El Pais: Five reasons to discover Albania

Albania is a small country with amazing natural and cultural treasures that are worth to discover. El Pais the popular Spanish daily newspaper promotes Albania in the article titled “5 reasons to discover Albania”.

“Albania- candidate to be part of the European Union - is a small country, with the same area as Galicia and almost three million inhabitants, a third of whom reside in the capital, Tirana. Despite its small size, its variety of landscapes is dazzling: mountains in the north, lakes that penetrate neighboring countries, beaches that can compete with those of its neighboring Greece. Lonely Planet has just included Albania in its list of top 10 destinations for 2019 for its good value for money.” writes El Pais.

View of Berat (Albania). R. HELEN GETTY IMAGES

1. In Tirana mostly, you will see the large influence of Italian architecture at the government buildings. The Italian influence is first on the list to visit Albania.
2. The second reason is the capital city Tirana for its mixed architecture of ottoman, Italian style, and for the avant-garde projects as the future National Theater, a project by Bjarke Ingels Group. The city is the main gateway to the country thanks to the Mother Teresa airport (which was Albanian).
3. The citadel of Krujë is also one of the reasons to visit Albania. “To the north of Tirana awaits a landscape of snow-capped mountains, ski slopes and lush forests. And castles up impossible cliffs, as if they were eagle nests (Albania is the country of the eagles, which wave on its flag). Its oriental bazaar leads to a citadel which is a national symbol: from there led the resistance against the Turks in the fifteenth century, the national hero George Castriot Skanderbeg.”
4. Apollonia was an ancient Greek colony city and former bishopric in Illyria , located on the right bank of the Aous river (modern-day Vjosa). After visit Apollonia you must visit the UNESCO town of Berat.
5. Llogara and Gjirokastra (The so-called Albanian Riviera looms in the Llogara National Park. A succession of beaches and coves, sea caves, cliffs and traditional villages. Porto Palermo is one of the most typical pictures of this holiday coast and Saranda, further south, is its capital. This area is home to two of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the country: Butrint, imitation of Troy, and Gjirokastra, with its Ottoman alleys and roofs of stone slabs preserved in extreme because it was the homeland of the dictator Enver Hoxha.

 

Read the original article here

Albania among destinations that you should visit in 2018 - GEO De

Albania is true rough diamond,- writes the German travel magazine ‘GEO De’.

GEO is Europe's leading magazine for large reportage (in text and image) promoting destinations. On their recently inspirations trends about destinations that tourists should visit in 2018 they have listed Albania among 10 places.

The Albanian Riviera is becoming popular thanks to prestigious media and travel influencers who continuously promoted this unspoiled beauty.  

Photo: rh2010 / Fotolia

‘In search of barely visited wild beaches, more and more tourists are invading the Balkans. Croatia has been experiencing a tourist renaissance for years, and neighboring countries such as Montenegro are also benefiting. No wonder, then, that the view is even farther south, and there is really a true rough diamond with Albania. The Albanian Riviera is still considered the Cinderella among the famous sisters, but that's what makes it so special. No large hotel complexes, hardly any tourist infrastructure and unspoiled coastlines awaken the spirit of discovery of all those who prefer authenticity rather than comfort.

About 200 kilometers beyond the capital Tirana, the road leads over 1000 meters to the Mediterranean. The Albanian Riviera stretches for about one hundred kilometers from the Llogara Pass to the archaeological sites of the 3000-year-old Butrint in the very south just before the Greek border. And in between are beach pearls like Gjipe (picture) or Kakome, which are best discovered on a road trip.’

See original article here!

June, the best time to visit Albania in 2018 - Swiss media

Albania is the best place to visit in June, during 2018. This is the recommendation of  Travel News, Swiss media. The Travelnews editorial team presented their personal favorites destinations- from January to December and among them is Albania.

