TIA presents Preza Commune adventure tourism development plan

TIRANA, May 16 – Tirana International Airport has presented a tourism development plan to turn Preza Commune into an adventure-tourism destination.
The tourism plan, presented on Wednesday, involves development of Preza castle and its surrounding countryside aimed at transforming the castle into a great cultural asset of regional and national significance and, along with Kruja and Petrela, re-establishes the importance of the three castles that ring the city of Tirana.
Preza castle, of Roman origin, is perched at the top of a hill near the airport and is easily reachable from the Tirana-Durr쳠highway. To the west of Preza village itself there is very attractive countryside: in its valleys lie two reservoirs, and its serene beauty and tranquility is an ideal location for outdoor activities such as canoeing, swimming, diving, fishing, walking and climbing.
The TIA-sponsored plan was presented in a ceremony organized in Preza castle.
“With this project we want to help Preza becoming a tourist attraction, thus supporting the growth of the local economy and greatly improving the life of the community here. By introducing this study to all parties involved, TIA would like to encourage the Commune of Preza, but also the Ministry of Tourism, to take over from here. TIA’s role was and is to show the potential of Preza by proposing a concept for developing the area and we are confident that this study will not only remain on paper”, said TIA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Constantin von Alvensleben.
The preparation of the study cost TIA 17,000 Euros.
The development of a tourism development plan for the community of Preza was identified as a worthy project to help improve the quality of life of its residents as well as the economic growth of the area.
Following the holding of a tender launched at the end of 2006, the Preza study was developed over a three-month period by the experienced British consultancy firm Goulds Properties UK Limited.
With TIA assistance, meetings were held between the winning firm and local authorities, as well as with respective ministries and institutions, in order to discuss the project and related issues.
“This study is a great asset to our commune. Counting on the support of the government or foreign investors, our efforts will ensure the success of the implementation of the tourism development plan, transforming Preza into a great place to visit. We are certain that this area has great potential for attracting local and foreign tourists,” said the head of Preza commune, Mehmet Halili.