ITB HOST COUNTRY ALBANIA PRESENTS A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS UNDER THE THEME “ALL SENSES” (Allemagne)
As the Official Host Country of ITB Berlin 2025, Albania will showcase its rich cultural heritage and enchanting landscapes on the global stage. |
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ITB HOST COUNTRY ALBANIA PRESENTS A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS UNDER THE THEME “ALL SENSES” (Allemagne)
As the Official Host Country of ITB Berlin 2025, Albania will showcase its rich cultural heritage and enchanting landscapes on the global stage. |
Catégorie : Europe - Allemagne - Économie du secteur
- Expériences exclusives
- Tourisme - Événements
Ceci est un communiqué de presse sélectionné par notre comité éditorial et mis en ligne gratuitement le 20-02-2025
The host country’s presence will commence with the opening press conference and a spectacular opening ceremony on 3 March.
Under the slogan “Albania All Senses”, the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Albania is set to showcase the country’s diverse offerings at ITB Berlin from 4 to 6 March 2025. As the official host country, Albania invites visitors to embark on an immersive journey through its diverse offerings, featuring an extensive programme of events, performances, and activities.
Official Opening Press Conference and Opening Ceremony on 3 MarchAlbania’s delegation to ITB Berlin will be led by H.E. Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania, and H.E. Mirela Kumbaro Furxhi, Minister of Tourism and Environment of Albania. The official opening press conference will be held on 3 March at 10 a.m. at the Marshall-Haus. Later that evening, the grand opening ceremony at 6 p.m. in CityCube Berlin will present a captivating showcase of Albania’s cultural richness under the theme “All Senses”.
Highlights include a cinematic journey through Albania, live performances featuring Shkodra Elektronike – Albania’s Eurovision 2024 representatives –, UNESCO-recognised traditional music and traditional Albanian dance performances by the Albanian National Ensemble.
Spectacular dances such as “Kcimi i Tropojës” – the Dance of Tropoja, the Sword Dance, and the Dance of Osman Taka will transport guests to the heart of Albanian traditions. The National Opera Theater will further enchant the audience, alongside a contemporary dance performance. Following the ceremony, guests will be treated to a culinary reception at 7:30 p.m. in CityCube Berlin, showcasing Albanian delicacies.
A Strong Trade Show Presence with Engaging Activities
The official opening tour of ITB Berlin will take place on 4 March at 9:30 a.m. at the host country’s Stand in Hall 3.1, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by the Prime Minister of Albania, the Minister of Tourism and Environment of Albania, the Governing Mayor of Berlin, the Secretary-General of UN Tourism, and the CEO of Messe Berlin. A special artistic performance will accompany the event.
Throughout ITB Berlin, Albania will be prominently featured with an impressive 700-square-metre stand in Hall 3.1 (Stand 105) and Hall 4.1 (Stand 200), offering visitors interactive experiences, networking opportunities, and industry insights. Throughout the three days, Albania will present a virtual exploration and a multimedia journey of its stunning destinations, culture, and landscapes.
Highlights at the Host Country’s Stand in Hall 3.1
Tuesday, 4 March
At 10:30 a.m., the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, and the Minister of Tourism and Environment, Mirela Kumbaro Furxhi, will engage with the Albanians tour-operators in an meet-and-greet session, followed by a group picture.
At 1:30 p.m., the Albanian Agritourism Association invites visitors to “A Taste of Albania – Wine & Tradition”, an exclusive event featuring Anila Denaj, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Albania.
From 2:30 to 3 p.m., the session “Exploring Albania Through Active Tourism” will be moderated by travel journalist Alex Crevar and will feature distinguished speakers, including Ilva Gjuzi, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Albania, and Dr. Sonja Kurz, Country Director, GIZ Albania.
At 3 p.m., the performance "Melodies of Metropolis: The Spirit of Albanian Cities" by Albanian Night will take visitors on a musical journey through the diverse melodies and rhythms of Albania’s urban landscapes.
At 3:30 p.m., a panel discussion titled “Albania: The Rising Gateway of Southeast European Tourism” will gather industry leaders such as Sinan Isik, CEO, Air Albania, Brano Djurovic, CEO, One Albania, Ridgers Mema, CEO, Tirana International Airport & Kastrati Group, Besmir Lulaj, CEO, Maritim Marina Bay, to discuss Albania’s significance in the tourism sector.
From 4 to 4:30 p.m., “The Art of Elegance: Valle as a Dance of Grace” by Albanian Night will showcase traditional dances from various regions of Albania, highlighting their unique movements and cultural significance.
At 4:30 p.m., an immersive art experience titled “The Beauty of Tradition is ‘Woman’” by the Digital Art Gallery of Korça &Space 05 Tirana will present traditional “Made in Albania” products through a dynamic visual display.
The day will conclude at 5 p.m. with a “Happy Hour & All Senses Cocktail Experience”, offering guests a mixology event inspired by the Albanian coast, curated by Marina Beats and the professionals of l’Artisan Academy.
Wednesday, 5 March
At 11 a.m., TEA (Tourism Events of Albania), a new digital tool designed to promote cultural tourism in Albania, will be introduced.
At 11:30 a.m., “Albania 2025 – The Next Investment Frontier in Europe” will provide insights into Albania’s investment landscape, featuring speakers such as Elira Kokona, CEO, Albanian Investment Corporation, Laura Saro, CEO, Albanian Investment Development Agency, and Hans-Jürgen Wittmann, Correspondent Western Balkans Germany Trade & Invest.
At 12 p.m., “A Mediterranean Culinary Journey” will offer a live cooking show by the chefs of Mandarine Restaurant by Marina Bay, highlighting authentic Albanian flavours.
