For the first time in Tirana, the Tourism Grand Excellence event was held

On the evening of September 30th, in Tirana, at the "Geraldine" hall of the Maritim Hotel Plaza, the curtain was raised for the first edition of the Gala event - Tourism Grand Excellence Awards, to honor various actors operating in the field of tourism who have inspired and developed this sector in Albania, organized by Albanian Excellence and Travel Magazine - Balkans.

Conceived and brought to life by Flora Nikolla, the president of Albanian Excellence, and Flora Xhemani Baba, the publisher of Travel Magazine Balkans, with the aim of highlighting successful experiences and best practices in the respective tourism industry in Albania, positively influencing the industry's stakeholders to cultivate a culture of excellence in tourism, focused on quality and sustainability, and setting strong standards. This project concluded with a high-level evening where 22 of the best in Albanian Tourism walked the red carpet, honored with certificates, some of the most prominent businesses were recognized, and figures who are no longer with us but have left a deep mark on this sector were remembered.

High-profile personalities from Politics, Art, Albanian Society, and the business world were present at the event. Among them, Deputy Minister of Tourism Mrs. Vilma Bello, Director of Tourism in the Municipality of Tirana Mrs. Ketrina Jarazi, Vlora Deputy Mr. Arbi Agalliu, former deputy in multiple legislatures Mr. Spartak Braho, Mayor of Lezha Mr. Pjerin Ndreu, Deputy Mayors of Gjirokastra Mrs. Esmeralda Llongo and Mrs. Kristina Gushi, Deputy Mayors of Vlora Mr. Klevis Kaso and Mrs. Irena Toshkallari, Saranda Mr. Florjan Sali, etc.

The evening was honored by artists Kastriot Tusha, Eva Golemi, Jonela Golemi, Ardita Bufaj, Laura Llozi, who performed parts of their repertoire, enhancing this gala evening. Beautiful handcrafted dresses by Albanian artisans paraded in a special fashion show organized by Joni Braho and Handmade by Love.

The trophy awarded to the entities honored at this event was a bronze artwork created by artist Marjana Goxhabelliu. The trophy awarded to the TEA application was conceptualized differently, to be in complete harmony with its typology, as a product of innovation and technology.

In the Gala event, alongside trophies and several appreciation certificates, two "In Memoriam" awards were given, entirely special, in honor of Pier Paolo Ambrosi and Ndoc Mulaj for their outstanding and long contributions to the field of tourism and the local community.

Also, at the event, Kantina Max Mavrud was honored with a certificate of appreciation, with the motivation "For the exceptional contribution to reviving the former glory of one of the most distinguished regions of Albania, Leskovik, through the noble product of wine, choosing indigenous varieties such as Mavrud, White Debinë, and Black Debinë, the famous Pinot of Leskovik, and international cultivars, which have left a mark on the history of the area."

Tourism Grand Excellence honored:

1. Fafa Resorts - Best all-inclusive resort for 2023
2. Sharr Travel - Best all-Albanian travel agency for 2023
3. Diamma Resort - Best family resort for 2023
4. Regina Group - Best tourism group in Albania for 2023
5. Hotel Kraal-Vlorë - Friendliest hotel for 2023
6. Albanian Rafting Group - Best adventure tourism agency for 2023
7. Shtegu i Ngjyrave - Best mountain trail for 2023
8. Lezha - Best destination for local gastronomy for 2023
9. Hotel Plaza Tirane - Best business & conference hotel for 2023
10. Gjirokastra - Best cultural destination for 2023
11. VIS Albania - Best organization for supporting rural tourism for 2023
12. VM Resort & SPA - Best service resort for 2023
13. Aquila's Nest Vineyards - Albanian diaspora, Best agrotourism for 2023
14. Perla e Tomorrit - Best mountain resort for 2023
15. Melia Resort Durres - Best investment for 2023
16. Agrotourism Association - Agrotourism Award for 2023
17. Finikas Lines - Best transport agency for 2023
18. Hotel Lakaj - Best hotel in strategy and marketing
19. Saranda - Best destination for 2023
20. Kalaja e Tiranes - Best cultural heritage destination for 2023
21. Pushime on Top - Best tourism show for 2023
22. TEA Application - Innovation Award for 2023.