speakers in the event

03 July 2025
Interreg ON CLOUD NINE+ strengthens In Tirana Cross-Border Tourism through Air Connectivity
Overview

On 2 July 2025, the Albanian Civil Aviation Authority (ACAA), as Project Partner of the ON CLOUD NINE+ project, hosted a dynamic B2B Meeting of Cross-Border Tourism Operators at Europe House in Tirana. The event brought together tourism and transport stakeholders from Albania, Italy, and Montenegro, aiming to promote joint touristic offers and sustainable air connectivity across the South Adriatic region.

Held under the motto "Building Routes, Bridging Regions", the event featured a rich agenda including panel discussions, bilateral meetings, best practice exchanges, and presentations by tourism operators from the three partner countries. Opening remarks were delivered by Mrs. Aida Pipiko (ACAA), Mr. Nicola Lapenna (Aeroporti di Puglia), and Mr. Milos Jankovic (Airport of Montenegro), setting the tone for a collaborative and action-oriented day.

A key focus of the B2B was on identifying feasible and sustainable air transport solutions as outlined in the project’s Joint Action Plan. Stakeholders explored opportunities for multimodal tourism packages, digital promotion of cross-border routes, and closer coordination among institutions, air operators, and tourism professionals.

The day concluded with a virtual creative tourism walk through Tirana Castle, showcasing how urban regeneration can enhance cultural tourism. This hands-on experience complemented the broader discussions on how regional cooperation can unlock the full potential of tourism in the South Adriatic.

The B2B meeting reaffirmed the commitment of all partners to design integrated, inclusive, and sustainable tourism routes that connect regions, people, and opportunities—on cloud nine and beyond.

The ON CLOUD NINE+ project is co-funded by the Interreg IPA South Adriatic Programme and supports the development of cross-border models for greener, smarter, and more connected air transport and tourism strategies.