Rama: Protests over tourism restrictions, cancellations of reservations by foreign tourists are increasing

The Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, has expressed growing concerns over the impact of ongoing protests on the tourism sector, warning that increasing cancellations of reservations by foreign tourists could pose a serious threat to the economy. In his latest episode of the "Flasim" podcast, Rama highlighted reports from tour operators indicating a significant number of cancellations for the summer season. He emphasized that this situation directly affects local businesses, family incomes, and national revenue generated from tourism.

Rama pointed out that demonstrations have taken place in areas such as Vlora and Durrës, where a large portion of the tourism industry has been involved in awareness campaigns aimed at preventing damage to the tourist season. According to him, approximately 95% of hotels, restaurants, and bars in Vlora have participated in these protests, warning that continued tensions and uncertainty could cause direct harm to the local and national economy. He stressed that tourism is one of the main pillars of the economy and that a peaceful season is crucial for generating income. If cancellations continue, the current season might suffer significantly.

In his statement, Rama also addressed the issue of pressure exerted on individuals through social media networks, citing instances of harassment and threats directed at public figures and artists, including singer Ylli Limani. He criticized this behavior harshly, describing it as a form of pressure and intolerance towards differing opinions, stating that society should not accept the imposition of one group's views on others. Rama warned that polarization and public pressure could harm not only the social climate but also the economy, particularly the tourism sector which is expected to have one of the most successful seasons in recent years.

He concluded by emphasizing that protests and pressures leading to reservation cancellations pose a direct risk to the country’s economy and social stability. The protests in Albania are now entering their fifteenth day, with citizens gathering daily at 6:00 PM. These protests began as opposition to a proposed tourist resort construction project in the protected area of Zvërnec and Lake of Narta within the Vlora region. Protesters and environmental activists argue that the project threatens the ecosystem, biodiversity, and public access to the coastline, demanding the cancellation of the project and the protection of one of the most important natural areas in Albania.

According to Rama, while some protesters genuinely worry about the development of the Zvërnec project, other groups are using the protests to hinder the economic progress of the country. He noted that in Vlora, there have not been significant objections to the investment, as the majority of residents support its development. However, he acknowledged that a dominant group seems intent on making things worse for Albania, possibly influenced by smaller parties and external interests. He raised questions about the connection between these groups and the topic related to Vlora, noting that Vlora itself has not seen any protests due to widespread support for development.

Rama stated that hotel operators in Vlora and Durrës have raised concerns about the potential damage the protests could inflict on the tourist season. He mentioned that around 95% of businesses in the hospitality sector in Vlora joined an awareness campaign to prevent the destruction of the season, highlighting the direct impact on both local and national economies. He warned that if efforts are made to prevent foreign investments from entering normally during a calm tourist season, it would be unclear who benefits from such actions. He suggested that if the agenda behind the protests is to create frustration and encourage people to say they will remove the government themselves to achieve peace, then this is not a new strategy used elsewhere but one that has proven ineffective and harmful.

Additionally, Rama criticized the phenomenon of bullying on social media against individuals expressing different opinions. He cited the case of singer Ylli Limani, who reportedly faced harassment, pressure, and threats due to a planned concert during the protest period. According to Rama, the language of hatred and exclusion on social media poses a dangerous threat to democratic debate and societal cohesion. He described another alarming symptom as the bullying on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, expressing deep concern over how someone like Ylli Limani has been subjected to such treatment.