Remarks at the International Tourism and Real Estate Expo

Remarks of USAID Mission Director Roberta Mahoney
Opening of International Tourism and Real Estate Expo
October 7, 2009, 6:00 p.m.

Honorable Ministers, distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am very happy to be here this evening to promote Albania’s extraordinary potential in the tourism sector.

A principal objective of U.S. development assistance to Albania is to promote sustained and broad-based economic growth and poverty reduction.  We consider the development of tourism a key to achieving that objective.

Over the years, USAID has been an important partner in the development of this sector, providing marketing expertise, establishing an online booking system, supporting certification training for tour operators and hospitality staff, and increasing awareness of the rich history and cultural sites that Albania has to offer.

Behind me you will see just one brief example of an activity promoting Albanian tourism.  Aired on National Geographic’s Treks in a Wild World series last year, this program, supported by USAID, showcased Albania’s rugged, northern mountains and catered to foreign tourists who seek adventure and unique cultural experiences. 

Today, countries that offer cultural tourism, eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and agro-tourism, draw thousands of visitors — visitors who enjoy the quaintness of village life, appreciate the authenticity of local handicrafts, and enjoy the bounties of agricultural lands.  Albania has enormous potential to compete in these specialty tourism markets.

You will also see pages from the internationally recognized tourism guidebook series, Thomas Cooke.  With USAID support, foreign travelers now have a handy, pocket-size book with information on sites and attractions in Tirana, Kruja, and Berat. 

These are just some of the achievements of USAID’s recent contributions to tourism development.  In the near future, with USAID support, we hope National Geographic Magazine will publish a supplemental on tourism in this region.  We believe this type of international exposure will lead to even great awareness of what Albania has to offer tourists.

Once tourists are here, it is important to create an environment that makes tourist want to return. 

I worked for several years in Egypt and, at first, the emphasis was to get people to come to Egypt, once.  Then we learned that if a tourist had a great visit, it was easier to get him or her, this time with family and friends, to visit and spend more time.  We learned that “Repeat Tourists” were essential to developing a tourism industry.

Thus, I am pleased to announce that tourism has been chosen as one of the five industries for USAID’s newest project, the Competitive Enterprise Development Program, or what will be known locally as “Rritje Albania.” 

This five year, $10 million program will develop and strengthen the competitive capacity of existing enterprises in Albania in tourism and other key industries, like textiles, footwear, recycling and information and communication technologies.

USAID looks forward to developing a dynamic partnership with the public and private sectors to accelerate the growth of the tourism industry and to promote this beautiful country as a good destination for foreign tourists and investment.

Finally, I would like to thank the organizers of the event, the Foreign Investors Association in Albania, and the staff of USAID’s Rritje Albania project, for organizing this lovely event.