Fascinated by Albania and with a strong desire to travel and visit every corner of it,” with this focus, the National Tourism Agency and the Ministry of Tourism and Environment announced today the Reels International Photography and Video Competition.

Through this competition, photographers and enthusiasts will share their images from Albania, embarking on a captivating journey to explore the country’s coastal delights, mountains, cities, cultural heritage, cuisine, and archaeological sites.

In a press conference, the Minister of Tourism and Environment, Mirela Kumbaro, and the General Director of the National Tourism Agency, Zana Çela, extended invitations to photographers, videographers, photography enthusiasts, as well as vacationers and visitors to Albania. The call is for them to become participants in the “Wanderlust in Albania: Photos & Reels International Competition,” which aims to capture the essence of Albania through photography and videography.

“We find ourselves in a moment where the tourist season extends beyond what we traditionally associate with tourism, reaching into November. Until October 31, we welcomed 8.98 million visitors, and this October alone saw a remarkable 89% increase in foreign visitors compared to the same month last year. Through our online platforms, we have consistently showcased the beauty of Albania captured by both amateurs and professionals. However, it is the digital engagement with these passionate individuals, both Albanians and foreigners, who share their moments on social networks, that has been particularly impactful. Whether captured through a phone or a camera, the emotions they convey remain the same, and the power of their message is evident. It is this ongoing communication over the past two years with these individuals that has led us to create this project. We want to offer a distinct form of recognition, one that is more professional and institutional, to this entire community of talented enthusiasts who are deeply enamored with the natural beauty of Albania. This project has evolved organically,” stated Minister Kumbaro during the press conference.

Director Çela, however, explained how the idea for such an international competition originated.

“Captivated by Albania and possessing a strong desire to travel and explore every corner of it, this inclination has been notably demonstrated, especially this year, by the millions of tourists who have visited and continue to visit our country,” remarked Çela.

She continued, “This trend inspired us to create the first Reels International Photography and Video Competition. Professional photographers and photography and video enthusiasts are invited to submit their images from Albania. Together, we will embark on a captivating journey to explore the beauty of Albania, including its coastal areas, mountains, cities, cultural heritage, archaeological sites, agribusiness, cuisine, and more.”

The “Wanderlust in Albania” competition will be divided into 10 categories, with different themes:

1. Landscapes (natural, mountainous, coastal)
2. Panoramic photos (Albanian cities, tourist villages)
3. Monuments & archaeological sites (cultural monuments, castles, amphitheaters, museums and archaeological sites or preserved by UNESCO)
4. Folklore (ethnography, dance, ritual, tradition)
5. Crafts & Crafts; 6. Agrotourism & Culinary (traditional foods, guesthouses, agrotourism)
6. TEA application events (festivals, local parties, concerts, artistic events, exhibitions, etc.)
7. Sports tourism & Ecotourism (hiking, diving, mountaineering, kayaking, parachuting, flora & fauna, trails, parks)
8. Architecture (mosque, church, medieval and new urban architecture)
9. Photo reportage (photo news, which narrates events from life)

Anyone can easily apply on the page created exclusively for this competition, www.wanderlustinalbania.al, starting from November 20. Participants can create a personalized profile with individual data and upload their works in accordance with the defined categories. Each submission should have a specific title and include information about the country and the year when the photo or video was taken. Both professional photographers and those passionate about artistic and documentary photos and videos are encouraged to submit their best works. The submissions should consist of original, authentic images with the appropriate resolution for printing and digital use, adhering to all technical, artistic, and ethical criteria.

All detailed information is available on the website. In this competition, a jury of experts will select the most beautiful 300 photographs and 100 video reels showcasing tourist destinations in Albania. The selected images aim to inspire travel and tourism, enriching the archival fund of the National Tourism Agency. As the primary promoter of the country’s rare nature, tradition, culture, art, and history, the agency aims to provide a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in visiting Albania. Participants in this international competition will have the opportunity to unleash their creativity, capture the emotions of Albanian magic, and compete for special prizes.

The contest will involve two forms of voting. A professional jury will select the best 10 photos and 10 video reels for each category, while there will also be 2 prizes determined through online voting. The public will have the opportunity to vote for the best photo and video reels on the official website of the National Tourism Agency (Visit Albania) and on Facebook.

The winners of the competition will be announced at a gala evening scheduled for December 12. Similar to the millions of tourists who chose Albania this summer, the “Wanderlust in Albania” International Competition extends an open invitation to dream through the captivating reel photos showcasing the beauty of a fascinating and authentic Albania.

/m.ll/