Mirela Kumbaro, Albania’s Minister of Tourism and Environment had a meeting today with her Bulgarian counterpart, Evtim Miloshev, to exchange experiences and explore collaboration opportunities aimed at enhancing tourism projects in the region.
During the meeting, Kumbaro and Miloshev signed a joint action plan designed to bolster cooperation between the two countries in the tourism sector. A significant topic of discussion was the effort to reestablish a direct airline route between Tirana and Sofia.
Kumbaro emphasized that strengthening collaboration to create shared itineraries would enhance the appeal of both countries for tourists from afar. “Opening our markets and developing joint tourist maps is beneficial. Especially for distant destinations, it’s in the interest of both our countries and neighboring nations to establish common itineraries. This was also the objective of the action plan we signed today, enabling tourists from Asia or America to visit both Bulgaria and Albania. Today, tourism is not merely a market, economy, or industry; it’s fundamentally about emancipation and integration,” she stated.
Miloshev commended Albania’s tourism performance, as confirmed by the World Tourism Organization’s barometer. He noted that such cooperation adds value to the relationship between the two countries and sets a positive example for the Balkans while also promoting economic development through tourism.
“I am very pleased that we signed this document today. This is a significant political act that elevates the tourism relationship between Bulgaria and Albania to a higher and more deserving level, given our long-standing friendship. We share many commonalities and can serve as a strong example in the Balkans by creating a united ‘Balkans’ brand,” Miloshev remarked.
The Bulgarian minister added, “Together, we will enhance our value and develop our economies through tourism. Tourism represents the beautiful face of diplomacy, conveying emotions and messages that foster friendship and strong relations. Let’s send a positive signal to Europe: ‘Bulgaria and Albania – together.’”
This joint plan also commits to improving information sharing and promoting best practices in sustainable tourism. Notably, 57,000 visitors from Bulgaria have traveled to Albania between January and September 2024.
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