UK envoy сhampions potential for tourism in Kosovo - EXCLUSIVE

CE Report presents an exclusive interview conducted via email with Ardian Nrecaj, Communications Officer at the British Embassy in Pristina, shedding light on Ambassador Jonathan Hargreaves’ recent visit to the Sharr Mountains. The interview explores the purpose of the visit, its connection to promoting Kosovo’s natural heritage, and the Embassy’s ongoing initiatives to engage with local communities and encourage tourism in the region.

Could you please confirm the purpose of Ambassador Hargreaves’ visit to the Sharr Mountains - was it purely personal or part of a broader public diplomacy initiative?

The ambassador is a frequent visitor to that part of Kosovo. He is aiming to climb the 20 mountain peaks in Kosovo which are of 2500m or more – so far he has climbed seven, with different groups of people. Most recently he climbed Bistra peak with some members of the Kosovo Security Forces who had graduated from the UK’s military academy at Sandhurst. He aims to draw attention to Kosovo’s natural heritage and potential for tourism by both domestic and foreign tourists, and promote environmental protection. The idea of the ’20 Peaks’ comes in part from Scotland’s famous ‘Monroes’ - List of Munro mountains - Wikipedia

Are there any future plans by the British Embassy to promote Kosovo’s natural and cultural heritage through similar activities or projects?

The Ambassador aims to climb all 20 peaks during his time in Kosovo, and hopes to do this with different communities.

Was the visit coordinated with local authorities or tourism organizations in the region?

The Ambassador was hiking with a Kosovo-Albanian and a Kosovo-Serb friend and guide from Strpce / Brezovica region.

Photo: Kosova Press

This interview was prepared by Julian Müller