The International Conference of the Central European Initiative "Tourism in Eastern and Southeastern Europe - New Paths of Development" was organized in Tirana, an event that discussed the challenges and solutions for the future of tourism in the region, organized by the National Tourism Agency and the Ministry of Tourism and Environment.

In her opening speech, the Minister of Tourism and Environment, Mirela Kumbaro, said that this event comes to Tirana on World Tourism Day, which this year is celebrated under the motto "Tourism and Peace".

She noted that foreign tourists contributed Euro 2 billion (Dollar 2.23 billion) to Albania's economy during the first half of the year, up 23% compared to the first half of 2023.

The increase reflects a 20% rise in foreign tourist arrivals in the months from January through April, Kumbaro stated during her speech at the conference.

According to Kumbaro, the country’s tourism has benefited from changing tourism dynamics in the post-Covid global landscape, as adventure tourism is seeing a boost.

Albania’s net financial gain from tourism increased 41% on the year to Euro 267 million in the first quarter of 2024, central bank data showed in June.

“Tourism not just as an economic sector, but tourism as an engine of emancipation, as an opportunity to exchange culturally, humanly and economically, we also contribute to peace no matter how little it can be seen in difficult times like these that the planet is going through,” said Minister Kumbaro.

Minister Kumbaro emphasized that "Albania, although located historically at a crossroads between East and West and small on the surface, is showing that it is not impossible to have peace and stability and it is also not impossible and no matter how many mistakes you have made in the past, to turn into a factor of stability, as religious tolerance has turned into one of the country's tourist attractions".

Minister Kumbaro said in this conference that Albania is realizing the dream of becoming the champion of Tourism in the Balkans, therefore the projects started 10 years ago are now being implemented and are turning into a reality.

"Until 5-6 years ago, Tirana was a transit airport, because it was the airport and I came to Tirana to go south, or to go north. Today Tirana is a tourist destination. Next year, Tirana will be the Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue. However, we are not in competition with anyone. We have not thought for a moment how Albania, surrounded by tourism giants, can compete with them. We are all complementary together, we complete a tourist map and all together we only help each other," continued Kumbaro.

Further, the minister said that the philosophy of travel has changed, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, as people during trips want to visit as many places and attractions as possible with shorter stay times, therefore coordination in this aspect is important.

"Every tourist will get the maximum, he wants to visit Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, and Albania within a week. Therefore, the coordination between us is very important and it is good for the sector, the economy of our countries, but to return to the topic, it is good for peace and prosperity in our countries," said the minister.

Minister Kumbaro said that Albania under the slogan "Albania All Senses" presents unique and new experiences. She also stated that this year Albania has been part of major tourism fairs and the center of high-level conferences, culminating in the presence as "Place of Honor" at the world's largest tourism fair "ITB Berlin".