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Albania, the rising star for global events and cultural showcases
When thinking of winter holidays, the mind often drifts to popular European destinations like Germany or Austria, with their enchanting Christmas markets and snow-capped mountains. But what if there was a hidden gem waiting to be explored?
© Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Albania
Let’s take a look at some of the most important events that have taken place in Albania, as well as upcoming and exciting experiences.
© Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Albania
Berlin Process Summit
In 2023, Tirana hosted a major international event, the Berlin Process Summit, held for the first time outside the EU’s borders, with the participation of representatives of the highest international bodies, including Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The summit marked a significant opportunity to strengthen ties between the Western Balkans and the EU. A new campus of the College of Europe was inaugurated in Tirana, the first such to be located outside of the EU.
© Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Albania
Summit of the European Union and the Western Balkans
Tirana hosted the EU-Western Balkans Summit in December 2022, which marked a significant diplomatic event not only for Albania but also for the wider region, as it was the first time such an event was organised in a Western Balkans country. The summit focused on the EU’s enlargement process, strengthening ties between the region and the bloc. It was a major opportunity for Albania to highlight its aspirations for EU membership and its role in regional stability and integration.
© Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Albania
2022 UEFA Europa Conference League final
Tirana hosted the exciting final football match of the 2022 UEFA Europa Conference League between Roma and Feyenoord. It was the first UEFA competition final to be played in Albania. The capital’s Air Albania stadium won the bidding process which also involved France’s Stade Geoffroy-Guichard and Greece’s Pankritio Stadium.
_sdesk.jpg "People on a stage from a bird's eye view. The audience can also be seen from above")
© Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Albania
Future of Environmental, Sustainable Tourism in Albanien (FESTA)
This event took place in April 2023 in Tirana, Albania, as a collaboration of the Albanian Ministry of Tourism and Environment with the World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism). FESTA was a platform where policymakers, entrepreneurs, and tourism operators had the chance to discuss the latest trends in sustainable travel, exploring the transformational power of the travel industry, while jointly strategizing how to move forward.
© Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Albania
70th Regional Commission for Europe
In this meeting held in April 2024, Tirana became a discussion hub, leading the charge in shaping sustainable tourism strategies for Europe’s future. A highlight of this event was the launch of the “Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Albania” guide, an invitation to explore the country’s rich potential, while participating in its journey towards sustainable tourism development.
© Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Albania
Giro d’Italia
Giro d’Italia, also known simply as the Giro, is an annual multiple-stage bicycle race. The 2025 Giro will take place in Albania from May 9 to 11, where fans will get to witness a high-level sporting spectacle. It will cover major cities in Albania, such as Durrës, Tirana, Vlora, with each turn promising an exciting race.
© Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Albania
Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue 2025
Tirana was named the Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue for 2025, marking another important year for the city, which in 2022 was the European Youth Capital. It will serve as an opportunity to bring back the Tirana Biennial, establishing the capital as an important cultural hub.
Tirana has also been the host of a number of other events such as the International Cultural Weeks, the International Film Festival, the International Wine and Gastronomy Festival, Balkan Folklore Festival, etc.
Albania is increasingly positioning itself as a host for significant international events in recent years. Whether in the fields of political dialogue, sports, cultural celebrations, or tourism, the country has leveraged these events to showcase its rich heritage, improve its international relations, and boost its tourism industry.
Find out more about the Official Host Country of ITB Berlin 2025 at https://albania.al.