ITB Berlin 2025 has officially declared Albania as the designated host country. A partnership agreement was signed between Albania’s Minister of Tourism and Environment, Mirela Kumbaro, and Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin. This signing took place at the Albanian stand in Hall 1.1. Following the agreement, the minister introduced the CEO to different regions and local specialties.
Mirela Kumbaro often expresses her enthusiasm for Albania, her home country. At the signing ceremony, she described Albania as a hidden gem in the Mediterranean, boasting a well-developed tourism infrastructure. She believes that people are actively seeking new destinations and experiences, and Albania, with its unique qualities and mystical charm, offers travelers a fresh and enriching experience unlike any other.
According to Mirela Kumbaro, there is more to visit than just the sea and mountains, which together with the rivers and forests cover three-quarters of the country. It is the “Albanian spirit“ and the hospitality of the locals that make Albania so attractive. That has always been firmly part of Albanian culture, and not something just invented for the modern tourism age. “In Albania the house belongs to the guest and God“, said Mirela Kumbaro, quoting a common saying in her country. In Albania, visitors could expect to be treated like royalty, she added.
In addition, the tourist attractions in Albania are conveniently close to each other. One can easily travel from the coast to the mountains within a few hours. The Vjosa River is a significant component of Europe’s newly established Wild River National Park. On the northern side, the Albanian Alps offer numerous hiking paths and untouched mountain villages, where visitors can find suitable lodging options.
Albania’s tourism industry is witnessing significant growth, as evident from the most recent data. In 2022, Albania welcomed a total of 10.1 million international visitors, solidifying its status as a rising tourist destination. The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) reports that during the initial half of 2023, Albania achieved the highest growth rate in Europe and the third-highest globally. Already this year, Albania has attracted one million foreign tourists, representing a remarkable 50% increase compared to the corresponding period in the previous year.
SOURCE: Albania Named Official Host Country of ITB Berlin 2025 BY: eTurboNews | eTN