The implementation of the program is expected to have impact on boosting tourism and competitiveness of the country, but also in boosting local economies and job creation.

TIRANA-After many successful projects in the field of tourism, the Albanian Development Fund will implement another major tourism development program co-funded by the European Union and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Tourism is an essential source of income and job creation in local and national economies. Tourism is growing due to increased investments in recent years.

The implementation period of Tourism Development Programe is 4 years (12/2018 – 12/2023) . Its main objective is to enhance the quality of tourism and its sustainability in Berat, Korça, Fier and Shkodra.

 

The total budget is 100 million Euro, 40 million financed by the EU and 60 million by the EBRD. The investment will promote the diversification of tourism offer in order to increase competitiveness in the regional tourism market, improve tourist assets, and improve road infrastructure and services, as well as supporting local economic initiatives.

"I am proud that the EU is investing 40 million euro, in excellent cooperation with EBRD, to drive regeneration and economic development in Albania. Touristic development is of course a tool to enhance the experience of visitors and the quality of life of host communities. But if poorly planned or developed to excess, it could destroy the very qualities that make Albania unique. This is today's challenge: to help build a tourism sector that strengthens the social fabric and economic development, by giving value to the natural beauties and cultural assets of this beautiful country," said EU Ambassador Soreca during the launch of the program a few days ago.

Meanwhile, EBRD in cooperation with the ADF will finance the investments identified in the framework of the Program which will be detailed in the next stages of the process.

The implementation of the program is expected to have impact on boosting tourism and competitiveness of the country, but also in boosting local economies and job creation.