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"Souvenirs of Albania"/ Ardit Bilani years in printing the "Albanian postcard"

2025-09-27 16:25:00, Qyteti im CNA

"Souvenirs of Albania"/ Ardit Bilani years in printing the

If you walk through the streets of Albanian tourist cities, chances are high that you will encounter the name of Ardit Bilan. For almost two decades, he has become one of the most important voices in the souvenir market in the country, creating the well-known brand “Suvenire Albania”, which is today known not only in Albania, but also abroad. His story began 18 years ago, with a small shop and a lot of passion.

" We started my current business 18 years ago, in 2007. That year I graduated from high school and seeing the difficulties in finding a job, I gave in to my passion. I like art and I tried to do some small things and this was the impetus for me to give direction to my life. At that time, I bought some wooden equipment and started doing some handicrafts. The objective at the time was to earn an average salary. But I noticed that people liked handicrafts, even though the competition was taking its toll, I succeeded, perhaps also influenced by the family heritage in the business. Then customers asked for things that we did not do, but through some friends in Montenegro we managed to bring some shells at first. Then we started with other products, going up to about 120 types ," said Bilani.

From an initiative of artisanal products, today Arditi collaborates with designers for the composition and personalization of products. Today Arditi has 3 warehouses in Shkodër, Tirana and Saranda. Thus supplying dozens of small souvenir shops.

" With the increase in tourism, the need arose to increase our products and I was forced to import. We started with Turkey. Later, I moved on to collaborations with designers with whom we composed special products. This was the reason for my expansion. Today, we have reached 3 thousand types of products. 80% are souvenirs, we also have pendants, bags and many other types that come in the form of gifts. In addition to Shkodra, where we have the main warehouse point, we are also in Tirana and Saranda, from where we supply dozens of stores later. In fact, we have chosen key points, where there is quality tourism. Entering the world of tourism has helped me more to see how it works. I became a member of the American Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Industry. Tourism in Albania is good. Souvenirs are in demand. We have tried to personalize them by introducing several into a single one, such as the Middle Bridge, the pedestrian zone, the castle or even the mosque. "We call it a magnet, but in reality it is an ambassador of ours that tourists take with them and identify with ," says Bilani.

Bilan saw his business not just as a trade, but as a mission to promote Albanian culture and identity. Arditi has a message for anyone involved in tourism.

" It is said that 3 types of businesses will grow by 2050, which are metallurgy, medicinal plants and tourism. We are investing a lot in tourism, but we still have a long way to go. The message is to focus on tourism, tradition, hospitality and at the end of the day we will definitely come out on top ," was Ardit's message.

Especially in the last decade, “Souvenir Albania” has become a reference point for tourists looking for something more than an ordinary souvenir, a piece of history. With plans to take Albanian products even further, to international markets and online platforms, Bilani remains convinced that a souvenir is not just an item, but a bridge between Albania and the world, and the souvenir market will continue for a long time./ CNA