Albanian Tourism Minister Orders Crackdown on Illegal Beach Occupations

Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxha led an on‑site inspection of the Lungomare area in Vlorë, where officials found private businesses had placed tents and chairs beyond the permitted zones on public beaches. Gonxha warned that violators will face punitive measures, including fines and the seizure of equipment, and announced that similar checks will be extended along the entire Albanian coastline by the National Coastal Agency.

In the neighbouring Lezhë district, Chief Inspector Dashnor Sula of the Central Inspectorate announced continuous inspections of tourist zones with a zero‑tolerance policy for breaches that endanger public safety, such as illegal beach occupancy and food‑safety violations. A special task force has been created to monitor the coastal areas throughout the tourist season, reinforcing the government's commitment to uphold public‑beach access and safety.