Skopje, 4 March 2026 (MIA) - On the sidelines of the world's leading travel trade show ITB Berlin, Minister of Culture and Tourism Zoran Ljutkov met with Albania's Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja. 

According to the Ministry of Culture, talks focused on promoting bilateral cooperation in tourism and culture, with a particular emphasis on cross-border development and joint regional promotion.

Interlocutors discussed deepening cooperation between border regions, as well as opportunities for joint application to European funds IPA and Interreg. The Ministers also tackled development of joint tourism products in the Ohrid-Prespa Region, as an authentic destination of shared cultural and natural values.

Special attention was directed towards creating joint tourist routes as well as cultural and historical tours connecting monasteries, tradition and gastronomy on both sides of the border.

Participants in the meeting also looked into opportunities for the development of ecological and adventure tourism, including hiking, lake tours and cycling trails. 

The Ministers stressed the importance of a coordinated approach to third markets through B2B events and presentations to tour operators, so as to promote the region as a single tourism entity. The role of the Macedonian Cultural and Information Center in Tirana as a platform promoting Macedonian culture and art was also highlighted.  

"The meeting reaffirms the commitment of both countries to building a strong regional partnership and a shared vision for sustainable and competitive tourism development in the Balkans," reads the press release.

Photo: Ministry of Culture