TIRANA, Oct 14 /ATA/ - More than 500,000 tourists have visited the southern Albanian city of Gjirokastër so far this year, with foreign visitors making up the largest share, the city’s Mayor said on Tuesday.
“From January to early October, Gjirokastër has welcomed over half a million tourists - a significant increase compared to previous years,”
Mayor Flamur Golemi told Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA). “In September and the first days of October alone, the city saw 56,000 visitors.”
The cobblestone streets of the UNESCO-listed city have echoed with dozens of languages this year, Golemi added, noting that tourists from Spain, Italy, Greece, Germany, France, and the United States top the list of foreign arrivals.
Often referred to as “the stone city,” Gjirokastër has emerged as a prominent destination in Albania’s expanding tourism market. Alongside its historic architecture and cultural landmarks, the city has seen growing interest in surrounding villages and rural areas.
“This summer, we’ve seen increased visitor numbers not just in the city center, but also in nearby regions like Lunxhëria and Cepo,”
Golemi said.
Museums remain a key draw. Golemi said 54,000 tourists visited Gjirokastër’s cultural heritage sites this year, including the Cold War Tunnel, the Weapons Museum, the Ethnographic Museum, and the Kadare House Museum - up from the previous year.
“These museums not only attract visitors but also introduce them to the city’s rich history, traditions, and notable figures,” Golemi said, adding that improving museum infrastructure and enriching exhibits remain a municipal priority.
The rise in tourism has also spurred local economic activity, with investments in road infrastructure, agriculture, and rural development helping support visitor growth.
“Tourism has become a driving force for the local economy, both in the city and rural areas,” Golemi said. “It creates jobs, generates income, and has encouraged locals to invest in accommodation, including guesthouses and boutique hotels.”
New hospitality establishments have opened across the municipality this year, blending traditional architecture with modern standards, offering visitors a distinctive cultural experience, he added.
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