Rama warns price hikes for tourists

Initially it explains the phenomenon of the title “Maldivets of the Mediterranean” used frequently to describe Albania, saying this summer has been beyond expectations.

“We are walking in traces that your country has passed. But this summer has been beyond expectations. We've had a 35% increase in tourists, Italian figures are impressive and close to half a million. At the beginning of my mandate (2013), Tirana's airport addressed the maximum 350 thousand crossings per year. Now over 6.5 million”, the prime minister said.

Rama added that tourists today come and mix willingly with Albanians, have changed approach in contrast with the past that were prejudged as <x0kriminal, mafia, poor immigrants”.

We need to make up for lost time. But caution: We do not want to make the big mistakes of Italy or other countries, coasts, or conquered cities. Massive arrivals and low costs (low cost cost ʹd.) can destroy the future and leave eco-monitories and environmental catastrophe” behind, the prime minister stressed.

The government's number one noted that Albania has equalled Greece and has just passed Italy for the number of tourists per capita.

Unbelievable “, but we've worked hard for it in these years of Albanian Renaissance. Looking forward, we want balanced and increasingly high-level tourism. It takes three or four years to be ready to parade with the greats”, he guaranteed.

Rama also recalled that Albanian authorities do not want to fall “into the trap of honey”, as current figures can deceive future generations.

Mass tourism is not sustainable for the environment. It takes balance to protect nature. But that is easier said than done. We're running against the wind”, the prime minister confirmed.