TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE APRIL MAY 2022

TOURISM | HOSPITALITY | BUSINESS | DIPLOMACY | CULTURE

FEBRUARY 2021

APRIL/MAY 2022

TOURISM | HOSPITALITY | BUSINESS | DIPLOMACY | CULTURE

FEBRUARY 2021

APRIL/MAY 2022

ALBANIA Needs Full Year Tourism, 10M Tourists by 2025

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IN THIS ISSUE

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“Branded Residences”

36

SPOTLIGHT on Martin Eyerer, CEO of Factory Berlin

APRIL/MAY 2022

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44 50

Milos Cerovic’s Ehmg

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Bekim Morina

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AYC Aims to Be a Global Yacht Destination

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ALBANIA Needs Full Year Tourism

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How Hospitality Will Emerge from the Pandemic

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Cube Cloche – Unique Collection

by MyGlassStudio

SWISS to be the World’s...

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Postcard from Durrës city

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The Finnish Secret Sauce Of Happiness

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The Uniqueness of Chenot Method at ONE&ONLY

100 108 114

Queen Teuta Spa

IN BRIEF

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YAC H T I N G & T O U R I S M

AYC Aims to Be a Global Yacht Destination by Showing Albanian Riviera to the World

BY RUDINA HOXHA & JOSE PINTO

Aldi Bozaxhiu, Founder of Albania Yacht Charter (AYC) takes the readers of TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE in the magic world of sea and yachts. He explains this world so well when he says: “The magic of going out to sea, where there are no borders or horizons, the feeling of being overwhelmed, of living every moment with fullness and energy, the possibility of abandoning oneself to the most incredible emotions is what makes us go further.”

His goal is to promote the Albanian Riviera through AYC, which has created a comprehensive network of services over time.

“We have a distributed fleet over all the Albanian coast, but the majority of our fleet is positioned from Orikum Marina, Vlora, Himara (Porto Palermo) and of course Saranda. Saranda is a hot spot for Albanian Riviera because of its proximity with Corfu,” Bozaxhiu said in this exclusive interview.

Being the official dealer of the Fiart Mare, a shipyard based in Naples, AYC is the only company that has expanded its operations in Greece, Italy, Montenegro, France.

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FULL INTERVIEW BELOW: Can you please introduce Albania Yacht Charter to our readers, what services and facilities you and your team can provide?

AYC (Albania Yacht Charter) loomed on the horizon of Yachting and Tourism as a pioneer in this field.

Throughout these years, AYC has grown along with this field and with the new experiences that this field offers, creating new markets and innovative services in this market.

Currently AYC offers the widest fleet and the most options for Luxury Yachts, Motorboats, Sailboats, Speedboats, Catamarans and Gulets, off the coast of Albania. We work

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YAC H T I N G & T O U R I S M

only with selected and professional boats, verifying each boat, to ensure the highest standards for our customers.

AYC is the only company that has expanded its operations in Greece, Italy, Montenegro, France.

AYC has created a network of services over time, in order to make the yachting experience as comprehensive as possible. In addition to sailing and sunbathing or an aperitif on the yacht, AYC also offers off-board entertainment such as: scuba diving, pre-cladding, jet skiing, stand-up paddle, kayak, fishing. AYC has also selected the hotspots of the Albanian Riviera and has built unforgettable itineraries with them.

AYC offers a professional provisioning service for the yachts on our fleet and for our partners. Throughout the years, AYC has become a synonym of trust for fleet operators and brokers around the world regarding Albania Riviera.

AYC is the official dealer of the Fiart Mare, a shipyard based in Naples. The shipyard has entrusted us the representation of their brand in Albania, with the alignment of both companies’ philosophy and passion for the sea. The magic of going out to sea, where there are no borders or horizons, the feeling of being overwhelmed, of living every moment with fullness and energy, the

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The reservation time depends from the charter and yacht type. The luxury motor yachts need at least one-two week prior notice because the preparation of the itinerary, provisioning, contract handling, ports procedures, bunkering etc. are more complex and these clients need more attention. We barely accept last minute reservation for this kind of charter, because our main goal is our guest satisfaction and expectation.

Anyway, we try to automate as much as we can the processes that we can in order to accept last minute reservation but without affecting the quality of our service.

possibility of abandoning oneself to the most incredible emotions is what makes us go further.

AYC offers the possibility to every yacht owner or new owner to utilize his boat to the maximum, ensuring the owners to use their boat for they pleasure but also to charter it during the periods that the boat is free. This is a smart way to get the most out of your boat.

-What type and Size of Yachts are you capable of providing and what notice or reservation time is needed?

We have a range of different type of yachts for any client’s request.

We offer weekly charter from 42 meters schooner catamaran, 33-40 meters luxury motor yachts, daily charters with motor yachts and sailing boats.

For daily charters the process is much easier and more automated and we are more flexible to accept reservation even 24 hours prior (sometimes even less).

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-Where are the points in the Albania Coast that visitors can presently hire and request for your services?

We have a distributed fleet over all the Albanian coast, but the majority of our fleet is positioned from Orikum Marina, Vlora, Himara (Porto Palermo) and of course Saranda. Saranda is a hot spot for Albanian Riviera because of its proximity with Corfu. Also, Saranda and its surrounding offers one of the most beautiful itineraries in Albania.

We also offer our services in Durres and Cape of Rodon and we often mix these itineraries with Montenegro in the north.

-Does AYC also provide Marina services to foreign Yachts visiting Albania?

We provide Marina services through our one cooperator in every port or marina in Albania. What we add to this service is the itineraries that the guest might like, outdoor offshore and inland activities. Recommendations for hotels, villages and restaurants.

Our goal is to make Albania a global destination for the yacht charter industry, and that’s why we try to keep the visiting yachts as much as we can in Albania, and showing to them the beauties of the Albanian Riviera.

-What is the minimum time length to hire and use a yacht. What packages do you offer?

-We understand that presently the infrastructure for servicing super yachts is far from the ideal. How does AYC manage such a situation, especially during peak season?

The minimum time length is daily cruisers charter (8-10 hours), with fixed ore flexible itineraries or sometimes only transfers. We also have created some packages for those who wants to celebrate different occasions in their

It is true, the infrastructure is far from ideal, even though some serious major projects are ongoing. But sometimes your disadvantages can become your advantages. What I mean by this?

Not having an ideal infrastructure,

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of our service because these projects are a core element to the service that we provide. Anyway, we have tried, and I can proudly say that we have succeeded, in offering the same exact service and quality as our colleagues in Greece or Montenegro, compared to our infrastructure.

Sometimes we go to lengths for our clients in order to provide for them the best services, that our colleagues in the neighboring countries do not even think to do it. That’s why some of the biggest brokers and fleet operators trust their clients to our services in Albania, even though Albania is an unchartered territory for them, and this is our way to make Albania a new destination for this kind of industry.

means fewer super yachts in Albania, which means those super yachts that we accommodate have the beautiful Albanian Riviera all per se. From our experience, we have understood that the kind of guest that these yachts accommodate are in the search of the new unexplored and virgin destination, adventure and specially privacy. (However, they have all the luxury they want in their yachts.)

Our policy in this kind of yachts is to never overestimate what our infrastructure can handle and we explain in details what to expect.

We have had cases when we have declined requests from super yachts that was near impossible to accommodate in Albania for charter, because we want that this kind of clients to be our ambassadors in the future.

-With the arrival of the new Marinas in different locations of Albania, being more predominant in Durres and south of Albania, would AYC be changing their actual operative model and also participate in any of those investments, providing duty free and other Marina services to foreign yachts?

It is true that some major Marina projects are ongoing and this a very good news for Albania. I don’t think that our operating model will change, but for sure, we will aim the perfection

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life. This packages include business meeting, marriage proposals, gender reveal, romantic and anniversary dinner, birthday parties etc. We also have created some special packages (mostly during low season) for the companies that wants to do advertising, filming, TV shows.

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BY RUDINA HOXHA & JOSE PINTO

“T

ravel and tourism are a 1.24-billiondollar industry in Albania and is rapidly growing by 6.2% annually. It is expected to become a 2.1-billiondollar industry by 2028, an indicator of Albania’s Tourism Industry’s abundant opportunities and beneficial climate for business. Albania aims to attract 10 million tourists by 2025.”

This was declared by Mrs. Kornelia Ferizaj, General Director of the National Tourism Agency during an exclusive interview she gave to TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE on the onset of the new tourism season in Albania.

According to her, Albania is reaching bigger markets easier than in the past.

She said that a streamlined tourism infrastructure, new investments in the country as well as the presence of low-cost carriers and direct flights have brought in Albania tourists with buying power such from the Middle East and Asia.

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T O U R I S M / H O S P I TA L I T Y

Albania Needs Full Year Tourism, 10M Tourists by 2025

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bodies operating in the field of tourism; Promotes investments in priority areas for tourism development by cooperating with other public institutions to encourage investment in the country.

The role of the Agency within the Ministry of Tourism is to develop long term developmental strategies: It outlines maintaining the quality of environment and also establishing a stable economy in which will ensure steady flow of tourists in the region.

- Please can you tell us more about yourself and your main responsibilities in the National Agency of Tourism?

