Albania took the center stage at ITB Berlin! The opening ceremony set the tone with a vibrant celebration of Albania’s rich cultural heritage and remarkable tourism potential, highlighting the beauty from north to south.
Albania, all senses!
Together with GIZ Albania (Sustainable Rural Development SRD project), we hosted four incredible panels showcasing Albanian innovation and culture!
“The beauty of tradition is woman”
On March 4th, “The beauty of tradition is woman” showcased an immersive art performance by Digital Art Gallery of Korça & Space 05 Tirana. The beauty of Albanian tradition was portrayed through the contemporary art realized by Immersive ma and Space 05. Together with the Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation, we introduced the masterpieces of “Motra Tone”, “Malesorja pa Emër” dhe “Bukuroshja e Durrësit” through a spectacular immersive show.
Moreover, we visually narrated the story of Albania’s contemporary fashion and design through the lens of Tirana’s architectural evolution. The fusion of tradition and modernity, inclusivity and innovation brought different colors to ITB Berlin.
“Agritourism, Tradition and Folklore”
The next day, we have dived into Albania’s living traditions, vibrant folklore, and village hospitality at “Agritourism, Tradition and Folklore” with Albania’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.
“Agritourism, Tradition and Folklore” with Albania’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. Mr. Armando Muça introduced Albanian Night, a new cultural center in Tirana that showcases Albania’s rich heritage through music, storytelling and unique experiences. Meanwhile, Ms. Sofjola Kotelli from GIZ Albania presented Albania’s diverse agrotourism packages, highlighting the Tower Tour and Folklore Tour, featuring pioneers like Kulla Hupi and Farma Sotira.
These treasures, deeply tied to Albanian hospitality, have been preserved for generations across the country and now deserve everyone’s attention.
“Innovation Now: The Amazing Landscape of Innovative Albania”
On March 6th we explored Albania’s thriving start-up and innovation ecosystem through presentations and panel discussions at “Innovation Now: The Amazing Landscape of Innovative Albania”.
We heard from incredible innovators including Kushtrim Shala from ICTS Lab, Sonila Abdalli and Esmerina Hidri from Space 05 and Destil Creative Hub, Arlind Haxhiaj and Lorena Gjana from Coolab, Arber Kadia from Patoko, Rozafa Djepaxhija and George Blekas from Marine Data Cloud, Arbri Malile from Immersive MA, and Armando Muca from Albanian Night. Each shared how their start-ups are revolutionizing Albanian tourism.
Startup Albania Agency discussed policies supporting these innovators both nationally and internationally. The message was clear: Albania’s innovation ecosystem is flowing “like the beautiful rivers of Albania – Shala, Drini and Vjosa” – creating new opportunities for both tourists and locals!
“Beyond Traditional Tourism – Albania through the Lens of Digital Nomads”
Later that day, we discovered the reasons why Digital Nomads love Albania through our panel “Beyond Traditional Tourism – Albania through the Lens of Digital Nomads”.
Two digital nomads, Domenico Pinto, founder of “Great Shift,” and Sally Bunnell, founder of “Navisavi,” shared their experience in Albania and the opportunities to develop dedicated services for this community. Arlind Haxhijaj, founder of Coolab Coworking Space, and Lorena Gjana, coordinator of C4Communities, shared their work on connecting service providers in Albania with the Digital Nomad community.
Albania is positioning itself as the hidden treasure of the Mediterranean for remote workers seeking authentic experiences beyond traditional tourism!
