FedHATTA – ATU: Tourism Cooperation Agreement between Greece and Albania for Joint Travel Packages and Promotion
On Friday, March 27, in Athens, FedHATTA and the Albanian Tourism Union (ATU) signed a Cooperation Agreement aimed at systematically strengthening cooperation between Greece and Albania in tourism.
The agreement was signed by the president of FedHATTA, Lysandros Tsilidis, and the president of ATU, Rrahman Kasa, during a meeting of particular symbolism and clear developmental orientation for the tourism of the two countries. The contribution of the Albanian Ambassador to Greece, H.E. Luela Hajdaraga, was crucial as the initiative was promoted with the support of the Albanian Embassy in Athens.
The agreement comes at a time when Albania is steadily strengthening its position on the region’s tourism map, being considered a rising star in tourism, with 12.5 million visitors recorded in 2025. The Agreement reflects the willingness of both parties to invest in a more structured collaboration with practical content and mutual benefit. Central to it are the mutual promotion of destinations, the enhancement of tourism flow between the two countries, the development of joint tourism packages, and the creation of cross-border routes.
Emphasis is also placed on expanding the business activity of the members of both federations, during a period when regional tourism interconnection is becoming increasingly important.
Particular weight was given to the dynamics of the Albanian market towards Greece, as a significant number of travelers from Albania choose Greek destinations such as areas in Northern Greece, Crete, and Epirus. In this direction, the new direct flights from Tirana to Athens and Tirana to Heraklion, operated by Sky Express and Aegean, also strengthen this initiative.
The meeting also highlighted the prospects for further development of combined travel packages to Greece and Albania, as there is already increased interest in travel products that combine visits to both countries. This trend is gaining particular significance as Albania attracts incoming tourism from the European Union, Israel, the Baltic countries, and other markets, with many visitors opting for leisure trips as well as round trips in the broader region.
Another area with strong cooperation prospects is alternative forms of tourism and outdoor activities, a sector that is thriving in both countries. Within this framework, possibilities for combined actions in outdoor tourism were discussed, referring to HATTA Outdoors, as well as initiatives connecting destinations with nature, activity, and gastronomy. A special discussion was held regarding Epirus, as a region suitable for such collaborations. As part of the initiatives, a visit by Greek travel agencies from neighboring regions to Albanian destinations is being prepared for professional meetings with corresponding agencies.
The president of FedHATTA, Lysandros Tsilidis, stated, “The signing of the Cooperation Agreement with the Albanian Tourism Union is a substantial step for the outward-looking and regional interconnection of organized tourism of the two countries. Greece and Albania can develop complementary tourism products, enhance their respective flows, create new business opportunities in tourism, and invest in modern forms of travel experience. Particularly in the areas of alternative tourism, outdoor activities, and combined routes, a field with significant prospects is being shaped. Our goal is for this agreement to achieve immediate practical results through specific joint actions and measurable outcomes.”
The Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to Greece, Luela Hajdaraga, stated, “It is a special joy to witness the signing of the Cooperation Agreement between ATU and FedHATTA in Athens. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Lysandros Tsilidis and Rrahman Kasa for their commitment to strengthening tourism cooperation between the two countries, and I feel proud that the Albanian Embassy in Greece contributed to promoting this important initiative.
This agreement opens new prospects for developing joint tourism packages, creating cross-border routes along the Ionian coast, jointly promoting in international markets, and enhancing cooperation between our tourism professionals. It comes at a symbolic moment as Albania and Greece celebrate 55 years since the restoration of their diplomatic relations, and it reflects our shared vision for further strengthening tourism flows and ties between our peoples.
Albania continues to emerge as a popular destination and one of the fastest-growing tourist countries in Europe, attracting increasing international interest. Last year, we welcomed over 12 million visitors, with Greece ranking fourth among the countries of origin for foreign tourists. We warmly invite our Greek friends to visit Albania and experience a country with which they share so much, including hospitality, generosity, and warmth towards their fellow human beings.”
The meeting also included businessman Dhimiter Cake, Nikolaos Kookai of Kookai Group of Companies, Joana Zhonga, First Secretary of the Embassy for Economic Diplomacy, Ilda Kasa, representative of Albania’s largest travel agency, Happy Tours, and the General Secretary of HATTA, Marios Kammenos.
About ATU The Albanian Tourism Union, founded 26 years ago, currently has 640 members and gathers some of the strongest representatives of the tourism sector in Albania, covering hotels, tour operators, ticket issuance, transportation, and outdoor activities. Its members include large tourism enterprises, including significant hotel units with up to 2,000 beds and major tour operators with a strong presence in the Balkans.
