Godfather at the Sustainable Tourism Conference/11 million foreign visitors in 11 months
2024-12-06 13:33:57
TiranaPost
The Sustainable Tourism Conference was organized in Tirana with the participation of representatives from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), the World Tourism Organization, the private sector and tourism operators with the support of the Swiss Development Cooperation.
In her speech during the conference, Minister Kumbaro praised Albania's membership in the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, adding that tourism growth in the country is also occurring in a sustainable manner.
"Membership in GSTC confirms to us that the vision is that tourism should develop sustainably and this is even more confirmed by the way this sector has been transformed in the world after the Covid-19 pandemic. The 11th month of 2024 closed with over 11 million foreign visitors who have enjoyed Albania in all its senses, sensations and experiences. This 11 on 11 is a beautiful coincidence, or about 16% more than the same period a year ago. It is important to emphasize that these are increases that are becoming sustainable. We do not need to have millions and millions more and be proud that we reached tens of millions. We need those millions who stay longer, who pay more, consume more, enjoy more and come throughout the year", said Minister Kumbaro.
This conference comes to Albania at the moment of our country's membership in the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), offering opportunities for hotel structures and tour operators to be internationally certified on sustainability standards.
"With our Swiss government partners, we have a very good experience because we have developed models that we have not had a tradition of, such as distributed hotels, the first models of which have started and the urban and rural typology of Albania helps for such a thing. The fact that in the last 5-6 years we have over 17 international hotel brands. Since we are talking about standards and formalization, I had the pleasure of signing yesterday the 2000th certificate within a few years of the categorization of hotels that increasingly understand that they are interested in formalizing because the benefits are greater", continued Minister Kumbaro, taking stock of the hotel industry and accommodation structures in Albania.
This conference once again places the capital on the map of the countries hosting important events for tourism, this time with a focus on sustainable development, following the 70th meeting of the World Tourism Organization Commission for Europe and the Investment Forum, preceding another important event for international promotion such as Albania's participation as the country of honor at the Berlin Fair.
The National Conference on Sustainable Development was organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment in collaboration with Swiss government partners, the "Risi Albania" project, implemented by Helvetas.
