Albanian Prime Minister highlights new tourist road amidst broader infrastructure investments

Prime Minister Edi Rama recently shared photos of the ongoing construction of the new Shëngjin-Velipojë tourist road, showcasing a key project that promises to add another impressive panoramic route to Albania.

Why is this relevant

The new road will provide a faster connection between the two major northern beaches, enhancing the appeal to tourists and supporting the booming tourism sector in a region that has been unable to exploit to the full its potential from lack of public investments in infrastructure.

Context

Improving existing road infrastructure and constructing new routes that connect cities more efficiently to coastal tourist areas are top priorities for the Albanian government. The Shëngjin-Velipojë road is just one example of these efforts.

The Albanian government’s Tourism Strategy 2030 focuses on rapid connections between cities and tourist areas from north to south. Major infrastructure projects include the new bridge over the Buna River, the Thumanë-Kashar highway, part of the Blue Corridor, the Kukës Bridge, the Llogora Tunnel, the Elbasan-Qafë Thanë road, part of Corridor 8, and the Arbri Road. These projects aim to boost tourism and the economy by improving accessibility and reducing travel times.

The European Union has recognized Albania’s efforts in enhancing its infrastructure. EU funding has supported various projects, particularly those that improve connectivity within the Western Balkans. This support aligns with the EU’s broader goal of integrating the region into the European transport network, which will facilitate easier travel for tourists and promote economic development.

The ongoing investments are expected to play a crucial role in Albania’s economic growth, positioning the country as a key tourist destination in the region.