They compare Albania with its neighborhood Montenegro and Croatia, claiming that you can go in Albania for cheaper holidays but with remarkable experience.  

Llaman Beach, Albania

“Albania - the country bordering the Adriatic Sea in the west is cheaper than Croatia and receives fewer tourists from the neighboring country of Montenegro. It offers a remarkable variety of mountain ranges and archaeological sites in which time has stood still. In addition to the great wealth of flora and fauna, Albania is also home to various national parks. The hotel prices are incredibly cheap, the beaches are spared from mass tourism and the crystal clear water reminiscent of dream destinations in the Caribbean. In addition, 300 sunny days a year speak for themselves - why not travel to Albania?”

Borsh beach, Albania

See original article: https://www.travelnews.ch/destinationen/7576-dahin-geht-die-reise-2018.html

Albania part of Via Dinarica among of hot new hiking trails of 2018 by National Geographic

Prestigious National Geographic Traveler included Via Dinarica Trail amongst world’s best hiking trail in 2018. Via Dinarica is a mega-mountaineering and hiking trail, connecting natural and cultural sights in across 7 countries.

Albanian Alps

 Via Dinarica, named Outside magazine’s Best New Trail in 2014, Paste magazine’s best trekking path in 2015, a 2016 must-see by both Wanderlust magazine and The Guardian, and National Geographic Traveler‘s “Best of the World” destination for 2017 and this year among “hot hiking trails” by National Geographic.

‘A European odyssey, the Via Dinarica runs like a rocky backbone along the Western Balkans. It starts in the peaks of northern Albania, winding its way through five countries before ending in Slovenia. The challenging White Trail is already beckoning — at 782 miles, it takes in some of the highest summits, with a combined ascent of nearly 170,000ft. Take a tent, or check-in at highland huts and farm-stays. “

See more: http://www.natgeotraveller.co.uk/smart-travel/travel-talk/new-hiking-and-biking-trails/

Huffington Post: 10 Amazing Reason to Visit Albania

If you need some good 10 reasons to visit Albania, have a look at what Huffington Post has written lately about this country. 

Monique Alvarez, the author of the article is an expat living in Tirana, Albania for more 10 years now. According to her, Albania has changed so much during these years.  She writes about her first visit in Albania, and why she recommends now that this country should be in others people traveling list .

“This is not a country who is stuck in the past. Yes, they have been through incredibly difficult times, with heartless leaders, but they are moving forward. This is a place that is full of promise and optimism, and definitely one of the most underrated gems in the world “writes Alvarez.

10 reasons you’ll want to book your ticket to Albania this year!

1. For many countries there’s no need to apply for a visa before arriving.

2. Albania is one of the most tolerant countries in the world. There are Christians, Orthodox, and Muslims all living peacefully here. The truest religion here is their ancient tradition of hospitality.

3. Albania’s natural beauty is breathtaking. They have amazing mountains, stunning beaches, lakes, rivers... you name it, it’s here. We enjoyed spending the summer in Ksamil and now we are in the capital city of Tirana. I have been just about everywhere and can tell you each spot has a beauty all its own.

4. The cost of living is LOW. Whether you are planning a couple week vacations or considering moving, you will get great value in Albania

5. The food is oh so good! From meat and seafood lovers to vegans, the options are here.  Fresh markets are on every corner and “organic” is the norm.

6. It’s safe! Crime is almost non-existent. Women can walk around alone, even at night, and not be worried.

7. Albanians are still getting used to the idea of tourists, but they love foreigners. They are thrilled when we visit or move to their country and go out of their way to help with anything you could possibly need. Transportation is often the most difficult thing to navigate, but Furgons (the word for mini-buses) are the best way to play tourist here.

8. Many locals speak English. In fact, most Albanians speak 4 or 5 languages including Greek, Italian, Spanish, and German

9. Internet is fast and widely available. If you work online like we do, this is incredibly important. Unless you are in remote rural areas, most hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops offer free wi-fi.

