H.E. Sami Shiba, Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- What can you tell us about the values and tourist resources of Albania?
The tourist potential of the coast and mountain areas of Albania is exceptional. The natural beauty, its geographical position and its enjoyable Mediterranean climate making Albania a special touristic place in Europe during the entire year. These factors contributed to increase the number of foreign citizens visiting Albania as tourists during the year 2017 to over 5.2 million. Recently, Albanian tourism has grown, allowing focus in the offer of touristic packages that allow its most precious traits to shine, such as: “sun and sea tourism”, “history and culture tourism”, “mountain tourism”, along with other growing fields.
Albania has a considerable coastline, 450 km, and extends along the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea, where within minutes tourists can experience the mountain climate of Llogara and warmth of the coast of Dhermi. Besides the beaches, the Adriatic coast is rich with lagoons and natural ecosystems. The Ionian costal line is known for having fascinating beaches with deep and very clean waters. One of the most exciting tourist areas of the country is Albanian Riviera, the place where the sun stretches across the deep sea, the splendid configurations of rocky and isolated small beaches, the mountains and hillsides covered in Mediterranean vegetation ect. This is the warmest region of Albania, and it is blessed with 300 days of sun. The city of Saranda is the most populous city on the Albanian Riviera and is a big tourist destination, especially preferred by newly married couples on their honeymoon. The city is positioned well upon the coast in that it is only 9 km away from the island of Corfu.
Albania is rich in natural water sources, such as rivers, lakes, and a long maritime coastline. Two of the most significant ecosystems are the lakes of Shkodra and Ohrid, recognized by the RAMSAR Convention and UNESCO. Albania is also rich with springs, rivers, and streams. Four springs which are remarkable for their natural beauty are the Blue Eye in Saranda, Cold Water in Tepelena, Viroi in Gjirokastra, and Syri i Sheganit at Lake Shkodra.
Albania has important resources for the development of the touristic enjoyment of its mountainous areas. The Albanian Alps to the North, the mountains along the Ionian Sea, the Kruje, Berat, Elbasan mountains offer great opportunities to receive tourists during the year, including during the winter, which has a mild climate. Albania offers very traditional housing in its mountainous regions allowing for an interesting experience of cultural immersion. Mostly you will stay in old traditional stone houses, so called “Kulas”, where the local hosts spoil you with homemade bread, honey, cheese and delicious homemade dishes, all stemming from their own domestic produce. The Peaks of the Balkans Trail region, which belongs to the Alpine border region between Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro, is destination of rising popularity on the maps of tourists around the world.
Albania has a rich historical and cultural heritage recognized as part of the world’s cultural heritage that warrants special protection. Butrint, located in the south of Albania, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List and is apprized as one of the most wondrous places on earth. Two other Albanian cities are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, prominent for their specific architectural style: Berat and Gjirokastra. I am sure the rich history will leave any interested foreign visitors pleasantly surprised.
- Since it is always good for a traveler to know some words in the language of the country he/she visits, would you please teach us some usual expressions in your language: good morning, good afternoon, good evening, good bye, Cheers, thank you?
Yes, in the order you mentioned them, these expressions in the albanian language would be: mirëmëngjes, mirëdita, mirëmbrema, mirupafshim, gëzuar, faleminderit.
Albania is a safe country for visitors. Albanians are very open towards foreigners that visit their country. Hospitality is an old Albanian tradition. Foreigners are always treated with special respect. Albanians are a friendly people who make visitors feel very welcome.
Beside the hospitality that was highly regarded by travelers for centuries, Albania is rich with traditions and folklore. During your visit through ethnographic museums as well as by following artistic folkloric activities, you will be able to enjoy this wealth inherited over the centuries that still continues to blossom nowadays. Now, Albania is part of the contemporary world of arts and culture thanks to the range of artists in Albania that are working in different disciplines. Your visit to Albania is a good opportunity to visit many art galleries, exhibitions, museums, and to experience the arts through a wide range of different activities.
- How can a Saudis traveler come to Albania? Are there any specific requirements?
For the Saudi travelers that want to come to Albania there aren’t any specific requirements. During the summer period, from 01 April 2018 to 31 October 2018, the Saudi citizens can travel to Albania without visas, without having to obtain a visa at the Embassy of Albania. Travel can be done with a valid passport.
I want to seize this opportunity to invite Saudis tourists to take Albania into consideration as one of the best options when making their holiday plans. (see www.akt.gov.al).
