Rising Tourism in Albania

Albania is a country that has gone through numerous wars, corruption, poverty and struggle, which has shaped the country and people to be proud and strong. In the 21st century however it has begun to build itself up and restore it back to its original beautiful place it once was. Albania “land of the Eagle” is a small, growing, prosperous country in the south of Europe. Not known for its tourism in the past Albania is slowly but surely rising to the top to prove that they are not just another poor country in the Balkans. It is slowly becoming a wondrous spectacular tourist destination. With the rich history dating back to the Illyrians, the proud culture, the lushes mountainous hills in the north, the peaceful sandy beaches in the south and diverse areas Albania will soon rise up to becoming one of the most popular countries to visit in Europe, said to become “the next Prague (CBC).”

Tourism is one of the best things to happen to Albania in a long time. In the past Albania was isolated from the world and not heard of. Being run by a dictator for so long, the country was run by fear and now that the country is open to the world tourism is benefiting Albania tremendously. Tourism is helping Albania by cleaning the waste management; oil spills soil erosions bringing in money for the country to restore ancient ruins, creating numerous jobs and businesses. Tourism is becoming a major part of this growing country.

Facts about Albania

Official name:

Shqiperia

Location:

South East Europe, off the coast of Adriatic And Ionian Sea, Bordering Montenegro, Serbia and Greece. Balkan area.

Terrain:

70% mountainous, hills, valleys, by the coast plain and flat

Area:

28 748 km

Climate:

Mediterranean climate: warm dry summers cold wet winters

Population:

3, 600, 523

Language:

Albanian

Ethnic Groups:

95% Albanian, 3% Greek, 2% other

Religion:

70% Bektahsi (Type of Muslim, which is less fanatical), 20% Orthodox, 10% Roman Catholic

Capital:

Tirana

Government:

Democracy

Prime Minister:

Sali Berisha

GDP per capita:

$ 5 600

Currency:

Lek

How Tourism Affects the Economy

Tourism is relatively new in Albania, and at the moment it is not a hugely reliant on the money it receives from tourism. It is relatively new because of who was in power of the country for so long. Albania was dictated by a man named Enver Hoxha for 46 years. He believed greatly in Marxism and admired and was friends with his ally Stalin of the Soviet Union. He isolated the world from Albania, leaving it unnoticeable and unknown for nearly a half a century. He exploited the people by robbing and executing wealthy landowners and innocent civilians to build industrial factories to profit the money for himself. Enver Hoxha ran the country into the ground by stealing money, executing innocent people, and corruption in the government. In 1992 after years under a socialist party, Enver Hoxha died and the people of Albania took back what was rightfully theirs.

Over the years the country has slowly cleaned up and their economy is on the rise. Their economy is mainly based on agriculture and mining. It ranks in 425.5 million dollar a year. They produce various exports such as textiles, footwear, oil, chromium, tobacco, metals, asphalt, chemicals, hydropower, wheat corn, vegetables, fruit, potatoes, olives, meat and dairy products. Every day however tourism dollars are helping to build hotels, condos, refining the beaches, rebuilding and renewing historical sight and museums.

The economy in Albania is dramatically rising and tourism in a few years will become one of the major industries for their economy. With all the new hotels, museums and publicity they re receiving it is highly predicted that Albania will one day become as popular as Greece and Italy.

How Tourism Affects the Culture

Albanians have always been proud people who have carried themselves with great pride. The western society has not had a major affect on their culture, since they are so traditional and proud of their country. Albanian people are greatly proud of their achievements such as the Illyrians who are the direct descents of the Albanians, Alexsdander the Great, Nane Teresa the saint, Jim and John Belushi the comedians and Gjergj Kastroti. Gjergj Kastroti also known as Skenderbej is an Albanian leader who drove out the Ottoman Empire (the Turks) out of Albania. He is so well known in Albania that the city where he grew up is now dedicated to this amazing man.

Albanians are sociable people that love to drink smoke and party. Their philosophy to life is to work hard during the day and party even harder at night. They are also greatly known as courageous people that can be utterly stubborn at times. Some of the most celebrated events in Albania are Flamour and Bijram. Flamour is the celebration of the independence of Albania which is on the 28 Of November. They celebrate Flamour by dancing, drinking, singing and being patriotic. Flamour is so popular that in major cities in the west have huge parties and rent out lavish rooms like in New York City, Detroit, Chicago and Toronto. Another huge celebration is Bijram which is another word for Ramadan. During Birjam they are forbidden to eat when the sun is out but at night when the sun is gone the food and parties last until the next sunrise.