Albanian cultural heritage preservation and promotion

Albania has initiated several programs focused on the preservation and promotion of its cultural heritage. The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, announced the discovery of 19 new archaeological sites and increased investment in the documentation of cultural assets. The state also plans to intervene to restore residential buildings designated as ‘Cultural Monuments’ at risk of degradation, starting with projects in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Gjirokastra.

Beyond domestic preservation, cultural heritage is being used for international diplomacy. Albania and Kosovo held a joint exhibition at the Embassy Festival 2026 in The Hague to showcase traditional products and musical performances. Additionally, North Macedonia hosted a Cultural Week in Albania, featuring various musical performances in Tirana and Durrës to strengthen regional ties.

Recent developments include the return of the Albanian National Film Festival to Tirana after a 14-year hiatus. The festival honors cinematic legends such as Reshat Arbana and Roza Anagnosti with career achievement awards, though it has faced criticism regarding organizational errors and insufficient infrastructure and promotion for the domestic film industry. Meanwhile, the joint exhibition in The Hague continues to feature traditional foods, wines, and musical performances by the Dardanët Ensemble to promote regional identity and tourism.