Government to turn Albania into tourist destination country

The Albanian government has started preparing a strategy to turn the country into a tourist destination, Minister of Tourism and Urban Development Eglantina Gjermeni said here Tuesday. The government is reviewing the existing law on tourism while also working on a mid-term strategy for the 2014-2020 period. The minister said the government has prepared a legal package to guarantee a legalization process that is free of charge and that most legalizations are completed within four years, according to government news agency ATA. Stating that tourism and urban development are interrelated processes, Gjermeni said, "The aim is not only to attract tourists, but also generate employment, help develop economy and improve the citizens' welfare." Tourism in Albania is characterized by archaeological heritage from Illyrian, Greek, Roman and Ottoman times, unspoiled beaches, mountainous topography, traditional Albanian cuisine, Cold War era artifacts, unique traditions and hospitality, and the wild atmosphere of the countryside. However, tourism has been hampered in the past by local management issues such as poor road and public infrastructure, and illegal construction and hunting.