery after decades of isolation.

Prepare to fall in love with this wonderful place: from the capital city Tirana to the stunning clear waters of the south through to the ancient towns, an excursion through Albania is a real adventure.

Albania Drymades beach_Francesca Masotti 

The first place is the capital city of Tirana: “Forget London, Paris or Rome. For a city break rich with culture, history and gastronomy—yet unspoiled by the tourists masses—try Tirana instead. The Albanian capital city is the Balkans Peninsula’s (southeastern Europe) next upcoming travel spot.”

Berat (UNESCO City) is the second city on the list for its impressive white houses with small windows climbing up to the hill to its castle, earning it the title of ‘town of a thousand windows’, and many mosques.

 

albania_berat_francesca masotti

Gjirokastra (UNESCO Site):  Reach the citadel of ancient Gijrokastër for dazzling vistas. Once here, you’ll understand why it is UNESCO world-heritage site. One of the oldest cities of Albania, the name means Silver Fortress, and it clearly shows the confluence of Albanian, Greek and Turkish cultures.

albania_gijrokaster_francesca masotti

The Albanian Riviera: Driving along the Albania’s coastline means rolling past striking landscapes filled with traditional villages, golden beaches lapped by turquoise waters, small orthodox churches and mountains that rise dramatically.

The Archeological Park of Butrinti: Before leaving Albania you have to spend few hours in the Butrint Archaeological Park. It is close to the Greek border and less than an hour from Saranda. The ancient ruins of Butrint are in a fantastic natural setting and from a variety of periods, spanning 2,500 years. 

See full article on Paste Magazine: https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2017/05/take-5-albania.html