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| View from the port of Saranda |
"Exactly 32 years ago on August 8th, 1991, overloaded ships carrying Albanians in search of hope crossed the sea to reach the shores of Italy. But today, 32 years later, the ships have been replaced by ferries, which sail in the opposite direction. From Bari to Durrës or Vlorë, Italians traveling to Albania are not just tourists but also new residents of the Albanian capital," begins the prestigious article from La Stampa, which reveals how many Italian citizens are choosing Albania not only for tourism but also for work and living.
According to the renowned Italian newspaper, the "low-cost" destinations that the country offers are relatively cheaper compared to other tourist attractions in Europe. An example of this is Ksamil, considered the "affordable Maldives" of the Balkans, where prices are more appealing to foreigners than in other countries.
However, as it seems, this is not the only reason, according to the Italian media, why the number of foreigners arriving at Albanian airports and ports increases each year.
"Nowadays, foreigners on the streets of Tirana are not just seeking entertainment but opportunities for work and business. The still very low taxes under 15%, the attractive cost of labor, and craftsmanship are the main factors driving Italian businessmen to start or relocate their financial activities in Albania," the article states.
According to updated data from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there are more than 20,000 Italian citizens living and operating in our country for the past 5-6 years. Also, according to recent data from the Bank of Albania, there are a total of around 2,700 Albanian-Italian enterprises, out of which 1,911 are completely Italian, operating in the Albanian market.
Albania is considered the fourth country in Europe for foreign investments, after Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Canada. And if the streets of Tirana are coveted by Italians for economic activities, places like Durrës and Vlorë, among others, have become holiday destinations for neighboring state retirees, as they enter the third stage of their lives.
Despite the rising cost of living in the past three years, Albania continues its journey to become a preferred destination for Italians, for holidays, business, and life.
On the other hand, despite this trend, many Albanians have chosen European countries to relocate their lives as seasonal migrants or asylum seekers in search of new opportunities.