The Minister of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, Blendi Gonxhja, emphasized the importance of building inclusive tourism.

He stressed the need to combine natural beauty with cultural heritage.

Gonxhja shared photos of many tourists who had visited Albania not just for the beach, but also for archaeological sites.

“Not just beaches, but also cultural heritage! Saranda and Orikum offered more than the sea. They held rare historical treasures,” Gonxhja wrote on social media.

“In the Ancient Synagogue of Saranda and the Archaeological Park of Orikum, tourists discovered traces of ancient civilizations that made the Albanian coastline a unique experience,” he added.

The Ancient Synagogue of Saranda, located in the city center, dated back to the 5th century.

It reflected the influence of the Jewish community in the Ionian region.

Its well-preserved mosaics and unique architecture made it an irreplaceable attraction for both local and international visitors who sought more than seaside relaxation.

The Archaeological Park of Orikum lay in the heart of the Bay of Vlora.

It preserved the remains of a city rooted in the Illyrian and Roman periods.

The ruins of the ancient theater, cobbled streets, and public buildings brought to life the history of communities that had made Orikum a major commercial and cultural hub in the Mediterranean.

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