What do you aim to attain?

I run the Albanian National Tourism Agency, as the General Director Since December 2018. It was a challenging position for me, but I accepted it with all the responsibility to push forward the development of the tourism sector in Albania. This is an excellent opportunity for me to present Albania as a touristic destination among the other countries in the Region, to promote Albania in the international Market and to most importantly feature Albania among the holiday destinations.

- What is the primary role of the National Agency of Tourism within the Ministry of Tourism and Environment?

The National Tourism Agency is an institution which Implements marketing policies in the field of tourism by promoting Albanian tourism at national and international level to create the image of Albania as a tourist destination in the international market, Provides information to visitors, travellers and tourists about the tourist services offered, tourist products and destinations, activities and other useful data; Promotes the product and tourist destinations inside and outside the country, cooperating with regional tourism offices, local government and other

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Albania aims to attract 10 million tourists by 2025. In order to achieve our target for 10 million tourists annually; we need tourism for the 12 months of the year by combining culture, nature and human heritage.

Some of the underexploited potentials that we recommend future development to be focused on are: - How do you foresee the travel and hospitality industry in Albania for 2022 and beyond? What do you want to convey to the visitors about the “unspoilt” Albania?

• Supporting family businesses in tourism, especially in rural areas and places that struggle with high levels of unemployment among youth and women.

• Raising awareness of the importance of ecology and eco-sustainability in pace with the development of tourism • Encouraging local entrepreneurs for opening side businesses with complementary offers in underpopulated places.

• Exploring the potential for crossborder connecting and cross border itineraries and business networking • Promoting opportunities for unified approach of Balkan countries to distant markets instead of the popular “competitors” approach.

• Most important of all is the education of the population – local people who may participate in creating the offer are not currently confident with inventions mainly because they are the opposite type of traveller than the tourists they are

. In order to achieve our target for 10 million tourists annually; we need tourism for the Travel and tourism are a 1.24-billion-dollar industry in Albania and is rapidly growing by 6.2% annually. It is expected to become a 2.1-billion-dollar industry by 2028, an indicator of Albania’s Tourism Industry’s abundant opportunities and beneficial climate for business.

Tackling New Markets: Albania welcomes tourists of varying budgets, time-frames and most importantly interests. Improvements in tourism infrastructure and new investments have contributed in making Albania ready to welcome tourists with buying power such as from the Middle East and Asia. The emergence of low-cost carriers and direct flights with Middle East etc makes approaching new markets a lot easier than in the past.

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FULL INTERVIEW BELOW:

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- What are the measures the Albanian National Agency of Tourism is planning to take on the verge of the start of the new tourism season?

Albania now offers a complete package of tourist destinations: from beach tourism to nature and ecotourism; from art & culinary tourism to health tourism, from cultural tourism to MICE & Event.

of vaccination, a negative PCR test taken less than 72 hours before arrival, a rapid antigen test taken less than 48 hours before arrival or evidence that you have recovered from Covid-19 within the last six months.

All we need to achieve is Product Diversification: offering more than sun, sand and beaches. Albania for example needs to diversify its tourism product offer. For instance, Medical tourism, MICE tourism, culinary tourism, need to be developed taking into account their potential in Albania.

We also need to position ourselves in the Balkans as a green destination.

Tourists who choose to visit the Balkans are prepared to experience green destinations, eco-tourism offer and clean environments.

- What are the long term objectives to position Albania in other international markets?

- With the ease of anti-COVID 19 restrictions, what measures are being considered for those visiting Albania in the coming months?

With the ease of Anti-Covid 19 restrictions, all land borders are open and there is no restricted movement around the country. Measures to contain Covid-19 remain in effect, including night-time curfews from 11 pm to 6 am and mandatory face masks indoors and on public transport. All foreign nationals over the age of six must have one of the following: proof

Albania has done great efforts in promoting its tourism. In the last few years, Albania has implemented its promotion strategies in advertising and selling of its tourism potentials.

The government has diversified tourist destinations in different Albanian cities where each of them has uniqueness and beauty in the landscapes, culture and people.

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transportation, activity planning, and food services, but also resource protection and conservation.

- On a personal note, how crucial has been the role of your family in achieving your success?

I know it may sound like a cliché, but my family is all my strength, especially my two little ones. I am a mother of two daughters, my elder one is 5 years old and the younger one is 8 months. As difficult as it is to handle your time between family and career, the stronger you become to achieve more and to be a role model for your children and to raise them with the example that a strong woman in family can be a strong woman in society.

Tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global economy. Due to the region being ‘undiscovered’ and ‘unknown,’ today the entire Balkan region is going through a golden age of tourism growth. Most countries are relying on it for their economic growth, including Western Balkan countries, which are investing in tourism and considering it as keysector for their development.

Yet, tourism’s strict interdependence with other sectors such as the environment, education, health, and transport, makes it even more challenging to reach the goals countries’ have for the sector. For example, the tourism sector strongly relies on local human capital, which means that tourism and hospitality employees should be correctly trained for specific jobs and that mobility should be facilitated both in terms of infrastructures and public transport (transport sector). Tourism is indeed a largely service-based sector, which ranges from travel, accommodation,

Albania for example needs to diversify its tourism product offer. For instance, Medical tourism, MICE tourism, need to be developed taking into account their potential in Albania.

We also need to position ourselves in the Balkans as a green destination.

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T O U R I S M / H O S P I TA L I T Y

about to offer to. This gap can only be overcome with non-formal education and showing positive experiences first-hand.

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BY JOSE PINTO *

D

uring pandemic times and sifting through the winners and losers during it, I found that when a family that partially owns its company, that company tends to do better. What were or even are the reasons?

A family tends to look after “its “investment better, i.e. they keep their management team on a shorter leash and on its “toes” as customary said.

owned Hospitality properties and instead turn their sights to large, enterprises. As a result, they are shielded from indiscriminate sell-offs by big investors. In short, Hospitality properties or companies owned and operated by a family with an HOTEL expert endured milder liquidity swings and have emerged as relative winners during any pandemic times.

In my opinion how hospitality will emerge from the pandemic?

In my opinion, “Covid-19 becomes a launch pad for reflection for hoteliers and many other businesses. They were asked to review and reconsider their processes, flatten the hierarchy, and enhance cross-cooperation as not seen in most past recent times.

They have been seen improving their teams’ agile decisions obliged by the last minute business requests and also to meet regularly to share best practices to enhance on the guest / customer experience, share market trends, novelties, concepts among many others.

A family is most the times agile and can make decisions faster, their portfolio is in most times less diverse making the success or failure of the company all the more critical, and the family has a much deeper “socioemotional attachment” to its business than any management company.

In the European Countries context, families tend to have a long-term, intergenerational vision that is not “100% rational”, i.e. solely based on profit and loss. In particular, small owned companies with a CEO/ Chairman who is a member of the family outperformed better than any other.

New models have been and are emerging. They will rule in the near future that “hotels are no longer a place where you only sleep” as still believed by many. The “hotel of the future” needs something more. Hotels and Resorts must become the heart of their communities, offering a new

Funds and private equity firms do not tend to co invest in small or family-

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How Hospitality Will Emerge from the Pandemic

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F O U N D E R ’ S N OT E

country market and community. Along with that we need to URGENTLY open the doors to new employees from outside and new to the hospitality services. The labor shortage is and going to be very critical in the months and years to ahead. Re-engineering the salary and instant and long-term incentives will be crucial for attracting and retaining among trust and “business partnership”. High rotation and turnover on service employee in “front and back of the properties” are in most cases due to factors not associated to salary; therefore each business must conduct its own detection and be ready to accept criticism. Such will open the two ways trust needed to run a steady and profitable business.

As like, trust-building has been critical in hotel/resort and other hospitality in the efforts to bring guest back as the pandemic ends.

Just to reflect

customer experience, innovative and conceptual services that are relevant to the community and attracts tourists and visitors.

One of the unexpected benefits of the pandemic has been flexibility and ability to adapt to business within the

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why wine knows no crisis!

Wine consumption was up during the lockdown period throughout Europe and in Albania with no exception.

Producers saw there was a room for “measured optimism”. As they explore their business with wineries and cottages or even rural tourism hotels.

The introduction of new wines made out of ancient casts was also

an uptrend. Visitor’s consumers and customers, backed by local initiatives, intend to increase their purchases of domestic stay and at same purchase wines, according to my review and interviews with wine producers and connoisseurs the Wine, ago and tourism is

a trend that will stay for long.

In particular, independent small and medium wine producers with cottage were the biggest winners, not only because of the wine but also due to their new initiatives of promoting their regional culture, traditions, gastronomy along with their home/

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If 2022 is the beginning of the recovery then it must also be the time to brand rethinks?

There are many questions and visions about it, in my opinion not even the best and famous “ business gurus” can answer at present times why or why not brands underperformed in several markets and private owned have “float” and did well.

For a while each property will be facing their different challenges and must be ready for a long term strategic thinking. We had a look into several hotels, DMCS Travel advisors etc and find out that; The Corporate and group Segment won’t be coming back

regional made wines, liquors and many other products with overnight stays at their cottages. They were very active in social media and in promoting their region and regional products.