10. It’s perfectly situated to enjoy Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Balkans. If traveling from Greece there are flights, ferries, and buses in. One of the easiest ways to access southern Albania is by flying to Corfu, Greece and taking the ferry over from there. Regular flights from Rome, London, Frankfurt, and Istanbul in and out of Tirana are common.

If you’re looking to visit the next hot spot before it’s overpriced and flooded with tourists, get to Albania.

See full article: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/10-amazing-reason-to-visit-albania_us_5a37953ce4b02bd1c8c60849?ncid=engmodushpmg00000003

Culture Trip: A weekend in Llogara National Park in Albania

Albania is a country rich with national parks, be it in North or South. Nature enthusiasts will always find something to explore in Albania. Culture Trip is known for its recommendations and articles about travel destination around the globe has published a guide on ‘How to Spend a Weekend in Albania’s Beautiful Llogora National Park’. Feride Yalav-Heckeroth, the author of this article gives and impressive  scenery about the National Park of Llogara.

Llogora | © Feride Yalav-Heckeroth

Llogara is not only a place to find solitude in nature but also to get active. With its forests, wild animals, and breathtaking peaks, a weekend in Llogora National Park is a perfect getaway from routine.

After the deeply winding roads that lead away from Albania’s seaside and up into the mountains (make sure to stop to take some photos of the incredible view), the Llogora National Park spreads out with its dense forests and beautiful rocky peaks. The national park was established in 1966 so that the thriving ecosystems and biodiversity present in the area would be protected. As such, the park is rife with natural life, from the coniferous forests (including many species such as silver fir, kermes oak, and black pine) to species such as griffon vultures, golden eagles, rock partridges, European wildcats, red foxes, chamois, wolves, otters, and red squirrels.

One of the best places to stay (especially for families) is the Llogora Tourist Village, an alpine lodge-style hotel with an additional array of private small wooden houses that are spread out in its garden. The hotel, which overlooks the mountains, also has a little sanctuary for a group of fallow deer, and some of the rooms look out over the animals, including two bucks with quite large antlers. The hotel also has a great restaurant that serves classic Albanian and Italian cuisine and has views of the large indoor pool. Of course, there’s much more to do in Llogora than lounging in your hotel and enjoying the fresh mountain air and view.

Llogora | © Feride Yalav-Heckeroth

For those looking to get active, the park has plenty of hiking routes that lead all the way up to the top for even more impressive and panoramic views. One of the most popular treks is the approximately 30-minute climb to the phone masts on the clifftop to the west. The views from here are stunning, but you’ll often come across mist because of the proximity of the sea; however, even the incessant waves of fine clouds racing over the landscape are beautiful in its own right. Another hike includes the path to Qafa e Thelle (the Deep Pass).

A more challenging hike is the ascent to the top of Mount Çika (at an altitude of 2,045 meters of 6,709 feet); it rewards hikers with another set of amazing vistas from a bird’s-eye view. If you’re unsure of hiking by yourself and would rather someone show you the way, a hiking guide can always be arranged by talking to the reception at your hotel. South of the park is also a paragliding site, which holds the FAI World Paragliding Accuracy Championship annually, and tandem flights with licensed experts are also available.

See full article: https://theculturetrip.com/europe/albania/articles/how-to-spend-a-weekend-in-albanias-beautiful-llogora-national-park/ 

The Guardian picks Albania’s seaside for the gallery of the week

The  well-known newspaper Guardian chooses once a week the best gallery with photos of  a destination. This time, it was Albania. Jure Matičič the winning photographer of the week captures the Albanian seaside town of Durrës.  Matičič is a photographer from Ljubljana, Slovenia, and recently visited Durrës, Albania’s second largest city.

Photo credits: Jure Matičič 

Along the seafront, kids were playing on a statue commemorating Albanian resistance to the invasion by Mussolini’s Italian forces on 7 April 1939.

