On January 10, 2025, Minister of Tourism and Environment Mirela Kumbaro held a courtesy meeting with Ioannina’s Mayor Thomas Begas. The meeting was also attended by Irida Laçi, the Consul General of Albania in Ioannina; Flamur Golemi, the Mayor of Gjirokastra; Dhimitraq Toli, the Mayor of Dropulli; and Stefanos Zervas, the Deputy Mayor of Ioannina, who oversees city diplomacy, tourism, and business development
The primary focus of the discussion was to enhance ties and cooperation in tourism, culture, and European initiatives between Southern Albania—comprising seven municipalities in the Gjirokastra District—and the Municipality of Ioannina

Mayor Begas emphasized that cooperation with Southern Albania is a top priority for Ioannina, stating, “It is our duty to foster friendship and collaboration within the framework of ‘city diplomacy’ and our shared aspirations.” The conversation highlighted the significance of the Adriatic-Ionian axis and the completion of the Ioannina-Kakavija road, both of which are expected to open new opportunities for development and collaboration between the two regions.
Minister Kumbaro provided a comprehensive overview of tourism statistics for 2024 in Albania, which saw a record 11 million tourists visiting a country with fewer than 2.5 million residents. She also noted that Albania is hosting the world’s largest tourism fair, ITB Berlin, this year.

In conclusion, it was agreed that following the Berlin fair, teams from the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, the Municipality of Gjirokastra, and the Municipality of Ioannina will convene to discuss a joint strategy for promoting combined tourism, cultural, educational, and environmental initiatives, set to launch in Gjirokastra from mid to late March 2025.