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as “healthy” and in quantities as they were. They have shown indices of being smaller and lastminute while corporate companies are on the videoconferencing. It saves them costs that are not to ignore at present and in the future.

Having that in mind, the immediate post-pandemic is still a leisure game.

It’s time NOW for you to re-examine your strategies and take a hard look at your plans for the long-term , not forgetting this is not a short term business and that the resumption of international flights and more normalized labor also can take time to re assembled . While not professing to have any magic formula, I put into and for your consideration;

either via your International Brand or by your own local distribution channel.

Hopping you has learned how to perform with lean/agile teams.

Don’t fall into the past practices. Stay trim and slim. Pay better for skilled multi-functional staff and reward them appropriately.

It’s all about Bottom line (net profits not occupancy or %)

Think out of the box as its customary saying, and think TrevPar is (total overall NET revenue divided into the available Rooms for the period).

Don’t only be dependent of B+B, get the empty spaces rentabilised by adding variety of service and goods that can enhance your revenues and improve your bottom line.

Finally measure your overall performance by GOPPAR (Gross Available profit per Room Available) or if operating only a restaurant and bar measure by available seat.

As final note Finding certainty in such uncertain times and seasons is tough to predict or assume what it’s going to happen in days or months. Hotel and Resort Owners and Operators best chance is to be turning their eyes to data, distribution and marketing and keep a close eye on results.

Go back to marketing. During past

pandemics, we have re directed our focus towards local and nearby communities market and the opportunities that they can generate to re build business. Have you invested on it? If not it’s still time.

Short-term rentals. More than

ever they are now everyone core competitor. Ensure you know what they offer within your regional or local market. Make sure your website delivers similar or other competitive rates and or package. It is a must to load some of your property availability into this new distribution channel

*Founder of JPHOSPITALITY.EU & Trailblazing Magazine

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Then let’s dig and think deeper.

Where do you as an owner will invest your capital, especially now that cash doesn’t bear fruits in an inflationary world?

Would you continue investing in a 5-star or Luxury brand? Or will you be considering diversifying your vison towards other “star and brands that can bring you “happiness”, I mean small but diversified international brands that can answer today’s customer expectances and give you also great returns?

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“Branded Residences”

– Another Trailblazing Concept of Concord Investment For the first time ever in Albania, such a model is being implemented by “San Pietro” Resort, at Lalzi Bay in cooperation with its strategic partner, the internationally well-known brand, “MELIA” Hotels International.

“

Concord investment” has been already launched as a consolidated group with a relatively broad experience ranging from the investments and projects in construction, networking, retail, management, national media and digital information.

The novelties about “Concord Investment” are always colorful and attractive especially those belonging to the “real estate” industry, one of the latest in this category - “Branded Residences”. The “Branded Residences” concept has existed for more than one century and has taken another development especially over the last decades.

The fast expansion of “immovables” sector has been progressing in proportion with a growing population, globally moving at a high “net” value equal to four times more in the last 20 years. This has led people to invest but they have always been short of the time to live

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and manage an immoveable property.

Aware of the value of the proposed brand for investment, “Branded Residences” is a magnet for the investors. A more qualitative design, coupled with additional elements in construction, safety and high level of dedicated services, are presented

as details that make the difference in what the concept “Branded Residences” offers.

Some of the main hotel brands in the world are constantly implementing this model in the residential spaces while the investors have recognized

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the added value of the brand in a highly competitive global market.

The “Branded Residences” concept is more prevailing in the United States of America, Asia and in Europe lately. The revival of “hospitality” industry has shown such models to be attractive especially in the Mediterranean in full swing market, characterized by extraordinary potentialities.

“MELIA” Hotels International.

As the immovables market is moving towards the urban centers in most of the metropolitan capitals all over the world, which have a high living standard, in the suburbs, constructions are increasing and the constant generation of the immovables in the developing markets will boost the rise in demand while the sector will constantly develop and ripe up.

For the first time ever in Albania, such a model is being implemented by “San Pietro” Resort, at Lalzi Bay in cooperation with its strategic partner, the internationally well-known brand,

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Naturally the new brands in “hospitality” industry will come in the market while the offer of services and commodities will be expanded with

an orientation towards the models built when the new buyers increase on number and they seek to invest consequently.

management for the residents of a totally commercial and private space, by changing completely the lifestyle in a Resort by the sea.

“Branded Residences” aims a safe investment with a quick return on the capital invested by fulfilling some criteria. This model offers many good possibilities in a global market oriented towards a category of clients always in search of qualitative properties.

“Branded Residences” takes care of some very attractive elements for the buyer:

1. Quality of construction with high standards where every construction ingredient is certified according to the “euro codes” and ecological standards “LEED” in operation by respecting the World Agenda of the 17 objectives (17 sustainable development goals);

“Branded Residences” has been launched as another concept of

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2. Extra works in the area of finishings and services starting from the air conditions to the “smart home” system, always according to the clients’demands;

area functioning as an elite residential area;

600 m2, including multi-spleet air conditioning system.

6. A guaranteed parking post; a

Characteristic is the use of a modern architectural style coupled with the elements of wood, in this case Brise soleil.

dedicated beach space;

3. Being close to the area dedicated

The area “Premium by Melia” at “San Pietro” Resort in Lalzi Bay has been perceived in:

to the hotels and branded as such, they offer a very good possibility to benefit from “full-option” services, offered by the Hotel;

a) 20 Elite Villa Units and Premium Individual Villas b) 75 Premium Apartaments Units

4. A profitable business model through “rent-lease” package, a magnet for the property owner;

5. An independent place, totally “private”, very far from the residential

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Every villa is private and monitored by security cameras. It has a personalised private swimming pool as well as a piece of land (garden) more than

Financing up to 80% of the investment amount according to a facilitated package for financing through mortgage credit as a part of the agreements with the second tier banks in Albania. Thus crediting is offered to all the Albanian clients or the foreign ones, employed in or outside the country.

This element serves for the visual unification of a modern ventilated and functional facade from the aspect of the villa’s shadowing.

Return of investment (ROI) up to 6% of the cost per year, in 10 years maximum. This is possible due to the functioning of the various packages of leasing model, thanks to the very long experience that our partner, MELIA Group offers.

Concluded finishings until the assistance of the private architects become available and you get the key of your villa.

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S TA R T U P S

SPOTLIGHT on Martin Eyerer, CEO of Factory Berlin Tirana Welcomed Us and Showed a Big Potential to Become Part of a Great Story

BY RUDINA HOXHA

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On the eve of FACTORY BERLIN’s presence in Tirana, the greatest European network of Startups, innovation, digital education, art and techno music with more than 5,000 members from 92 nationalities who interact with businesses and talents from all over the world from Google and Uber to the research centers of Siemens, Audi and Deutsche Bank and SoundCloud and so on and so forth.

TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE is privileged to interview Mr. Eyerer and find out what excites Factory Berlin in Albania and what is their big plan to make Albania a success story.

FULL INTERVIEW BELOW: 1. For those who don’t know, who is Martin Eyerer, and what’s Factory Berlin?

Martin Eyerer is an entrepreneur, founder, music producer, and DJ: during my career in music, I produced

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more than 250 records (one of them is called “Tirana”, by the way!) and traveled around the globe as a DJ, performing at club venues and on international festival stages.

As an entrepreneur and founder, I established several companies like the record label Kling Klong Records and the Riverside Studios Berlin. At Riverside Studios, we currently operate a complex of 27 music studios with an artist community of 60 residents who work with the world’s biggest names in the industry. We also operate 3,000 sq m with music-tech companies and startups in the creative and digital economy.

Alongside that, I am evolving Factory Berlin since 2018, and share the CEO role with Nico Gramenz. Factory Berlin is the largest startup ecosystem in Europe with more than 5,000 members from 92 nationalities, hundreds of startups, and numerous partners from the economy, industry, politics, tech, culture, and academia. We offer a relevant network for creators who want to be part of a curated and diverse community to achieve their goals and unleash their full potential.

Matching various needs with the expertise within our community, we help our members find their cofounders, business partners, advisors, muses, investors, talents, product

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of development. The work of the current Prime Minister Edi Rama and his government (as well as Erion Veliaj) results in massive effects in all fields to boost progress. When we first visited Tirana, we were literally stunned at how differently the established image of this country corresponds to reality.

During our visit, we met a lot of decision-makers, innovators, and entrepreneurs who showed a strong mindset, full investment in moving things, and stimulus to tangibly contribute to change.

It made me underline a direct contrast to most individuals in Germany, who have been lucky enough to grow up with a certain level of wealth achieved by the previous generations and are not burning for a change. Here in Germany, we always hear reasons why things do perhaps not work, instead of how we can make things work or do better. That wasn’t the mindset in the past decades, as the post-WW2 generations were urged to revamp the country.

Tirana warmly welcomed us and showed a big potential to become part of a great story. At Factory Berlin, we believe in the power of networks – not any kind of networks, but rather relevant ones. Our expertise in network-building can offer help in connecting ecosystems from Berlin to

testers, and first clients. They can develop innovation projects, gain access to funding, get inspiration and new learnings – all that with some great shared times. At Factory Berlin, we also provide physical spaces so that our community can arrange inperson appointments, exchange, collaborate, explore various ways for creative outputs, or join some of our 400+ events per year including unforgettable parties and festivals.

