The Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, has expressed high praise for Albania during an official visit, emphasizing the country’s impressive progress in tourism and its exceptional public safety. Speaking during his trip to Vlora, Adams described Albania as “a wonderful country with friendly people,” drawing parallels between New York’s diversity and Albania’s warm hospitality.
 |
| Eric Adams in Albania |
In his remarks, Adams shared a personal connection with the country, recalling how his son had visited Albania years ago and returned deeply impressed by its beauty and atmosphere as Shqiptarja.com reports.
“A few years ago, my son came here to perform and told me it was a very beautiful country. Since taking office, I’ve been in contact with your Prime Minister, and I had promised to come and witness the tourism development and discuss issues related to public safety and other common themes. That was about a year ago, but the timing wasn’t right then,” Adams explained.
“Albania Has Moved Forward Remarkably in Tourism”
During his speech, Adams highlighted how much Albania has advanced in tourism, noting the country’s growing appeal among international travelers.
“Today, I can see that tourism has progressed greatly. We want to improve it even further and bring new innovations through our cooperation,” Adams said.
The New York Mayor suggested that both cities—New York and Vlora—share a spirit of resilience and growth. He went on to describe New York as “the Albania of America,” a place filled with hardworking, determined people who value community and family.
“Your country is wonderful, and your people are very friendly. You have an extraordinary sense of safety. You can walk the streets at night without any problem,” he remarked, highlighting Albania’s impressive public security.
Proposal for Direct Flight Between New York and Albania
One of the most notable announcements from Adams’ visit was his expression of interest in establishing a direct flight route between New York and Albania. The proposal, which mirrors recent air connections created between New York and Azerbaijan, is seen as a step that could dramatically enhance tourism and business exchange between the two nations.
“We are currently exploring several countries to expand cooperation with, and we would love to create a direct air line between New York and Albania, just as we did with Azerbaijan,” Adams revealed.
Such a direct flight would not only facilitate travel for the growing Albanian diaspora in the United States but also encourage more American tourists to visit Albania’s stunning coastlines, vibrant culture, and historic cities like Tirana, Berat, and Vlora.
Strengthening U.S.–Albania Relations Through Tourism and Innovation
Adams emphasized that his visit was not just symbolic but aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in tourism, innovation, and public safety. He pointed out that both New York and Albania have much to gain from sharing experiences in areas such as technology, urban development, and community-based tourism.
“Cooperation in tourism and innovation represents a new opportunity to strengthen relations between Albania and the United States,” he said.
Adams also acknowledged the deep ties between the two nations, noting that New York is home to one of the largest Albanian communities in America.
“New York is like the Albania of Americans, because we have a large Albanian population that contributes greatly to our city,” he concluded.
A Visit Marking a New Chapter in U.S.–Albania Friendship
Eric Adams’ visit comes at a time when Albania has seen record-breaking tourism growth, drawing millions of visitors from across Europe and beyond. His remarks about Albania’s safety and progress reflect a growing international recognition of the country as one of the fastest-developing tourist destinations in the Balkans.
Vlora, where the Mayor delivered his speech, has recently become a focal point of Albania’s tourism renaissance—boasting new infrastructure, a modern marina, and increasing foreign investments.
Adams’ appreciation of Albania’s achievements and his commitment to strengthening bilateral ties symbolize a new chapter in U.S.–Albania friendship, with tourism and innovation serving as key bridges between the two nations.
As Albania continues to evolve as a top European destination, partnerships like these could help bring even more visibility and opportunities—making Albania not just a “wonderful country with friendly people,” but a global success story of transformation and hospitality.