Blockage of the Librazhd-Pogradec axis/ Tourism in Voskopoja is affected, businesses report massive cancellations

2026-02-22 16:25:00, Aktualitet CNA

Blockage of the Librazhd-Pogradec axis/ Tourism in Voskopoja is affected,

The blockage of the Librazhd-Pogradec national axis, following the damage to the bridge in the area known as "Arrat e Gurrës", is having ripple effects throughout the southeast of the country.

In addition to traffic difficulties, the situation has directly affected the tourism sector and local businesses, which are reporting massive cancellations and a drastic drop in activity. In Voskopoja, one of the most frequented tourist destinations in the Korça region, the consequences are being felt immediately.

Antoni Falo, owner of Vila Falo, says that the situation created by the roadblock has dealt a severe financial blow to his business.

"For us as a business, it has hurt us immensely. Only 20% of those who had booked to come came, while 80% cancelled. Very bad. It's not the first time, it's the third time. Three weeks in a row, the same situation," says Falo.

He explains that there were 10 rooms reserved for the weekend, but seven of them were canceled at the last minute. Only three clients managed to reach their destination, while the rest were forced to turn back due to the inability to get through.

"They all set out, but half of them returned from Librazhd, as they could not cross. Only the three bravest ones set out from Moglica and took off their black olives, they barely arrived. Even those who came regretted it," he says.

According to Falo, the suggested alternative through the Lozhan-Moglice segment is not a sustainable solution for such a large flow of vehicles. The road, according to him, is too narrow, with many curves and unsuitable to handle the diverted traffic after the main axis is blocked.

“The Moglica road has many curves. I have driven that road 10 times and it is extremely narrow. It cannot handle such a large flow of vehicles from the blockage of the Librazhd–Përrenjas–Pogradec road. Very difficult. For 3–4 hours they wanted to turn back, but they could not turn back. There were so many cars that it was impossible,” he says.

According to him, the situation has become even more serious due to other natural factors that have recently affected the area.

"Now let's see what will happen with time, because it's blocked again? Because now even God has hit us with stones; sometimes the road is blocked, sometimes there's a flood, sometimes there's rain. People leave, the youth leave. There are many factors that come together," says Falo, emphasizing the uncertainty that is directly affecting the business climate.

In addition to losing customers, he warns of other economic consequences if the situation continues. His business is supplied 100% with products from the Voskopoja area and Korça, but some goods, such as greens, vegetables and out-of-season fruits, come from outside the region.

"If the road continues to be blocked, the prices of products that Korça does not currently produce will also increase. Their prices will inevitably increase. That's what I think, " he says.

According to Falo, the consequences do not affect just one entity, but the entire economic chain of the area, from guesthouses and hotels, to restaurants, suppliers and local farmers.

"Measures should be taken immediately, the bridge there should be repaired, the road should be repaired, an alternative route should be found, either from the Moglicë-Lozhani side or from Përrenjas-Librazhd, because it's not just me as a business; all businesses in the Korça region are affected. We hope so. I don't know," he concludes.

At a time when winter and weekend tourism constitute an important source of income for the area, any disruption to traffic on the main roads becomes a direct blow to the local economy, increasing uncertainty and questioning the continuity of activity for many small businesses. /CNA