Our community campuses are located in Berlin and in Hamburg and offer more than 30,000 sq m of multifunctional space.

2. What are the things that are exciting for Factory Berlin in Albania? What kind of technology sectors is Factory Berlin interested in?

Distinctly, Albania is on its way to becoming a highly-developed country, moving from a rather lower stage

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ones existing in Albania, and further interlink the whole Balkan region, eventually. We also believe that there are significant opportunities for talents, solopreneurs, and startups from our community, alongside the ones from Albania and the Balkan region.

Before reaching new territories, we usually first spend time analyzing the existing clusters and key economic drivers in the local ecosystem and only then start to connect them to our ecosystem. After launching Factory Hammerbrooklyn in Hamburg (our very first campus outside of Berlin), we learned that we are also able to create a strong bond between local ecosystems: the North-German city’s innovation scene has a lot of players working in silos, and we proved

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ourselves as a powerful connector and facilitator for them.

3. What investment opportunities have you found in SEE in general and in Albania in particular?

Factory Berlin functions as a platform.

That means that we never invest by ourselves, but rather offer this opportunity to the partners that we bring with us. This way, we always stay neutral and don’t create competition.

This approach also enables us to work with the finest networks and partners from all fields.

In the SEE region and Albania, there is a huge pool of talents from various technology sectors. We noticed many established universities and upcoming new ones that will strengthen the

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The base for the digital economy (and the startup/tech scene) is the creative and cultural economy, and – in the case of Berlin – the special history of subcultures and the hedonistic lifestyle that attracts creative individuals from all over the world. This is the hotspot where the creatives, talents, and experts want to spend their lives. Berlin has for decades been a destination to experience for some time, get inspired, and go back or even stay longer. Without this massive factor, Berlin would not be where it is now. As already said, the startup economy always comes after the creative economy. In Berlin, every fourth job is in the field of the creative economy, and meanwhile, every fifth job is in the digital economy.

When looking at Albania, there is already a nice creative scene in place, but it needs to be leveraged in order to influence the digital economy growth. In both cases, there are the best conditions: the prime minister and mayor of the country and the capital clearly understand that and are invested in support of the creative economy, growing the image of Albania as a country where creative people and artists are welcome. For Factory Berlin, it forms a perfect foundation to partner up with the local players and opens an opportunity

academia sector. This is one of the biggest assets, and what we do at Factory Berlin is largely related to talents: we offer them to utilize our platform that encompasses potential future partners, customers, or employers. Next to that, our platform also enables access to valuable knowledge, tools, and programs that can help establish and scale businesses.

As we learned, “brain drain” appears to be a significant problem, too. Such a network as Factory Berlin, its content as well as partners, for instance, play a crucial role in preventing the local talent from moving away from the region.

4. Let’s talk a bit about the Berlin startup ecosystem. What are the factors that paint the canvas of the Berlin startup ecosystem so nicely?

What Albania should have in mind in this aspect?

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maximize the impact of the Albanian talented youngsters who are authors of cutting-edge innovations?

to contribute our expertise to this process.

5. What are the actions for Albanian startups and relevant authorities in policymaking and strategy to properly use the opportunity called “Factory Berlin”?

We are already in an active exchange with authorities on that matter. One of the instruments could be tailored programs that appeal to creatives and startups, with attractive tax programs or other conditions that make the country attractive for founders and entrepreneurs to branch out their businesses, move or even establish new ones in Albania. Combined with an outstanding Albanian nature like seaside, mountains, and beautiful nature resorts, we are confident that

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this will succeed.

To make this a success story, Factory Berlin will bring its 10 years of ecosystem-building experience to the table alongside its international and interdisciplinary network.

In the first phase, we’d need to ensure that the clusters are set up for the people who are in the regions. In the second one, we’d then merge our Factory Berlin community and our partners. Parallelly, we will develop a physical space (perhaps, even a few!) where creators and entrepreneurs could meet, work, exchange knowledge and experience, and inspire and motivate each other.

6. What is your view on the Albanian startup ecosystem, and what are the insights you unveil? How can we

The full combination will make it attractive for the young generations to stay in the country after they received their education there. The relevant network will be a powerful addition to it.

As mentioned above, lately we have been investigating Albania a lot and were really impressed to find incredible preconditions of education and a strong vision of modernity. We believe that Albania can change the whole Balkan region, and is totally on the rise at the moment. At the same time, one of my observations of the Albanian startup ecosystem is that it is not fully landed yet, it is just starting to consolidate. Of course, there are a few exceptions. Together with Nico Gramenz, we already met top motivated people who are building local ecosystems and promoting the right events.

My main message would be that we certainly see something shaping, and we definitely recognize the chance for something bigger that can create an entirely new value for the country.

Right now, there are many developers coming from Albania, the majority of them from support level functions in the tech industry, though more and more highly qualified profiles.

To amplify further development and innovation, as well as to keep the talent inland, the focus has to be broader than just locked on startups.

It’s the entire ecosystem that has to be connected: education, economy, politics, creative and digital industries.

Martin Eyerer is an entrepreneur, founder, music producer, and DJ: during my career in music, I produced more than 250 records (one of them is called “Tirana”, by the way!) and traveled around the globe as a DJ, performing at club venues and on international festival stages.

As an entrepreneur and founder, I established several companies like the record label Kling Klong Records and the Riverside Studios Berlin.

When looking at Albania, there is already a nice creative scene in place, but it needs to be leveraged in order to influence the digital economy growth. To make this a success story, Factory Berlin will bring its 10 years of ecosystembuilding experience to the table alongside its international and interdisciplinary network.

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STAY BRANDED, We Learned a Lot from Radisson Collection

BY RUDINA HOXHA & JOSE PINTO

In the summer of 2021, Radisson Hotel Group announced the Group’s strategic expansion in South-Eastern Europe with the signing of its first hotel in Albania, Radisson Collection Morina Hotel, Tirana inaugurated last April.

Radisson Collection Morina Hotel, Tirana is centrally located in the Albanian capital, close to the charming Lake Tirana. The luxury hotel has attracted the immediate attention of domestic and foreign clients.

On this occasion, Mr. Bekim Morina, General Director of Radisson Collection Morina Hotel Tirana, graciously agreed to be interviewed by TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE and talk about the whole journey from Day 1 to date.

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FULL INTERVIEW BELOW:

endeavor since at the very beginning.

My overall background of law and hospitality “helped” a lot from the very first stages of negotiating the contract to this very moment we are in, where is been over a year that I run the hotel in the position of General Manager.

Mr. Morina, thank you for accepting our request for this interview with TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE. Please can you make an introduction of yourself?

I am Bekim Morina, born and raised in the city of Fier. I was graduated in law at the University of Tirana while I have completed two Masters in the field of law. After conducting my studies, I had my first employment experience as a Law Consultant in a private company. For one year, I held the position of external lecturer at the University of Tirana. Due to the many engagements in the hospitality industry, I have stopped doing that with the hope to resume it again.

Hotels are close to my heart. For 4 years, I have been running Morina Palace in Dhermi, one of the pearls of Albania and a place which makes every foreigner change his mind positively on Albania. Over these 4 years, I went through big and great challenges, which of course contributed also to my individual growth. Morina Palace offers a number of extraordinary facilities and has a large capacity as a hotel and in staff also. I managed around 100-people staff. After successfully managing Morina Palace for 4 years, I engaged myself in Radisson Collection Morina Hotel Tirana. I immersed myself in this

How did Radisson react to this collaboration?

Since the very first negotiations phase with the Radisson Collection, I was really impressed by the special interest this brand showed in Albanian tourism in general and in our hotels in particular. They were really persuasive in a collaboration with us. This was the first affirmation for us that we had implemented great projects and that we were on the right track in the hospitality industry.

What are the first impressions from the clients and from what countries are they mostly?

Our clients first impressions start with three simple letters: WOW! Superlative impressions have been communicated to us. We have welcomed a lot of tourists from different countries, domestic clients, Kosovo, Italy, Belgium, Germany and many other countries since some online magazines have written about the opening of Radisson Collection Hotel in Albania too. I don’t want

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BEKIM MORINA:

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to fail to mention our most special clients “the returning ones”. It is amazing how in such a short period we have had lots of returning clients also.

Why did you choose Radisson Hotel in the range of many international hotel brands? Did you have a click with them?

In fact, we had negotiations with several other brands. But with Radisson, we found ourselves even more and we stayed with them. I think it was that immediate “bond between us”. We realized the super quality of this brand with 1800 hotels in the world and with an experience of over 100 years so this collaboration will definitely send us to the next level.

Tirana?

Our hotel has a capacity of 50 rooms, two restaurant and three bars. We also have the conference room and surely couldn’t miss the gym, the hairdressing saloon and the SPA with all the services such as: jacuzzi, massage, salt treatments, sauna, steam room. An indoor and outdoor pool. Our facility offers also the underground parking and an outside parking, laundry services and a casino which will be operational very soon.

What international brands have you included in this hotel?

