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| At the Port of Saranda (archive) |
This year's summer promises to break records in terms of tourist presence in Saranda.
Arben Çipa, the head of the Association of Tour Operators, states that the hotel industry in the southern city is experiencing its best days.
"The current tourist presence is mainly from Central Europe. We have Spanish and French tourists, the typology of tourists in Saranda has changed. What we notice is that tourists prefer not only Saranda but the entire south, they rent cars and visit Gjirokastër, Berat, Vlorë," says Çipa.
During the months of July and August, Saranda will largely welcome Italian tourists. This category of tourists is expected to choose apartment accommodations and frequent restaurants.
"What I believe will be the icing on the cake for Saranda, especially for restaurants and apartments, will be the Italians. There are considerable bookings from Italians, and it's time for us to welcome them. Although the Bari-Saranda route was not established this year, Italians will come via Igoumenitsa or through Vlorë and Durrës. The presence of Italians will bring dynamism, it will be what Saranda seeks," he expresses.
Saranda has become a magnet attracting tourists from all over the world. The natural beauty of the coastal city attracts foreigners during the summer.
"I chose Saranda because I had heard about the beauty of this place, that's it. I just arrived here and it looks great, I like it. And I've been to Ksamil, the beautiful islands there. I had some information about Saranda and I came to see it with my own eyes," says a tourist.