Photo credits: Jure Matičič 

About 35km west of Tirana, Durrës is a port and among the largest cities on the Adriatic. It’s also a popular seaside resort. For decades, under the communist regime of Enver Hoxha, it was just about the only holiday destination available to Albanians.

Photo credits: Jure Matičič 

The city was, briefly, renamed Durrës-Enver Hoxha during the late 80s. Then (after the fall of communism) it became the location for mass migrations to Italy. In the past couple of decades, Durrës has had a facelift.

Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/gallery/2017/sep/27/life-at-the-seaside-durres-albania-in-pictures#img-3

The Guardian: Trekking in the highest peak of Albania

The British prestigious newspaper “The Guardian” has recently published the article written by Ben Lerwill, describing his adventure in Albania starting in the high peaks of Accursed Mountains, continuing along the trail of Kosovo and Montenegro.

Albania is offering many kinds of tourism, including the adventurous tourism, for all people who love hiking trails, climbing and outdoor lovers.

Rocky road … trekking in the Accursed Mountains. Photograph: Ben Lerwill

A short summary of the Ben’s Lervill article for the Guardian:

The hiking begins a few hours’ drive to the south, with an ascent of Albania’s highest point, the 2,751m Mount Korab. Functioning as an appetiser to the week’s main walk, the climb is a long, hot slog. The slopes are full of grasshoppers and buttercups. We pass only tough-faced, welly-booted shepherds. There are snow patches in the higher cols. At the summit, just to muddle the multi-country element further, the panorama reveals the cushion-soft valleys of western Macedonia.

The Korab walk takes most of the day. Radomire, the trailhead village where we start and end, is a cluster of minarets, cheap beer and unsealed roads. All its bathroom taps are left on round the clock, even in the local bar, which baffles me until it’s explained that the plumbing wouldn’t cope with the pressure of being turned off. And like the water, we keep moving. By nightfall we’ve mini-bussed into Kosovo, ready(ish) to begin the hike proper.

When we arrive into Valbona Valley at the journey’s end, the sun is fierce overhead. Albanian flags flutter from village rooftops, flashes of red and black against the unforgiving grey of the hills. There is more to come from our trip – time in the capital city Tirana and a sailing along Lake Koman, the latter an accidentally lovely product of a Chinese-built dam – but this is where we take our boots off.

It’s funny the memories that stay with you from a journey like this. Mighty horizons and forested slopes. Doorstops of sheep’s cheese for breakfast. And a tatty plaque, on top of a big mountain, adrift in a sea of Balkan peaks." 

Full article:  https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/sep/24/trekking-in-the-balkans-mountains-albania-kosovo-montenegro

Daily Sabah: Albanian Riviera offers unexpected experiences to visitors

Daily Sabah, a nationwide publication based in Turkey has published the article about Albanian Riviera. Ernest Whitman Piper is the journalist who saw and wrote about the beautiful beaches of our country.

“Snuggled between the Adriatic Sea and the Balkan Mountains, Albania has just as good a Mediterranean Riviera, with comparatively fewer tourists and Mafiosi, and is about a zillion times cheaper. It's got a pinball history of tribal conflict, time under the Ottoman reign, and paranoid, isolationist midcentury Communism. What's not to like?”, says Piper. 

Durres -Albania Holidays

 

 

 

Durresi : After arriving at the Airport of Tirana, they head to coastal town of  Durresi: “The coastline upon first glance was a rugged thing, pale jagged rocks jutting out above green slopes. It was astonishing: parabolas of green earth curved up and closed us into the valley.”

Himara: The town of Himare was a single avenue along a walled beach, with a tangle of residential backstreets sliding up the coastal slope.

Himara-Albania Holidays

Borsh: Our next stop was through the village of Borsh, where the men were selling milk from tractors in the road. A bunch of hollowed-out resorts stood on either side of the single lane road, and we followed a dirt path through what looked like a jungle to the beach. Finally, a real beach, although still completely deserted. There was a small cafe/bar and some beach chairs and we took out our shorts and read books on the beach chairs.

