Prime Minister Edi Rama today visited one of the most popular agritourism businesses in the southern region of Tepelene, where he held a meeting with a group of entrepreneurs who have founded a chain of farm-based tourism enterprises in the southern Albanian villages, offering tradition and locally grown organic produce to local and international visitors.

Prime Minister Edi Rama specifically highlighted several important infrastructure projects in this region of huge potential for growth and development. “We are making a long-cherished dream of Upper Laberia residents to have access to the sea come true, but we are also making the dream about transformation of the Permet – Leskovik – Erseke road come true, by building a road segment according to best standards to provide connection between Korça, Përmet, Tepelene and Gjirokastër and provide whole this area with access to the sea. The new road will expand and enhance tourism offer incredibly. Whoever travels to Korça, Permet or Gjirokaster will be provided the opportunity to drive further to explore more areas. The beachgoers to the Ionian beaches will also be provided the opportunity to explore the stunning landscape of the rural areas in Nivice. Such a diversity and a plethora of opportunities are a long-dreamed tourism offer for local and international tourists and this offer fuels local economy and tourism. Tepelene has now become a popular destination for visitors,” the Premier said.

Over years, visitors to Tepelene and the surrounding areas have encountered difficulties in finding accommodation and have been forced to drive back to Gjirokaster, but this reality is changing thanks to the new accommodation structures and guesthouses being opened in the villages throughout this area. “Agritourism is the future and it is the engine of the tourism industry,” Prime Minister Rama said, inviting local residents currently living and working abroad to return back home and invest their savings in agritourism businesses.