Tourism ‘to help development’ in region

TIRANA, Nov. 29 – The UN World Tourism Organization held a conference in the Albanian capital Tirana to highlight the important role travelers can play in the ongoing development of south-eastern Europe.
The Tirana seminar served to give the message that tourism can support countries in the region by boosting economic growth and creating new jobs.
It can also reduce inequalities between regions and help areas that are more remote and have limited options for economic development.
Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha said the country had the potential to build a new tourism sector.
“Albania has the potential to build a new tourism sector for the 21st century and set an inspiring model for other countries,” he said.
UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai said added, “In the face of a prolonged period of high unemployment, tourism can create jobs, particularly in remote regions, and is by far one of the best development opportunities for those regions that are emerging, as is the case of Eastern Europe.”
He said the region can benefit immensely from further regional cooperation.
Southeastern Europe is the focal point for discussing the long term effects of a vibrant tourism industry within the region. Boosting economic growth, creating news jobs, essentially propping up emerging economies, these are some of the benefits discussed in Tirana last week.
Overall, Eastern European economies will witness a proportional diversification within their economies with the implementation of cutting 4edge strategies in this sector. With more regional cooperation and national initiatives, Albania and her neighbors might enjoy a boost not only in economic advantage, but in forging new bonds of international friendship as well.
The focus of the conference aimed at establishing cross regional, national and international cooperation in implementing more effective tourism strategies.