One of the most important elements of summer tourism in Durrës has always been the influx of vacationers from Kosovo.
Geographical proximity and affordable prices have kept this city on their list of first choices.
But this summer, there seems to be a decline in their numbers, at least according to some of the holidaymakers who spoke to Euronews Albania.
“I’ve been coming from Ferizaj, Kosovo, for 9 years. Let’s see how I’ll spend this year, because the reception is not good. They don’t welcome us well. It’s more expensive than other years,” says one of them.
“There were fewer visitors than last year, probably due to economic issues,” says another.
Another vacationer adds: “Yes, it’s good, it’s great, it’s a normal tourist destination. Every year there are fewer and fewer, as you can see I’m not wrong. But maybe the reason, the prices, the euro. It makes them more expensive because when we break the euro, the price is more expensive.”
However, for many others, Durrës still remains a viable choice, offering more compared to prices in other destinations.
“From Drenica, I come every year. The prices are the same, everywhere is better compared to other places. In two weeks I’ll probably come again, stay 2-3 days,” says another vacationer.
“I leave with the best impressions. Good climate, good sea, affordable prices. I believe we will visit Durrës next year,” adds another.
“I come from Kosovo, it’s very good. The prices are all right, I’ve been coming for 6 years,” says another vacationer.
The flow of holidaymakers from Kosovo may have changed, but Durrës remains a key point on their tourist map.
With an increasingly demanding market, the country’s largest beach must maintain not only competitive prices, but also the quality of service, so as not to lose one of the season’s most loyal visitors.