Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja met today with representatives of the World Bank.

World Bank Albania Director Massimiliano Paolucci led the meeting. Ming Zhang, Global Director for Urban Development, International Finance, Tourism, and Disaster Management, also attended.

Gonxhja said the talks focused on concrete steps to steer Albanian tourism toward a higher-quality model. He stressed greater value for the local economy.

The discussion focused on tourism beyond the summer season. Priority areas included mountain regions, cultural heritage sites, and local communities. The meeting also addressed destination regeneration through successful models such as PIUTD.

Gonxhja highlighted financing and technical support as key topics. He said support would target projects that increase income and employment. The goal is more sustainable tourism with direct benefits for citizens and the national economy.

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