Albania raises its tourism game with new influx of Chinese travelers

CGTN Europe

Glistening on the Adriatic just across from southern Italy, Albania is experiencing a record-breaking rise in tourism – and there's more to come thanks to a visa-free arrangement with China. CGTN's Evangelo Sipsas reports from Saranda.   #albania #visa  Read more ⬇️ https://tinyurl.com/59km48m4

Transcript

00:00Albania is having a tourism moment and it's not just a summer fling.

00:05What used to be a seasonal business is now transforming into a year-round destination.

00:11From the Adriatic coast to the rugged highlands, the country is welcoming more visitors than ever

00:16and they're coming from all destinations.

00:20In the past, we focused on peak periods, but now we're seeing success year-round,

00:26drawing in both new and traditional markets. That's a huge master.

00:32One of the biggest new chapters in this story, China.

00:37A strategic visa-free agreement is now in effect, unlocking a whole new market of eager travelers.

00:44Albania hopes to welcome 400,000 Chinese tourists annually, not just in peak season,

00:49but also during quieter months when destinations are calmer, cheaper and easier to enjoy.

00:56We want Chinese tourists to stay longer, especially in the quieter months.

01:01The interest is real, and Albania is ready to welcome them with personalized, professional services.

01:08And the country is building fast to meet the demand.

01:12From brand new five-star hotels to upgrade coastal infrastructure,

01:16a nationwide construction boom is reshaping Albania's skyline, while trying to keep its charm intact.

01:23For Albania, this isn't just about numbers, it's about authenticity.

01:28The campaign slogan, Experience Albania, isn't just branding, it's a promise,

01:33one built around culture, storytelling and connection.

01:40Albania stimulates all the senses, from the weather to the joy our people create.

01:44That authenticity, it's what keeps visitors coming back, and it makes us one of the most visited destinations.

01:52And this growth hasn't come at the expense of nature.

01:55Albania has made sustainable development a priority,

01:59with 22% of its land already designated as protected areas.

02:04New investments are now being carefully balanced with preservation,

02:07to ensure that the country's natural beauty is enhanced, not erased.

02:13Back in Saranda, tourism leaders are confident.

02:17Albania is no longer just on the map, it's helping retry it.

02:24Tourism is a borderless industry.

02:27We don't want to be just the vase for someone else's bouquet,

02:30we want to be in the bouquet.

02:32With rising global attention, a year-round strategy and a nationwide construction boom,

02:39Albania is no longer a detour on Europe's tourist trail.

02:43It's a destination on its own.

02:45And with China now in the mix,

02:47this small country is making a big impression on global tourism.

02:52Evangelos Sipsos for CGTN, Saranta, Albania.

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