Allow me to mention that a special merit goes to the Italian architect, Renzo Costa, who has followed us in every step. Numerous hotels around the world such as: Warlforf Astoria Collection Roma, Hotel Duca D’este

Can you make a fact sheet of Radisson Collection Morina Hotel

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of hospitality, so far have praised our Hotel. They have complemented us and recognized that the investment is very serious. Maximal attention has been given to any detail. Our tagline is “Welcome to the EXCEPTIONAL” and as you immerse the doors of Radisson Collection Morina, you will notice that we really mean it.

We have also embraced the concept of Radisson Collection that is – “Yes, I can” - meaning the client has only one answer from us – Yes, I can. Thus, our extraordinary focus on the client makes us very optimistic that our clients will be very satisfied, and they would come back to us again.

We are guided by Service and quality in all the aspects. The restaurant offers the best products from the domestic market and other imports from Italy, Greece, France and

Roma, Star Hotel Metropolitan Roma, Melia Trinidad Playa Cuba, Hyatt Thompson Roma and many more bear his authorship.

Also, the architects and engineers of Radisson Collection have immensely helped us. Regarding the products and materials used, vast majority of them are imported from Italy, Portugal, Sweden and many other countries. Brands like Duxiana, Caligaris, Camel group, Lordflex, Scappini etc. will accompany the guest when they sit, move around or sleep. Germany has taken care of technology and electronics.

A boom of international hotel brands is expected to come in Albania. What do you offer more than your competitors?

Our clients and experts in the field

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You are engaged in another Radisson hotel in Dhermi, please can you tell us more about it?

other countries. The menu is mostly Mediterranean but we also offer a large variety of specialties based upon the preferences of the guests.

The SPA & Hairdressing has the most professional luxurious treatment brands that will immediately help the clients to make the difference.

You have chosen a young blood staff. Why?

When it comes to recruiting, we have our own moto, we are careful to pay importance to personalities. Great & strong personalities I would define our staff. Each one of them is unique and together they make a great team.

The staff comes from the hospitality industry, with considerable expertise.

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Young & vital but well-qualified.

In the inauguration ceremony of the Radisson Collection Morina Hotel Tirana, Albanian Premier, Edi Rama, underlined that another five-star branded hotel is added giving more added value to Albanian tourism.

How would you comment the position of this Hotel in the landscape of hospitality in Albania?

This hotel is an added value in the hospitality landscape in Albania.

Unique location in one of the most attractive areas of the city and a relaxing and peaceful view are some of the elements that we offer. I hope many others will follow us and I would be happy as it means more working places for people and also impacts the

A special merit goes to the Italian architect, Renzo Costa, who has followed us in every step. Numerous hotels around the world such as: Warlforf Astoria Collection Roma, Hotel Duca D’este Roma, Star Hotel Metropolitan Roma, Melia Trinidad Playa Cuba, Hyatt Thompson Roma and many more bear his authorship.

Also, the architects and engineers of Radisson Collection have immensely helped us.

When we signed the agreement with the Radisson Collection here in Tirana, we also signed even for the Radisson Blue Hotel in Dhermi. It is a 165-room hotel. It is of a very high quality. All the facilities will be extraordinary.

The same architect, Renzo Costa, in collaboration with the Radisson Collection architects and engineers, is engaged in this project too. It will be a jewel in the crown of the Albanian Riviera. Rooms and all the other facilities will be bigger as more space is available there. Restaurants, bars & pool bars, beautiful lounge with terraces that offer breathtaking views.

Indoor and outdoor pools, the SPA with all of it’s services and many more will be added to the activities list for the guests.

What is your view on the international hotel brands?

They bring us a lot. I am happy about this collaboration with Radisson

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Collection to the point that I would strongly recommend to join brands.

We benefit so much from them. We benefit experience, ideas, standards.

They continuously train the staff and support in many other ways such as us marketing ideas, guidelines & brand books, target groups and many other ways.

image of our country. We ourselves are continuing to contribute to it with our ongoing projects. Today the Radisson Collection came to Albania, tomorrow others will come. With the opening of Vlora airport, I believe that the Albanian Riviera will be fully enjoyed.

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SWISS to be the World’s First Airline to Use Synhelion Solar Fuel

Philipp Stocker (Pilot); Erin Beilharz (Head of Lufthansa CleanTech Hub); Gianluca Ambrosetti (Co-CEO Synhelion); Dieter Vranckx (CEO SWISS); Carmen Murer (Head of Communications Synhelion); Jan Pechstein (Head of Corporate Emissions Management & SAF Lufthansa Group); Melanie Heiniger (Corporate Responsibility SWISS); Philipp Furler (Co-CEO Synhelion); Nadège von Hansen (Flight Attendant).

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WISS to be the world’s first airline to use Synhelion solar fuel SWISS and the Lufthansa Group have concluded a strategic collaboration with the Synhelion company to bring its solar aviation fuel to market. This will make SWISS the first airline in the world to use ‘sun-to-liquid’ fuel. The process devised by Synhelion uses concentrated sunlight to produce carbon-neutral kerosene. With this collaboration, SWISS and Synhelion are playing a pioneering role in the production and the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels. https://cleantechhub.lufthansagroup. com/en/news/2022/swiss-to-be-theworlds-first-airline-to-use-synhelionsolar-fuel.html

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Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) and the Lufthansa Group have concluded a strategic collaboration with ETH Zurich spinoff Synhelion to bring solar aviation fuel to market.

This will make SWISS the first airline in the world to use solar kerosene.

“Our team-up with Synhelion is founded on our shared vision to make carbon-neutral flying in regular flight operations possible through the use of solar fuel,” explains SWISS Chief Executive Officer Dieter Vranckx.

“We are proud that SWISS will be the first airline in the world to fly with solar kerosene. In partnering with Synhelion, we are supporting Swiss innovation and are actively pursuing and promoting the development, the market introduction and the scalingup of this highly promising technology

and the Lufthansa Group will support the development of Synhelion’s planned commercial fuel production facility in Spain, too.

Swiss pioneer Synhelion, SWISS, Edelweiss and the Lufthansa Group have been working together since 2020 to help reduce the carbon dioxide emissions of Swiss aviation through the use of solar fuels.

SWISS PLANS PIONEERING ROLE IN THE USE OF SUSTAINABLE FUELS FROM RENEWABLE SOURCES The Lufthansa Group and SWISS have been pursuing and promoting comprehensive measures to minimize their carbon dioxide emissions for several years now, and work closely with their partners to steadily further reduce the environmental impact of their business and operational activities. SWISS will be substantially increasing its use of sustainable aviation fuels in the next few years to help achieve its climate objectives.

In view of the limited availability of biofuels, however, alternatives will be required. “This is why we are actively supporting the development of solar fuels,” stresses SWISS CEO Vranckx.

“We want to be a pioneer in their use.

So our involvement with Synhelion is a key element in our long-term sustainability strategy.”

SUNLIGHT – THE WAY TO CARBONNEUTRAL FLYING Synhelion has developed a key technology for manufacturing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from renewable energy sources. The unique procedure uses concentrated solar heat to manufacture syngas which can then be synthesized into kerosene using standard industrial processes.

This sun-to-liquid fuel closes the fuel carbon cycle: when combusted, it will only produce as much CO2 as went into its manufacture. The new fuel thus makes a major contribution to effectively decarbonizing air transport.

Synhelion will build the world’s first-ever facility for the industrial production of solar fuel in Jülich (Germany) this year. SWISS is set to become the first customer for the solar kerosene in 2023. Under the collaboration now concluded, SWISS

Source: The Lufthansa Group CleanTechHub

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for producing sustainable fuels.”

“We believe in a globalized world connected by climate-friendly mobility,” adds Dr. Philipp Furler, Synhelion’s co-founder and CEO. “Our next-generation carbon-neutral solar kerosene is an economically and ecologically viable substitute for fossil fuels. The commitment of SWISS and the Lufthansa Group underlines the aviation sector’s keen interest in our solar fuel. And we are looking forward already to the day the first SWISS aircraft takes off with our solar kerosene.”

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BY RUDINA HOXHA & JOSE PINTO Founder of HOTCO Hotel Investment Platform CEE & Caucasus, Marius Gomola takes the readers of TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE on a tour about the major aspects and concerns of hotel real estate investments as well as about the seasoned speakers who will be part of the forthcoming HOTCO 2022.

FIND OUT ALL IN THE FOLLOWING EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:

investment. Fostering hotel real estate investment activity has always been the objective of HOTCO.

1.Thank you for accepting our request for an interview with TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE. Please can you tell us more about HOTCO 2022: CEE & Caucasus and the novelties we can expect from it?

2. HOTCO always attracts the cream of the cream when it comes to its speakers. Can you reveal some of them?

Thank you for reconfirming that. We are working very hard each year to bring intriguing industry leaders to share their wisdoms and insights.

Wisdom comes with experience, even during the greatest of challenges that never seem to let go of late. Leaders are champions of vision as they see beyond the daily events and plan for the longer term. This region is in huge deficit when it comes to the ability to even think long term, let alone execute with long-term vision of objectives in mind. We will bring those leaders to HOTCO who have proven their ability to strive irrespective of

First of all, it is so good to be back talking to you again, as we have all been separated from one another for, it feels like, eternity. HOTCO was created to bring industry icons to this region and enable people to connect in person. Investments in hotels and resorts are very complex. They require discipline, expertise, experience and a series of decision-making points, which are built on one another.

