Albania highlights its heritage at BMTA 2025 in Italy

The Bylis Archaeological Park was presented at the 27th edition of the “Mediterranean Archaeological Tourism Fair – BMTA 2025,” the most important international event for archaeological tourism, held from October 30 to November 2 in Paestum, Italy.

Albania is participating for the first time in this event, in partnership with AICS Tirana, the Italian Agency for Development and Cooperation, CE Report quotes ATA.

The Bylis Archaeological Park project was showcased as a successful example of cooperation between the European Union, Italy, and Albania.

The opening session was attended by Edmondo Cirielli, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy; Lira Pipa, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sports of Albania; Marco Riccardo Rusconi, Director of AICS; Ugo Picarelli, Director of BMTA; as well as senior representatives from Syria and Albania.

In her speech, Deputy Minister Pipa emphasized that projects such as “Bylis and Antigonea” demonstrate how Mediterranean cooperation turns heritage into opportunities for economic development, sustainable tourism, and local community engagement.

“During 2025, over 1.3 million tourists visited our archaeological and cultural sites, reflecting growing interest in cultural tourism in Albania,” Pipa said.

During the fair, Albanian representatives met with Mounir Bouchenaki, a cultural figure, Advisor to the Director-General of UNESCO, and Honorary President of the Fair. They discussed next year’s participation and the organization of a conference on heritage and archaeological tourism in Albania.

The Bylis Archaeological Park is a rare asset of Albanian cultural heritage and one of the best-preserved cities of Illyria. Bylis is built on a hill overlooking the Vjosa Valley, featuring monumental walls from the 4th century BC, an impressive theater, rare mosaics, and five early Christian basilicas.

At the event, film footage of Bylis was presented, and several archaeological findings from the park over the years were exhibited.

BMTA is the only event in the world dedicated specifically to archaeological tourism, bringing together experts, institutions, tour operators, and companies to share ideas, projects, and new collaborations, as well as business opportunities for operators.

The event is promoted by the Campania region and the archaeological parks of Paestum and Velia. Its aim is to improve archaeological parks and museums, promote archaeological tourist destinations, encourage marketing, extend tourism seasons, and increase economic opportunities and employment effects.

Special attention is given to the use of innovative technologies to create a more immersive experience in archaeology and museology.