Borsh -Albania Holidays

Saranda: We almost didn't stop in Sarande, but they had a neat castle (called Lekures). It's situated right outside the city proper on a summit overlooking the coastline.

Our trip across the Riviera had to stop here, since Sarande was the last town before the Greek border and we were out of driving time. But if you wanted to extend your trip a little bit, there are a few good cultural options outside of Sarande. There's the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO world heritage site. It's the remains of a Roman city, stone pillars and standing churches on a forested peninsula. There's also the Monastery of Forty Saints, or the Ksamil islands, or the ancient town of Finiq (named for the Phonecians, naturally). We were overloaded on concrete, so we opted for the Blue Eye Spring as a change of pace. I find it amazing that one can traverse the entire Albanian Riviera, stay in derelict hotels where all the plaster flakes off in huge chunks, have a beach to yourself, and then go visit some long-ignored Roman ruins and hike all over them.

Saranda, view from Lekursi Castle

See original article: https://www.dailysabah.com/travel/2017/07/01/albanian-riviera-offers-unexpected-experiences-to-visitors

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 

Tourist enjoy dancing folk music at New Bazaar in Tirana

Albania Holidays organized the folklore tour with a group of tourists from different countries.

Mr. Aldrin Dalipi from Tirana Municipality meets with tourist 

This is one of many groups that we as Albania Holidays offer the Folk Tour , which is one of best-selling and most memorable tour we provide. Watching tourists dancing our traditional dances was really impressing. They seemed to have fun a lot while learning our dances and folklore.

Tourists wearing Albanian traditional clothes dancing at the New Bazaar in Tirana

It was amazing to see the New Bazaar (Pazari i Ri) transformed into a fantastic arena. It doesn’t happen often to see a French lady dancing  having a “progonishte dance” and a Spanish lady dancing  a “Tropoja dance”. Citizens of Tirana joined the party and they dance together with Nathalie Cauqil, Marie Pascale and Marie Formaux from France, Julieta Souza and Juliana Lorenzoni from Brazil, Simona Jovic from Serbia, Anne Myntti from Finland, Olalla Moya, Marta Cuevas from Spain and Heather Serginia from USA.

Travelers from around the world have joined the folk course and tour organized by Albania Holidays

“First of all, I wanted to thank you one more time for the perfect organization ! We enjoyed a lot this trip and it is also thanks to you and your team ! Everyone fell in love with your country and we will definitely talk about Albania to all our friends ! It is so worth of visiting.  I will recommend your agency and your country and when I come back to Albania, I will of course contact you again. So again, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU !”- Simona, the tour leader, wrote to Albania Holidays.  

Short video of folk dance at Pazari i Ri in #Tirana

http://www.qarkutirane.gov.al/sq/lajme/këshilli-i-qarkut-promovon-rajonin-e-tiranës-turistë-të-huaj-në-takim-me-traditën-te-pazari-i  

Albania Holidays free tour for kids of Fshati SOS in Albania

Albania Holidays in cooperation with its UK partner, Exodus Travel organized a free tour to Berat for children of SOS Village Albania. SOS Village is  a social, non-profit, non-politic and non-religious organization offering shelter to children who have lost parental care.

The group of 28 children had the chance to visit Berat, a UNESCO city,  on April 1st, while some of them have never been in this city. Kids of age up to 15 years old enjoyed this trip and learned a lot about this UNESCO Site. The program included transport, tour guide, a visit to Onufri Museum and Berat Castle all for free!