Without understanding how one decision determines the outcome and the implication for the next one, the result can be a very poorly executed

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HOTCO 2022: CEE & Caucasus Destined to Bring Hotel Industry Icons

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the obstacles and external factors.

Please visit our website www.hotconf. com, as we update the confirmed speakers constantly. We will have global hotel company leaders, firsttime and seasoned hotel investors, real estate developers and lenders who are still making it happen to complete hotel and resort projects from 15 countries and three continents. HOTCO makes it relevant for investors in the region to be inspired and adopt success factors to their own circumstances as they will defer in each country, and even each case within the same country.

3. What is your view on the current state of the hospitality industry?

What would you say has changed the most in this period of time?

The question is not what, but what has not changed. We are still in an experimental phase of trying to comprehend the longer-term implications of the pandemic on individuals. Since individuals make up the industry, starting from employees, guests, suppliers, lenders and investors, we have to look at them all individually, on how they have been impacted, and what their expectations are. Consumers have changed greatly in their daily routines and habits.

Perhaps I focus on the most important one; employee’s attitude to the industry. The hospitality industry,

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in this region specifically, has not enabled employees to support their livelihoods, care for their families or their career plans. Dreams have been shattered and the ability to provide has been stolen from these employees.

The industry has to have a hard look at itself, and ask how to reach out to existing employees, and how to create a working model that looks after them and embraces new ones not just focus on the bottom line. We all know that the bottom line will fall into place with desired outcomes when the service providers, the talents, the stars of the service industry are looked after in ways that matter to them. Not in ways that investors and operators necessarily think matter to them.

Most importantly however, the future is bright even in the darkest of times that many experience as we speak.

The hospitality industry has always been able to provide probably the best personal growth opportunities, as we know of many top leaders who have started in entry-level jobs and progressed. The industry needs to be able to demonstrate these opportunities.

4. With the negative events in Europe, apart from COVID 19, what are the geographical expectancies of the investors if you can elaborate, please? Are they more guided

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towards Western and Southern Europe?

many years. This could not be farthest from the truth; however, investors do not dare admit the emotional attachment as a hugely important aspect in their decision-making. I am convinced that hotel and resort investors put their money where they have a particular vested emotional connection. The CEE, SEE and the Caucuses will continue to attract investment from these circles. It is up to those who can influence these investor’s emotions, and sweeten them with aspects that trigger confirmed commitments. HOTCO will specifically address this question.

Firstly, it has to be stated, that the industry has never received such interest from serious investors to enter the hospitality real estate sector, many of them for the first time. I think this is an incredible achievement, and one should not forget that. This is also a clear message to the banks. If investor interest is unprecedented, why are we staying away, bankers should ask themselves. Secondly, I believe that every region and subregion within a larger geography finds the capital that is attracted to it. I think there is a serious misconception about hotel and resort real estate investment.

Everyone, particularly the investors themselves, state that their investment criterion is purely based on return expectations. I believed this for too

5. Can you reveal what are some of the expansion plans of Horwath/ HOTCO for this year and on?

Horwath HTL, the world’s largest network of hotel and tourism advisory firms is expanding as the travel

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2022

THE LAST TWO YEARS HAVE TAUGHT US THAT IF ANYTHING IS CERTAIN, IT IS UNCERTAINTY.

industry is also unquestionably growing. There is also a new practice opening in Albania in 2022. Closer to home, the office in Budapest has been focusing on new activities that are way overdue for hotel and resort investors to embrace in this part of the world. By providing Asset Management services, we are supporting owners and ensuring that their investments are executed in the right manner, team up with the right partners to operate their properties and with ongoing support help maximize their returns and increase the value of their assets. Needless to say, we will continue to support developers with wellness spa hotels, seaside and mountain resorts and city hotel developments in all tiers from economy through lifestyle and luxury and everything in between.

We will showcase some of the success stories of our clients at HOTCO, and it is one more reason to attend to get a boost of ideas and proven methods to invest wisely for long-term success.

How does one navigate in the ongoing turmoil in the hotel and resort industry, where assets are fixed, and cannot be relocated?

What are the right strategies in seasonal hotels and resort destinations?

Why does it make sense to invest now, when the future appears unclear?

Horwath HTL, the world’s largest network of hotel and tourism advisory firms is expanding as the travel industry is also unquestionably growing There is also a new practice opening in Albania in 2022. Closer to home, the office in Budapest has been focusing on new activities that are way overdue for hotel and resort investors to embrace in this part of the world.

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JOIN US TO MEET INDUSTRY LEADERS WHO CAN CONSTANTLY EMERGE STRONGER OUT OF ANY CRISIS, AND ARE IN CONTROL OF THEIR OWN DESTINY IRRESPECTIVE OF CHALLENGES AHEAD.

There has never been a greater need to shake hands again - looking forward to seeing you in person.

MAY 30-31, 2022 BUDAPEST HUNGARY

Find out more

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HOTEL INVESTMENT CONFERENCE

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“Lead Albania Program Stands For Career Milestones”

BY RUDINA HOXHA

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ndri Mykaj of LEAD Albania Program 2nd Cohort/Class is a National Researcher & Analyst at the International Monitoring Operation (EU Project) as well as a PhD Researcher and Guest Lecturer at Leiden Law School, Netherlands.

Since 2017, he is working with the International Monitoring Operation, which is an EU Funded Project dealing with the re-evaluation of the judges and prosecutors in Albania (i.e. judicial vetting) in the context of the Justice System Reform.

In this exclusive interview with TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE, Mykaj underlines the importance of LEAD Albania Program on his colourful career.

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“Upon the completion of the LEAD Albania Program, I worked for almost a year as a Legal Executive at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Department of Legislation, Monitoring of Programs and Anticorruption, where I was involved in the drafting and reviewing of legal acts and providing legal advice. LEAD Albania Program and the experience at the Prime Minister’s Office helped me quite significantly to receive the UK Government Chevening Scholarship,” Mykaj said.

He was always keen to know how the government functioned and how the policies and the legal acts were prepared. “LEAD Albania duly achieved my expectations in this regard,” he stated.

As a lover of hiking and nature, he proposes a hike in nature as a different form of network and interaction among the LEAD Albania Alumni Fellows.

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ENDRI MYKAJ :

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1. - What has your career path been like so far and how important has been the LEAD Albania Program in this respect?

LEAD Albania was a transformative professional experience and highly important for my career advancement.

I consider LEAD Albania Program a milestone in my career.

I had the opportunity to work at the highest levels of Government by working as a Legal & Policy Advisor at the Prime Minister’s Office of Albania. Upon the completion of the

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2. - One of your main areas of expertise is rule of law while you are contributing to a crucial reform for the country, the implementation of the justice system reform. Can you tell us a bit more on your jobspecific skills and experience and what challenges are you facing in

for an EU funded project and an international mission such as IMO is quite challenging and rewarding at the same time. There is a lot to learn in the areas of law and rule of law from the EU and international colleagues at the IMO. At the same time, the project has the full support of the European Commission as a key project in preparing Albania for future membership in the EU. 3. - How did you hear about the LEAD Albania Program and what do you remember most from this experience? Tell us about a memorable experience you had while at this Program as a Fellow.

I learned about the LEAD Albania Program through my professional network. I was aware of the program almost a year ahead, which gave me sufficient time to prepare my application and go through such a competitive selection process. I was eager to embark on the LEAD Albania journey from the outset. I was keen to learn how the Government functioned in practice and how policies and legal acts were actually prepared, and LEAD Albania duly achieved my expectations in this regard.

As a memorable experience, I would like to share my engagement with the Reform in Improving the Quality of Legal Acts. As a LEAD Albania Fellow at the Prime Minister’s Office, I took a

the process?

Since late 2017, I am working as a National Researcher & Analyst at the International Monitoring Operation, which is an EU Funded Project dealing with the re-evaluation of the judges and prosecutors in Albania (i.e. judicial vetting) in the context of the Justice System Reform. The Justice System Reform is a fundamental reform which – if duly implemented – will pave the way toward European standards in the justice system and the future integration of Albania in the EU. At the IMO, I conduct research and analysis on the assets/wealth criterion of the judicial vetting. Working

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FULL INTERVIEW BELOW:

LEAD Albania Program, I worked for almost a year as a Legal Executive at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Department of Legislation, Monitoring of Programs and Anticorruption, where I was involved in the drafting and reviewing of legal acts and providing legal advice.

The LEAD Albania Program provided training throughout the year which were highly relevant in giving us a good understanding of the public sector and enhance our leadership skills. LEAD Albania gave me the opportunity to pursue an executive education at Harvard University on public policy and improving government performance.

LEAD Albania and the experience at the Prime Minister’s Office helped me quite significantly to receive the UK Government Chevening Scholarship. I received the scholarship to study MSc Public Policy and Administration at the London School of Economics, which is a leading university in the said study area.

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and external consultation process.

