TIRANA, Jan. 25 – Business associations especially those operating in tourism have expressed their concern over the recent violent acts after an anti-government protest on January 21 in Tirana where three protesters were shot dead and several others were injured after clashes with police. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Albania’s Tourism Association said that the country’s image had been largely spoiled after the violence in the demonstration, announcing that concerned foreign partners had already cancelled dozens of reservations in Albania.
The Association fears the violent clashes in Tirana aired all over the world will have a negative impact on tourism and foreign investors this year, exactly when Albania had been announced as a top destination by Lonely Planet tourist guide.
“Selling Albanian tourism products is not easy at all even under normal conditions. The marketing and the negative effects of the footage of incidents cannot be compensated by increasing the number of promotional spots on foreign TV networks or even intensive media communication to convince the audience for the opposite.”
Central bank data show travel revenues during the July-September period, the peak of tourist season, increased to 534 million euros, up from 508 million euros in the third quarter of 2009.
The business community represented by Konfindustria and some economy experts have also warned the tense political situation which has been going on since the June 29, 2009 general elections and the escalation of the violence in the recent demonstration risk spoiling Albania’s image and keep foreign investors away.
The January 21 demonstration by the opposition which came after a video corruption scandal forcing deputy PM and Economy Minister Ilir Meta to resign, left dozens of protestors and policemen injured after clashes in front of the Prime Minister’s office.
“The Albanian economy needs political, social and institutional stability to obtain the necessary Albanian and foreign investments, which would ensure the country’s development and citizens’ welfare,” said Konfindustria, appealing for compromise.
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