Thank you letter of SOS Village Director

Highlights of Albania recommended by a German Travel Magazine

A lot of Germans are visiting Albania, tempted by its beautiful beaches in the south and fascinating hiking trails in the north of Albania. The “Abenteuer Reisen”, is a travel magazine, promoting different places around the world. In the last edition there is an article dedicated to Albania wrote by Joachim Chwaszcza published on “Abenteuer Reisen” magazine, titling “Albanien Auf Entdeckertour” (Discover Albania Tour).

“Albania is more than Karl Mays says in “In the Gorges of the Balkans”, blood revenge, bunkers, and Balkan’s grey socialism. We show the fantastic beaches in the south, exciting hiking trails in the mountains and the modern Albanian cuisine”, says Joachim Chwaszcza.

 Albania, barely known and largely untouched in many regions, offers a worthwhile combination of classic round trip, fascinating nature experiences and cordial hospitality. Against the clichés, the country is colorful, loosely, versatile and relaxed. Albania is a good place also for people who want to stay in the wild and in pure nature. Thethi, once a deserted region, today the number of inhabitants has increased decuple thanks to hiking tourism. In addition to day hikes, botanical explorations and partly demanding climbs, the "Peaks of the Balkans Trail" offers the greatest challenge in the Albanian Alps.

Mysterious south of Albania is recommended as a great destination for hiking between coast and mountains. The cultural highlights, such as Butrint - the national park and the homonymous archaeological site with Greek and Roman relics are Unesco World Heritage sites - as well as the Ottoman fortress of Ali Pasha in Porto Palermo are settled in one day. The largely untouched nature is a big topic in Albania! "Mysterious South" - with this slogan presents the little known southern coastal region and the mountainous hinterland. 

And the last but not least, Albanian cuisine: Meat spits, lamb ribs, yoghurt and sheep's cheese - no one has to eat badly in Albania. Not in the north and certainly not in the south. Everything is always fresh, from your own garden, lots of vegetables, lots of fresh fruit, plenty of yogurt and sheep's cheese. In the mountains lamb meat and along the coast fish. Albania is a real culinary discovery.

See full article: https://www.abenteuer-reisen.de/albanien-entdecken/ 

Forbes ranks Albania among 30 cheapest places to travel in 2017

Albania with its beautiful beaches has managed to be in the list of “30 cheapest places to travel in 2017” by Forbes Magazine.

Forbes brings to mind why Albania is a good destination for cheap travel, highlighting the fantastic beaches along its coastline. A good reason to be considered when travelling to Albania, it’s the cheap accommodation which starts from as little as $5 per person. But  Albania doesn’t have only beautiful  beaches, but  also  historical sites. “There's also some fascinating historical sites across Albania that are either free to enter or cost only $2-$5.”

Various travel magazines and blogs have described Albania, as an underrated travel destination, that needs to be discovered. “This forgotten corner of Europe is a wonderfully off-the-beaten-track budget destination in an otherwise very touristy and expensive continent. With fantastic beaches along its coastline, including the fishing port of Saranda, Albania gives visitors the chance to enjoy the Mediterranean waters for a fraction of the usual price. From the mountainous medieval town of Gjirokastër to the Roman ruins at Butrint, this is a diverse and very different side of Europe, which is definitely worth visiting before the crowds do.”

See full article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurabegleybloom/2016/11/30/30-cheapest-places-to-travel-in-2017/#4fe131be24c5

Bradt Travel Guides: Five Reasons To Visit Albania

“Bradt Travel Guides” has often promoted Albania as a great destination to go, and recently they have published an article highlighting five reasons to visit our country. Bradt Travel Guides has partnered up with Albania Holidays DMC, leading incoming tour operator, to showcase Albania alongside some of other favourite destinations as part of our Exceptional Places campaign.

Through the article people are invited to visit the country which offers a captivating blend of the ancient and the brand new, from sprawling archaeological sites and age-old mountain codes of behaviour to the riotous colours of the thriving capital, Tirana, and beaches to rival anywhere else in the Mediterranean. Visit Albania for the eclectic capital of Tirana. Even a great reason for outdoor lovers, Thethi is the best to experience a magic trip in the Albanian Alps. The Lura Lakes, between Rrësheni and Peshkopia, and the Lunxhëria and Nemerçka ranges in the southwest, are more remote but offer fantastic hiking or cycling opportunities for those with more time at their disposal.