Our proposals turned into a fullscale reform considering that it received the approval of the Prime Minister, and two working groups were established accordingly, respectively the Strategic and Technical Working Groups. I served as the Coordinator of the Reform and became part of the Technical Working Group conducting the analysis and drafting reform’s proposals. Apart from improving the quality of legislation, the Reform on Improving the Quality of Legal Acts aimed at helping Albania to duly and timely adopt the EU Acquis, as a key priority towards EU membership.

4. - What other projects outside o f your work at the Justice System Reform are you working on?

I am currently pursuing my PhD

studies at the Leiden Law School, Leiden University on the rule of law and judicial reforms in the Western Balkan countries. At the same time, I have been a Guest Lecturer on law and rule of law for several universities including Leiden University, University of New York Tirana, etc.

I have been engaged as an expert or researcher in various rule of law related projects with the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index, Regional Anti-Corruption Initiative, Open Society Foundation, Civil Rights Defenders, U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre, etc.

6. - I see that you travel a lot around Albania. Is this one of your favourite hobbies?

Yes, indeed I love to hike and travel.

It has become a sort of lifestyle for me, and a group of friends that we call Love Albania. Hiking the mountains and exploring nature have become an antidote to the work routine.

I have visited remote corners of Albania that I never thought existed.

Albania is such a beautiful country which needs to be explored, but most importantly Albania needs protection and preservation.

As a suggestion, it would be nice if LEAD Albania Fellows organize a hike in nature as a different form of network and interaction.

5. - How has staying in touch with other Fellows or the LEAD Albania Program impacted your work?

Through the LEAD Albania Program, I have had the chance to meet outstanding professionals and good friends. I am pleased to see the progress in the careers of the LEAD Fellows in all sectors, including public administration, the private sector, civil society, and international organisations.

The LEAD Albania Alumni have grown in numbers and expertise.

Although I have made friends with all LEAD professionals indiscriminately, I am particularly pleased to have networked with the legal community of LEAD Albania fellows engaged in the government and justice system.

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leadership role regarding the Reform in Improving the Quality of Legal Acts.

While working at the Prime Minister’s Office, I understood that there was a historical problem with the low-quality of legal acts submitted to the Council of Ministers. Together with a LEAD Fellow, we drafted a Memorandum on how to improve the quality of legislation. The Memorandum focused on several proposals, including (i) reengineering the law-making process, (ii) mapping the human resources and their capacities in each ministry, (iii) monitoring the quality of legislation and performance of each ministry, (iv) introducing the regulatory impact assessment, (v) innovating and expanding the electronic system of e-legislation, (vi) creating a system of consolidated legislation, (vii) improving the internal

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Dr. Ornela Bardhi

From Scientific Research to Policymaking

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BY RUDINA HOXHA

r. Ornela Bardhi is one of the 11 Lead Program Albania Fellows 2021 who values this program as an added value to her skills and her future projects.

She is an Advisor to the Minister of Health and Social Protection of Albania, a Marie Curie Ph.D. fellow, an applied artificial intelligence in medicine researcher in cancer and Chairwoman of the Board of the Western Balkans Chapter of the Marie Curie Alumni Association.

Research is in her veins but thanks to LEAD Albania Program, she is now into policymaking as well.

“As a LEAD Albania fellow, I work with policymakers in the ministry. Now, I can say I have seen and worked with the main players involved in the healthcare system. It absolutely helps to have a 360 view of what happens and how these different players think and prioritize,” Bardhi underlines in this exclusive interview with TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE. Without a doubt, she said, this experience will add value to my skill set and future projects. “I had never thought of

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switching to policymaking after more than five years in academia. And I am very much enjoying it.”

FULL INTERVIEW BELOW: 1. Hello Ornela! Welcome to Trailblazing Magazine! Please can you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi! Thank you for inviting me!

I recently moved back to Albania to be part of the LEAD Albania fellowship where, besides training in leadership skills, I work as a scientific advisor to the Minister at the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Albania.

Previously, I was a Marie Curie Ph.D. fellow where I focused on the application of artificial intelligence in medicine, specifically in cancer, as part of the CATCH ITN project. During this period, I worked closely with patients to understand their cancer journey, identify the factors influencing these journeys, and do survival predictions.

I also worked on object recognition, detecting colorectal polyps using colonoscopy images and videos

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2. What advantages will this Program bring to you and your career in the field of medicine?

before they turn into colorectal cancer. My work was primarily in Spain, but I had to conduct part of my research in Finland, Ireland, and the US. Before my Ph.D., I was part of the joint Erasmus+ MSc. program in Pervasive Computing and Communication for Sustainable Development in France, Finland, Russia, and Sweden. During my Master’s, I founded and cofounded two start-ups in Sweden and Finland, respectively. I finished my BEng. in computer engineering in Albania and the UK.

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Just to clarify, I am a computer engineer by training.

However, since my master’s degree, I have been applying technology in the medical field. Throughout my career, I have worked with different stakeholders, which is mainly because the projects I have been involved in were multidisciplinary. I have worked with other researchers be it engineers, computer scientists, life science researchers, etc. I have been privileged to work with patients and doctors and other healthcare providers in their own habitat, in a hospital. As a LEAD Albania fellow, I work with policymakers in the ministry.

and Albanian every now and then during the interview.

Now, I can say I have seen and worked with the main players involved in the healthcare system. It absolutely helps to have a 360 view of what happens and how these different players think and prioritize. Without a doubt, this experience will add value to my skill set and future projects.

4. You act as an Advisor at Albania’s Ministry of Health and Social Protection. Also, you have already completed your Ph.D. fellowship studies as a Marie Curie Ph.D. fellow while are an applied artificial intelligence in medicine researcher in cancer. How is LEAD Albania Program helping to bring all the pieces together?

3. What do you remember from the day of the interview for the LEAD Albania Program?

People. Everyone I met was so friendly and communicative. Sometimes we talk, but we forget to communicate with others. When we communicate we speak, but we also listen. I felt listened. I had just moved back to Albania, and I had some difficulties finding words in Albanian. It was very nice of everyone to switch to English

As I mentioned previously, understanding different stakeholder viewpoints, is important. Policymakers are very important. As a researcher, you are not faced with such big national or international decisions, you are usually focused on your own study. The COVID19 pandemic showed us how important scientists are in policymaking. We do not simply need policies.

We need evidence-informed policies.

5. What would you tell us about your experiences as a LEAD Albania Program fellow so far?

There is a general reputation that the public administration is bureaucratic and things take a lot of time. So I went to the ministry with this mindset.

However, I found out that yes,

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I have been actively involved in organizing events to promote scientific research, MSCA grants, and MCAA in Albania and abroad, researcher’s mental health wellbeing, gender equality, diversity, and inclusion, sustainable development, and entrepreneurship. I also have been involved with the EU Research & Innovation Days, European Researchers Night, Science is Wonderful, and MSCA Falling Walls Lab.

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6. What’s your long-term career plan? Have you thought to advance cancer research and support Albania in this respect?

I am currently open to anything.

I had never thought of switching to policymaking after more than five years in academia. And I am very much enjoying it. I consider myself a generalist, as such, I am always looking for new challenges and learning opportunities. The researcher mindset will always follow me everywhere I go. I think everyone should have that mindset. You have to question things and always follow

a methodology, otherwise, you might be affected by biases.

Regarding research, I am doing so as the Chairwoman of the Board of the Western Balkans Chapter of the Marie Curie Alumni Association, coorganizer of the International Conference on Renewable Energies and Smart Technologies, member of the Albanian Scientists Abroad, member of the Researcher’s Mental Health Wellbeing, and member of the Albanian Women in STEM. Regarding cancer research, I am a data scientist, I can only make sense of things if I have the data.

Unfortunately, Albania lacks the data part at the moment. However, with the digitalization of the healthcare system, the situation will change soon and I will be very happy to help.

diaspora to fight misinformation and disinformation spreading about COVID19 (www.covid19balkans.com), while also attending various webinars on science for policy advice. There was in particular a course on science diplomacy that took my attention, S4D4C (www.s4d4c.eu). Marie Curie Alumni Association engages a lot in policymaking, so I had some examples there too. The rest is history.

7. How have you thought to shift from your scientific research to policymaking at some point and how beneficial rare professionals like you can be for the country and the relevant institutions?

8. How is it to be the current chair of the Marie Curie Alumni Association Western Balkans Chapter and what are your ambitions about this position?

A few months into the COVID19 pandemic I read an article from The Hill: “Let science lead: We need more leaders with science backgrounds” (https://lnkd.in/gGJ4xJVb). During this time, I started collaborating with the Western Balkans scientific

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As a chapter, we organize networking events to encourage researchers in the Western Balkans to collaborate within themselves and with EU institutions; establish partnerships with science policy stakeholders in the WB region; and of course, bring as many Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action Fellows and Alumni together. My ambition is to make the region the center of research excellence. We have a lot of work to do to be there, but where there is a will, there is a way.

I believe it is very beneficial.

Many countries now, including the European Commission (EC), have scientific advisory bodies. There was recently a conference organized by the EC on this specific topic, the importance of science advice under pressure on the 27-28 of April 2022 (https://scientificadvice.eu/). I would recommend everyone interested in this topic to listen to all the sessions.

