Albania’s first guidebook promoted in Madrid

TIRANA, July 2o – The first guidebook, containing tourism information on Albania in Spanish has been promoted in Madrid, said the Foreign Ministry in a statement. The guidebook was promoted earlier this month in “Casa del Libro,” one of Madrid’s main libraries, in a ceremony attended by Albanian Ambassador to Spain Kastriot Robo.
The event was organized by the Publishing House “Alhenia Media” in cooperation with the network of libraries “Casa del Libro” under the auspices of the Embassy of the Republic of Albania in Madrid. This event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Ministry of Tourism, members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Madrid, Spanish tour operators and members of the Albanian community living in Madrid.
In his address, Ambassador Robo welcomed Alhenia Media Publishing House for publishing this Guide book. He said that after receiving the Prince of Asturias Award on Literature by the prominent Albanian writer Ismail Kadare last year, the publication of this book and its promotion is a very important step on introducing the Spanish public and others with the Albanian history, culture, heritage, arts and economy. “This publication fills the existing gaps on previous information on Albania and Albanians, not only in Europe and the Mediterranean, but also on a wider respect.”
He further stressed that Albania is an open country, with the number of tourists increasing each year; making the development of tourism a priority of the Albanian government which has adopted the Tourism Development Strategy for 2007-2013. “This strategy is a combination of tourist development while promoting cultural values and preserving the natural values and environmental protection. Albania, already a member of NATO and on its path to EU membership is a pleasant destination to visit,” said the ambassador, inviting the participants to visit Albania.
In his speech, the Editorial Director of the Publishing House” Alhena” Mr. Media Bargiela Francisco, among others stressed that the company has successfully published many major tourist guide books in different countries. While noting the major changes occurring in Albania, he expressed his confidence that after two years, this book will need to be reprinted.