At 3 p.m., “Agritourism, Tradition and Folklore” will feature Anila Denaj, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Albania. Moderated by Armando Muça, Albanian Night, and Sofjola Kotelli, GIZ Albania, this event will immerse visitors in Albania’s rich traditions, folklore, and hospitality.
From 3:30 to 4:15 p.m., “Albania: Cultural Exchange as the Foundation for a Sustainable Future” will bring together experts to discuss the role of cultural exchange in sustainable tourism development, including Sofjan Jaupaj, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Albania, and Elvis Kotherja, Managing Director Elite Travel Albania.
At 4:30 p.m., visitors can enjoy an Albanian wine tasting accompanied by traditional serenades from the Korça region performed by Albanian Night.
Thursday, 6 March
From 11:00 to 11:30 a.m., Visit Gjirokastra will present how the region leads Albania’s destination management efforts as the country’s model for both a Destination Management Organization (DMO) and Destination Management Company (DMC).
At 11:30 a.m., a panel discussion titled “Innovation Now: The Amazing Landscape of Innovative Albania” will explore the country’s start-up ecosystem and its role as a growing centre of innovation.
At 12:00 noon, the Albanian Agritourism Association invites visitors to “A Taste of Albania”, an interactive culinary experience featuring local specialities with Geographical Indication (GI) and Traditional Specialities Guaranteed (TSG) status.
From 2 to 2:15 p.m., the documentary “Peeping Tourist – A Journey Beyond the Forbidden Curtain” will be shown, tracing Albania’s transformation from a once hidden enigma under the Iron Curtain to its present as a sought-after travel destination with crystal clear beaches, majestic mountains, and rich history.
At 2:30 p.m., the panel discussion “Beyond Traditional Tourism: Albania in the Lenses of Digital Nomads” will delve into the growing trend of digital nomads making Albania their base. Moderated by Arlind Haxhiaj of Coolab & C4Communities, the discussion will explore why Albania has become a favored destination for remote workers who visit, return, and choose to stay.
Finally, from 3 to 3:30 p.m., the Wanderlust in Albania photography competition, organised by the National Tourism Agency of Albania, will showcase the country's best promotional images and videos. The competition highlights Albania’s natural beauty and cultural vibrancy through the lens of international photographers.
Further Activities at the ITB Berlin Exhibition Grounds: Key Presentations and Panels
Tuesday, 4 March
On Tuesday at 11:40 a.m., Mirela Kumbaro Furxhi, Albania's Minister of Tourism and Environment, will represent Albania at the Global Round Table Panel of the ITB Berlin Convention on the Orange Stage in Hall 7.1a.
At 1 p.m., visitors can experience an artistic tribute to the Vjosa River, one of Europe’s last wild rivers, at the South Entrance. The live performance “Whispers of Vjosa: Nature's Melody in Albania Song” by Albanian Night will pay homage to Albania's timeless natural beauty through the melodies of ancient Albanian songs.
Wednesday, 5 March
On Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., Mirela Kumbaro Furxhi will deliver a keynote speech at the ITB Convention Blue Stage in Hall 7.1b, marking the opening of the Destination Track.
From 10:30 a.m., at the Vjosa installation at the South Entrance, the performance “Whispers of Sorrow: The Voices of Iso Polifonia" by Albanian Night will showcase the emotional depth of Albania's ancient Iso Polifonia, a UNESCO-recognised cultural heritage site.
From 1 to 3 p.m., Mirela Kumbaro Furxhi will take part in the Ministers' Summit: Enhancing Investment, Ensuring Peace: Harnessing Growth, Shaping the Future at CityCube Berlin at room A3 and discuss global tourism initiatives.
At 2 p.m., also on the Convention Blue Stage in Hall 7.1b, the Destination Track will feature a discussion with Mr Jaupaj, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Environment of Albania.
Thursday, 6 March
On Thursday at 3:30 p.m. to 4:10 p.m., the Lighthouse Stage in Hall 4.1b will host a session on “Adventure Travel featuring the Trans Dinarica Cycling Route”.
The cultural corridor, which connects Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia, will be highlighted as a key initiative for sustainable tourism development in the Western Balkans. Speakers Jan Klavora, General Manager of Trans Dinarica, and Alex Crevar, Cultural Manager of Trans Dinarica, will discuss the project’s impact on local communities and regional tourism.
For more information on Albania, the official host country of ITB Berlin 2025, visit ITB News & Insights and ITB Navigator.
Online accreditation for press representatives and bloggers/creators
You can obtain accreditation here as of now. Please observe the accreditation guidelines. During ITB Berlin it will not be possible to obtain accreditation at the press counters on the grounds. After your application has been processed and approved you will receive an email with a PDF containing your accreditation and a press badge along with a personal QR code for admission. Please display this QR code at the entrance to the event. Your ticket is non-transferable.
About ITB Berlin and the ITB Berlin Convention and ITB 360°
ITB Berlin 2025 will take place from Tuesday, 4 to Thursday, 6 March as a B2B event. Since 1966, ITB Berlin has been the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show. As in previous years, the internationally acclaimed ITB Berlin Convention will take place parallel with the show as a live event on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. Under the heading ’The Power of Transition lives here’, 400 leading speakers from business, science and politics will discuss current and future challenges facing the industry on four stages featuring 17 theme tracks. At ITB Berlin 2024 more than 5,500 exhibitors from 170 countries and territories displayed their products and services to almost 100,000 visitors. With ITB 360°, the 365-day global innovation hub that is ITB Berlin now offers the worldwide tourism community year-round insights in the shape of specialist articles, podcasts and other innovative formats.
 Albania, the official host country of ITB Berlin 2025, invites the world to experience its extraordinary fusion of culture, history, and innovation
Crédit photo © Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Albania
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