New road to boost tourism in northern Albania’s coastal destinations
Photo: Shëngjin-Velipojë road project
The road infrastructure in northern Albania’s coastline remains a weak link for tourism. However, investments have begun to improve the road connecting the two most frequented beaches on the Adriatic coast, in the municipalities of Lezhë and Shkodër. The new road is expected to significantly reduce the distance between Shëngjin and Velipojë.
Why is it important: Shëngjin and Velipojë beaches welcome thousands of visitors annually, especially from Kosovo. These beaches have gained popularity over the last decade due to their clean waters, sandy shores, and affordable prices compared to the Ionian coast in southern Albania. A long-awaited improvement for the region, the new road will drastically enhance access between these two popular destinations, meeting the demands of both tourists and local businesses.
Context: The Shëngjin-Velipojë road project started six years ago but faced delays due to issues with land expropriation, slowing down progress. This government investment, totaling 3.8 billion ALL, will cut travel time by one hour, reducing the current journey to just 20 minutes. The road preserves the untouched beauty of beaches like Shëngjin, Rana e Hedhun, and Rrjoll, as well as natural landscapes such as the Viluni Lagoon.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has labeled the new road as a strategic investment for tourism, emphasizing that it will become one of the most scenic routes in the country.
Investment in Infrastructure: Infrastructure investments, particularly in road networks, are a priority in the government’s upcoming budget, with 109.5 billion ALL allocated for road financing next year. Among the most significant projects are new segments of Corridors 8 and 10, part of the European TENT network, and the expansion of the Tirana-Durrës highway. With growing budget revenues, the government has shifted its focus to physical infrastructure, particularly roads, ports, and airports, aiming to enhance Albania’s connectivity and tourism potential.
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