Looking to Kosovars

Over the years, Velipoja's beach has been among the most frequent in the country and has a 14.5km coastline of curative sand and clean sea. Most invaders are from Kosovo, but locals are also mainly from northern cities.

Velipoja is getting ready for the start of the tourist season, even though there is no government decision on opening the beaches. Manager and tourist operators hope to open the border with Kosovo, as much of the reservations have been cancelled so far.

Velipoja is empty this beginning-Mayi unlike other years when the first tourists had arrived. The umbrellas have not yet been opened, only a facade of the administrative unit that is removing waste from the sand is seen on the beach.

The situation created by the coronary pandemic has affected the annulment of bookings for the months of April, May and June. Velipoja manager Altin Kaci told the Report Tv that closing the borders, especially with Kosovo, has brought a major economic damage to tourism in Velipoj.

“About 80% of reservations have been canceled, a 20 per cent not confirmed either they”, he said.

And Leke Mark, who has a restaurant in Velipoj, wants the government to make its decision as soon as possible to open the beach. He says he is willing to respond to new measures of social distance and hygiene.

“We already expected the government to set in motion its judgment this week to free the opening of the season in Velipoja, respecting the established conditions. There are no reservations like there were in other years”, Mark said.

Over the years, Velipoja's beach has been one of the most frequent in the country, and there is a 14.5km coastline of curative sand and clean sea. Most invaders are from Kosovo, but locals are also mainly from northern cities.