Pogradec "absorbs" over 18 thousand visitors/ tourist "boom", Lini as the main attraction

2024-06-01 19:01:00, Qyteti im CNA

In recent years, the lake town of Pogradec has experienced a boost in terms of tourism. The city with its beautiful nature, clean air, lake and numerous touristic and cultural attractions has managed to attract a large number of visitors. In addition to visitors from our country, foreign tourists have also been increasing over the last few years, and what makes them visit Pogradec is the tourist village of Lini. This village remains among the most sought after by tourists who choose it to see the Basilica that is located in this village up close. Two foreign tourists, from Germany and New Zealand, have shown their impressions of Albania, and more specifically of what they found in Pogradec.

"It's been a long journey and we've been to many cities and I'm very impressed by this place. Especially here in Ohrid, it is very beautiful. I also highly appreciate Gjirokastra, Berat. Saranda was beautiful, but the hotels were very expensive. I'm more interested in history. Now we come here, the mosaic is very beautiful.

I live in New Zealand and have been here for two weeks. We were in Gjirokastra. Now we have arrived here at the lake, it is beautiful. It is a place with many people, locals, it has a very nice promenade. We cycled around the lake for two days. Now we want to go to Struga. We really liked the local food here."

For the director of the tourism sector in the municipality of Pogradec, Ledjan Zeqollari, in the last 5 months, this city has faced a significant number of visitors that reaches up to 18 thousand. According to him, the promotion that has been made to the Basilica of Lin has greatly influenced the approach of tourists, who mainly come from Europe but also from distant America.

"As for the visitors who come to Pogradec, we have to say that from January to December we have visitors throughout the year. They are mainly visitors who come from Europe, but we also have visitors from distant America and New Zealand.

I can say that the main attractions that are visited in Pogradec is the Lini Basilica, which has the largest number of visitors. The promotion that we have done to the Basilica of Lin, but also to the discovery of the palafites, has led to a very high number of visitors. This has led to an increase in overnight stays, the stay of tourists is greater.

The figures are quite optimal, we can say that only in the first 4 months of this year we have about 18 thousand visitors who were accommodated in the accommodation units in Pogradec. Packages have also increased overnight stays, which range from 1 day, 2 days to 5 days, not only for the attractions but for the entire region."

The various tourist packages that Pogradec offers make it easier for foreigners to visit this city. These packages, in addition to the accommodation and the guide, at the end offer tourists the folklore night, with dancers who perform dances from the regions of Albania./ CNA