“Those who are interested in archaeology and history will find Albania full of delights. In the southwest of the country, the ancient city of Butrint already draws thousands of visitors every year across the Corfu Channel. It richly deserves its status as the country’s best-known archaeological site, but there are many other interesting Illyrian, Greek and Roman remains. No visit to southern Albania would be complete without the ancient cities of Gjirokastra and Berati, with their hilltop castles and unique architecture”, says Bradt Travel Guides.

Berati and Korca is a must for lovers of medieval arts where they will be in awe by magnificent frescoes in various churches.

What about a world-class bout trip in Albania? Yes, a journey along Lake Komani is one of the reasons why you should visit Albania. “Lake Komani is narrow and twisting, with sheer cliffs right down to the water in some stretches, complete with breathtakingly high waterfalls”.

Original article: http://www.bradtguides.com/articles/why-visit-albania/?destination=880 

Touristic Albania in the focus of world media during 2016

Over the past years Albania has attracted many tourists from solo travelers, bloggers, photographers and journalists. The tourism infrastructure is improved and so hidden gems of Albania have been discovered and capture attentions of the world known travel magazines where Albania has been listed as great destination to go. According to the statistics of National Bank of Albania, the tourism contribution to GDP for the 2016 was 25% higher than in 2015. For 2016 the number of tourists rose by 19.7 % comparing with the previous year. For the 2017 the hotels are already full with reservations, which show that this year Albania will see a boom of tourism. This is also due to the improved tourism infrastructure , but also to better promotion of Albania as a potential touristic destination, more international fairs, more familiarization trip with media etc. The last week of December (24- 31 December), the National Albanian Agency of Tourism, (AKT) broadcasted a spot “Albania go your own way” in three prestigious world Media: BBC, Euro news and Travel Channel. The video was seen by millions of viewers who are programming their vacancies and holidays for 2017. It was a great moment to attract the attention of all tourists over the world to know Albania and its touristic values. Apart from the three important world media, many articles are published during 2016 to promote Tourism in Albania. Let’s see here some of the main articles published:

1.  City of Himara, Albania among to 6 Balkansdestinations for 2017- by Vogue.com

          2. Balkan Vibe: Albania is a completely uniquecountry. 10 reasons to visit it!

          3. TGCOM24 TGCOM24 : Albania, a coast thatresembles the Caribbean

        4. NwzOnline: Walking in the miracle of Albanian Alps

        5. Telegraph: Albanian Riviera- go now before thedevelopers spoil the magic

        6. Travelmyne: Albania - 1,000 windows andinvaluable cultural assets

       7. The Guardian Travel: The beautiful sceneries of North of Albania

       8. National Geographic: Why to go in Albania

       9. "Corriere della Sera" promotes themost beautiful beaches in the southern Albania

   10.   DiePresse: Albania- so close to Europe

    11.   Je Papote (French travel magazine): Why spend your holiday in Albania? 

    12.   Paste Magazine: Saranda, Albania, one of 5 Must-Visit Towns for 2016

    13.   Europe Best Destinations: Ksamil Albania, one of the best beaches in Europe 2016

   14.   Enchanting Albania - documentary by Arte TV

   15.   Gazette Review: Albania,among top 10 Places To Travel in 2016

   16.   Blocal Travel: Exploring Voskopoja, once the 2ndlargest city of the Ottoman Balkans after Istanbul

    17.   Japan: Lovely Berat, among Europe's 30 mostbeautiful cities

   18.   Besser Reisen: Albania,a piece of Europe worth to discover

 Let’s hope for a better tourism season in 2017, projections are good so far.