Tirana, October 14 — Autumn has brought vibrant colours to Gjirokastër and a lively atmosphere. Tourists continue to fill the cobbled alleys of the museum area. The city has become a recognised name in international tourism, attracting a growing number of visitors.

Mayor Flamur Golemi said that over 56,000 tourists visited during September and early October. Since January, more than half a million people have explored Gjirokastër, which he described as a significant increase from previous years. He noted that most visitors came from Spain, Italy, Greece, Germany, France, and the United States.

Golemi added that the city’s museums, the War, Weapons, Ethnographic, and Kadare, have welcomed 54,000 visitors so far this year. He explained that the municipality has improved facilities and enriched collections with new artefacts to make visits more engaging.

The mayor highlighted that tourism now extends beyond the castle and bazaar. Rural and cultural tours in areas such as Lunxhëria and Cepo are drawing more visitors. He said that natural beauty, cultural heritage, and better infrastructure have made the villages preferred destinations.

Golemi pointed out that tourism has boosted local incomes and created new jobs. He noted rising interest from residents and entrepreneurs in guesthouses and hotels. Many new facilities combine traditional architecture with modern comfort, making Gjirokastër and its surroundings more attractive to both Albanian and foreign tourists.

/a.p./