Tourism is getting more and more attention in the projects that international financial institutions commit to Albania.
In recent years, it has become common for some of the key destinations or even those "forgotten" but showing potential to be supported with millions of euros in order to increase the benefit that the economy receives from this sector.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development recently announced two procedures dedicated to two well-known tourist regions with a rapid increase in interest. The first project for which the expression of interest has been requested is the one under the name "Improving the potential of cultural tourism through interventions in the Archaeological Park of Apollonia in Fier".
The second is the one under the name "Increasing the tourist offer of natural areas in the district of Berat, improving access to the areas of the Osum river valley: Construction of the new bridge over the Osum river in Berat"
Both of these procedures are supported by the large project of Infrastructure and Enabling Tourism in Albania.
"The Infrastructure and Tourism Enablement Project in Albania is financed by the European Union through technical assistance and investment grants for a total amount of 40 million euros, as well as by the complementary sovereign loan granted by the EBRD to the Government of Albania.
The project is implemented by the Albanian Development Fund as the implementing agency ("Client") and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development ("Bank"). EU grants are identified by the EU in close cooperation with the Albanian Development Fund.
The contract will be subject to the Bank's Procurement Policies and Rules and is open for participation by firms from any country, unless otherwise specified in the procurement documents. Donors may request certain conditions in relation to the contracts financed with grant funds, which conditions will be specified in the procurement documents" states the detailing of the procedures on the EBRD website.
Tourism has seen a strong return after the pandemic in the country where in 2022, which is currently the best historical year, the number of visitors recorded 7.5 million visitors. Interventions in certain areas of the country to improve the tourist offer are seen as an opportunity to complete the country's tourist package./Monitor