The old Bazaar in Gjirokaster, one of the most visited areas at foothill beneath the imposing Gjirokaster castle and which best preserves tradition in its every element and part, is being transformed into one of the most attractive destinations for local and foreign visitors to the museum city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The bazaar is being remodelled under the Urban Renaissance programme, including renovation of the old buildings’ facades, as well as the recently launched guesthouses and bed and breakfast accommodations that are constantly opening their doors to welcome and offer the typical Albanian hospitality and generosity.

Prime Minister Edi Rama walked through the city’s historic part and he met local residents and managers of various guesthouses to discuss perspective of this year’s quite promising tourist season after a year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We will relax and open the season and you will have a lot of customers,” the Premier told one of the most renowned stoneworker while visiting his workshop in Gjirokaster. “The worst is being left behind and the best lies ahead of us all. Let the tourist season be open and let the work kick-start full steam ahead. We faced a tough period due the pandemic, but we will drive this cholera away and we will have a good season,” the Premier went on saying, adding that we will get out of the recent difficult situation patiently and courageously.

The government head then visited some newly-opened guesthouses, which represent a fresh opportunity for Gjirokaster to attract more visitors and long-staying guests. “Dozens of hotels and guesthouses have been built in Gjirokaster, while just one hotel was operational seven years ago. The new accommodation structures will give a fresh impetus to development of tourism in Gjirokaster,” Rama said.