After the important talks in Montenegro about a common Balkan tourist product, the Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Bulgaria, Evtim Miloshev, continued his efforts to build an integrated tourist destination “Balkans” with a key meeting in Tirana. Miloshev met with the Albanian Minister of Tourism Mirela Kumbaro, and the two countries signed an action plan until 2027 aimed at the development of sustainable tourism and which will contribute to the creation of a common brand “Balkans”.
“The signing of this plan is an important political sign of our common desire to work for the sustainable development of tourism in the region. I am glad that I found a like-minded person in the person of Minister Kumbaro for the vision of the tourism brand “Balkans”, who will join our efforts and upgrade the tourism potential of our countries”, said Minister Miloshev after the meeting.
Minister Kumbaro supported the idea of creating a common tourist destination “Balkans”, with a focus on attracting tourists from overseas markets.
“We are too small in the Balkans to divide the market. We need to be more open and promote each other. Albania and Bulgaria have an extremely rich cultural and natural heritage – archeology, UNESCO sites, potential for religious tourism. Our cuisine is also a connecting element,” emphasized Kumbaro.
Miloshev added that tourists are not only looking for destinations, but also for experiences. “Tourists from Japan and the US want a complete experience – culture, history, cuisine and wine. The Balkans have the potential to offer just that, as long as we create convenient transport links,” he said.
Minister Kumbaro pointed out that Albania has already made significant investments in infrastructure and in the development of agritourism. “Our philosophy is to connect all the possibilities for tourism – the mountains, the sea and the cultural heritage – in one whole, in a year-round product. Over 25% of our territory is protected, and this is an attraction for a new kind of tourists who are looking for sustainable experiences,” she said.
Albania has attracted over 10 million tourists in 2023, with a growth of 25% expected by the end of 2024. A serious focus for both countries is attracting tourists who stay longer and seek a high level of service.
Minister Miloshev emphasized that the potential of the tourism brand “Balkani” lies in transport connectivity. “We must take a decisive step and connect the Balkans by air. We can create an excellent tourism product and marketing, but if there is no easy access to the destinations, we will not achieve the desired high result,” he stated.
The signed action plan until 2027 between Bulgaria and Albania lays the foundation for the sustainable development of tourism in the region.
“Tourism is not only a business – it is a means of cultural exchange and creation of lasting ties between peoples. Together we can make the Balkans an attractive and sustainable destination for tourists from all over the world,” Minister Miloshev concluded.
Minister Evtim Miloshev’s negotiations for an integrated tourism product “Destination Balkans” will continue with upcoming talks with other Balkan countries, with the goal being to ensure full air connectivity in the region by the spring of 2025.
#Minister #Evtim #Miloshev #leadership #initiative #Balkans #common #tourism #product #world
