New Shëngjin–Velipojë road opens ahead of tourist season, cutting travel time to the coast
A key coastal road connecting Shëngjin and Velipojë officially opened this weekend, dramatically cutting travel time between the two northern seaside towns from over an hour to just 20 minutes. The 15 kilometer route, which cost 3.8 billion ALL, is expected to boost tourism and improve local infrastructure ahead of the summer season.
Why is this important: The new road improves access to one of Albania’s most scenic yet previously hard-to-reach coastal areas. Officials say the project marks a significant step toward developing tourism in the northern region, offering faster connections and supporting the local economy. The opening comes as the country prepares for another record tourist year, with visitors up 30% in early 2025 compared to last year.
Context: Prime Minister Edi Rama praised the development during a recent visit and outlined additional infrastructure priorities. These include the long-delayed Milot–Balldren road, which is set to ease congestion between Shkodër and Lezhë, especially during peak tourist season.
“We hope and believe the process will soon conclude, so the contract can be signed, and construction can begin,” Rama said, referring to the Milot–Balldren tender.
He also highlighted delays in cross-border cooperation with Montenegro regarding the Buna Bridge, part of the Blue Corridor project connecting Albania to regional tourism networks.
“Unfortunately, we haven’t been fully aligned with the Montenegrin side. Bureaucratic delays have slowed us down,” he acknowledged.
Impact: According to Rama, these investments are not just about transportation—they are central to driving economic growth. He pushed back on repeated criticism that his government prioritizes the south over the north, listing major northern infrastructure projects as examples of balanced national development.
“Our mountain tourism is a goldmine,” he said, noting the strategic value of Albania’s inland natural beauty.
“What we’ve done in the north explains the tourism boom and why the economy there is growing. Mountain regions near the sea are a different category altogether—they’re a national treasure.”
Rama also hinted at upcoming projects targeting high-end tourism and noted that continued investments in energy infrastructure will further support development in remote areas.
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