
Prime Minister Edi Rama held a conversation with Vlora's tourism operators, discussing the tourist season, increasing the quality of services, support for tourism entrepreneurs, and promoting Vlora as a key Albanian tourism destination in the global spotlight.
During the meeting, Rama emphasized the importance of a strategic approach in setting prices and developing tourism investments.
"Prices are not set by the government and there is no instrument to control or impose them, prices are set by the market. But, in this industry, prices must be set according to a strategic vision for the fate of your investments. You cannot act like you are 'drunk' by tourism. You cannot offer poor services and set high prices. A medium and long-term strategy is key to ensuring sustainable profits and not just for the moment," said Rama.
Rama also emphasized the need to increase parking capacities throughout the country, announcing that two important parking projects are expected to launch soon in Vlora, which will directly impact the improvement of urban infrastructure and the management of vehicle flow, especially during the tourist season.
According to him, a large parking lot will be built near the university area in Skela, while another one will be built at the large Lungomare square. Both projects together will provide about 600 parking spaces.
"We need more parking lots throughout the country. Two large parking lots are opening soon in Vlora, one near the university in Skela and one at the large Lungomare square, which will accommodate about 600 cars together. It is a very useful and profitable investment," said Rama.
He called on entrepreneurs not to focus only on building spaces, but to also see opportunities in the parking sector, considering it as a real opportunity for development and profit.
"Don't just look at spaces for palaces, but also in this direction, as it will turn into a great innovation for the city. Parking lots can be underground or above ground, with beautiful and attractive architecture. There are many spaces in Vlora that can be used and bring in income, serving the city," said Rama.
The Prime Minister also shared data on the growth of visitors to the city by country of origin, showing the great potential of Vlora.
"Today I'm telling you what the figures are for March now, in each country from which tourists come. Visitors from Italy have increased by 11%, visitors from the USA have increased by 45%, those from Germany have increased by 23%, visitors from the United Kingdom have increased by 22%, those from Spain by 34%, those from Austria by 20%, visitors from Norway by 105%, visitors from Belgium by 4% and visitors from Denmark by 711% compared to last March, and these are data from the border," said Rama.
During the meeting, it was emphasized that sustainable tourism development requires planning, quality investment, and long-term vision to maximize the economic benefits and reputation of the destination.