9. What things make your time as a fellow more interesting or more fun?

Nature, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. I love being in the mountains, that is where I decompress. This year has been great when it comes to getting to know my own country. I left Albania relatively young and had not time to visit it much. It’s amazingly beautiful. I wish people would care more about public spaces as they do for their private ones.

It is not easy running a regional chapter. However, I do have a great team that makes things go smoothly.

We are soon organizing the first inperson chapter meeting in Belgrade.

Definitely looking forward to going back to the new normal.

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some things take time, but there are a lot that move on quickly. I was afraid it would take some time to get involved, but I was wrong again. I got involved right away. I am very happy I had the opportunity to work on some really amazing projects, of which some are in the implementation phase.

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F

inland is, based on the World Happiness Report 2022, the world’s happiest country – for the fifth time in the row.

In fact, it is now the happiest by a greater margin than it was a year ago.

How come? We all know that Finns are not exactly renowned for their exuberant happiness when you meet them. What is the Finnish happiness about and would there be something we all might learn from it? What is in the secret sauce of Finnish happiness?

which guide the country happiness ranking. Respondents are asked to evaluate their life and happiness level in general. They are also asked about their perceptions of corruption, generosity, freedom to make life choices, social support they have as well as how much they laughed and how happy and sad they were yesterday. This then mixed up with statistical indicators such as life expectancy and GDP per capita.

And when all that is tabulated, on top comes Finland. For the fifth time now.

WORLD HAPPINESS REPORT

Before we dwell into the Finnish psyche and the ingredients of the said sauce of happiness, let’s see, how the World Happiness Report is made. It is a 9 million people survey in over 150 countries and it has been conducted altogether 10 times already. Led by a team of academics and researchers, the World Happiness Report 2022 looks into three distinct areas: first, how did the countries do in terms of happiness between 1995-2010 when the Happiness Reports weren’t produced. This is based on historical polling data. Then, how countries are doing right now in Covid-19 pandemic, and finally, how they could evolve in the future thanks to technological breakthroughs.

If all that looks theoretical, it probably is. What isn’t theoretical are the questions people are asked and

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POOR BEGINNINGS

A lot of (virtual) ink has been spent in the last years analysing why and how come Finns come on top of this ranking, particularly when they appear to have such a self-effacing attitude to themselves, happiness and well-being included.

In order to get some perspective to the situation today, let’s look a couple of decades, or a few more, back.

Finland was economically ruined after the Second World War. Finland was poor in the 1950s and Finland was still the poor cousin of its western Scandinavian neighbours in 60s.

Economic growth spurt really began in the 70s and 80s. It took a long step back in the early 90s and after that it has been growing quite steadily.

Finland did not have a well-heeled historic ruling class when it started

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THE FINNISH SECRET SAUCE OF HAPPINESS

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SCHOOLS AS MEANS TO SOCIOECONOMIC JUMP

its economic growth. Finland was extremely egalitarian in its poverty.

Even now, except for the millennials, virtually everyone knows from their grandparents or older relatives, how hard life in the post-war period was, and how the whole country came together to build it up from the ruins.

That historic fact has practically become a national myth. Faced with an unsurmountable obstacle, Finns rise up. Together.

Therein lies the first ingredient of the Finnish secret sauce of happiness: collective action for a common cause.

Finns have an innate trust in one another. It is built in the nation over time and the decades past. No one is left behind. Everyone is in it for everyone.

This sounds naïve and obvious. And it is not. When the Southern EU economies collapsed around 2010, the austerity packages faced riots in many

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If the general narrative of togetherness in hardships is not enough to build a worldview where common progress is seen in positive light, then the Finnish school system will distill further unity across all age groups and promote growth and social advancement. Private schools don’t exist, and universities and tertiary education are for free.

Even if schools are beginning to compete of pupils now, the vast majority of children simply goes to the neighbourhood elementary and secondary school.

School is an equalizer of whatever small difference may exist between those better off and those who aren’t quite so lucky. They help bridging the gap. But also, the system allows for social movement from lower socioeconomic positions to higher because in Finland quality schooling is not dependent on parents’ income and children’s background.

improvement even if it was already in 1972 that discrimination on basis of gender was forbidden. While today it may be hard to find a woman would complain that she was not free to choose the life she wanted, it is true that still in the 1960s and 70s women had much less choice than men.

On the whole, however, Finland offers equal opportunities for both women and men. The parental and societal pressure on women to comply with “what is expected of you” does not exist anymore as it may have existed in the decades past, when it might have been hard for women to make completely independent choices regarding their education and life paths.

In Finland, the idea is that everyone is in charge of their lives themselves, for the better or worse. Mostly for the better. It shows in the happiness survey.

A small peripheric country without major natural resources can only have one major competitive advantage. Its people. Finland invests in its people, their schooling and future. Great schools all around the country create a virtuous circle which reinforces itself.

Finns realise this and it does make the proud and happy. It is the second ingredient in their secret sauce.

EQUALITY SINCE EARLY 20TH CENTURY

Finland was still Imperial Russia’s Grand Duchy when women were given the right to vote and to become elected in 1906. Finland was the second country in the world to give these rights to women after New Zealand.

There are still thin and almost invisible glass ceilings still hidden around though. There still is room for

NO POINT TO BE CORRUPTED

Finland has been very lucky, because the administrative model of the country is more than stable. The stability has allowed successive governments to keep building on the successes of the previous ones instead of reinventing everything from the beginning. The Finnish legal system was brought in

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Mediterranean capitals. When the Finnish economy collapsed almost 20 years earlier in 1991, the people almost asked for more austerity. Finns thrived on it despite many personal tragedies which the crisis caused. Finns all had a common cause.

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But there is more than stability needed for non-corruption. Finland cannot base her economic success on her plentiful natural resources, it must succeed otherwise, by developing a well-functioning society and economy. The scarcity of natural resources also means that the political and administrative control of those resources by the individuals in power has little potential benefit for them.

Having poor beginnings helps in the fight against corruption, because when you start from the bottom, and the ruling class is like you, and the rulers cannot financially benefit

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KNOWING ONE’S PLACE

Finally, there is at least one more ingredient in this secret sauce of happiness. We could use the expression of “knowing one’s place”

autumn wind or spring storm. *** So, there you have it, the secret sauce of happiness from the Finnish perspective. That perspective of a no-nonsensical attitude with a healthy dose of quiet trust in one’s own excellence demonstrated by almost every global indicator. It gives Finns a sufficient level of sarcasm so that they don’t take themselves too seriously. That is why they also like to publicly question and joke about the World Happiness Report outcomes while happily smiling from ear to ear inside.

for it. We could also use realism, science-based worldview, rooted, humility and many more for it. It is the understanding where one belongs locally, in one’s life, and globally, as a nation.

Somehow, this understanding of where one belongs grounds the Finns. They know that while Finland is relatively insignificant in the global view, she is valuable as is; the Finns like to say “the best place for the Finns to live”.

At personal level, Finns know where they come from and where they belong. They are rooted, traditional and even conservative in many ways despite the appearance of being liberal. Their liberalism comes from solution-oriented science-based, not so much faith-based, worldview.

They will change, when the change is required and there is evidence supporting such a change. But they will not turn at every blow of the

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by the Swedes in the 18th century.

Russia gave Finland autonomy and relative freedom to continue with that administrative system, and no fundamental change has taken place in the legal and societal order since the independence in 1917.

from their power, everyone is compelled to seek for solutions together. Personal gains for those who rule the country come from everyone’s gain, not from holding on to their seats.

There simply isn’t enough to be won from that. By adding to this the Lutheran ethics about honesty you will start to understand why year after year Finland scores on top or very close to the top on the list of the least corrupted countries in the world.

Of course occasionally the circumstances give rise to “Czars out from nowhere” at local, regional and even national levels. And of course Finnish business isn’t totally excluded from such examples either.

The key however is that the stability and low levels of corruption over several decades have helped Finns to develop trust in their institutions.

This trust mirrors the trust Finns have in one another. And that explains the high scores in relation to Finnish perceptions of corruption thus giving the fourth ingredient of the Finnish secret sauce of happiness.

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FULL INTERVIEW BELOW: Can you tell us about the Chenot Method and what makes it unique?

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ajović, an experienced doctor, is specialized in internal medicine and cardiology, working for years in a senior role at a hospital intensive care unit in Montenegro. She joined Chenot Espace at One&Only Portonovi in 2021, drawn by the Chenot Method’s scientific credentials and pioneering vision of preventive health.

• The Chenot Method® is a powerful, effective, and personalized array of protocols, treatments and diet plans developed by a team of experts with almost 50 years of research and professional experience in health wellness. Chenot Method® activates the almost endless ability and power of a body to heal itself, strengthens its defence mechanism and prevents diseases. It renews and rejuvenates the body and mind, for a life full of wellness and vitality.

Chenot Espace is a unique combination of spa, scientifical wellness and resort in one location.

What is the history of the Chenot brand, and what’s special about Henri Chenot’s philosophy and approach?

“Chenot Method® combines the principles of traditional Chinese healing with the latest scientific advances in Western medicine. It is unique in its application, integrating and transmitting energetic, physical, and emotional signals to the body,” she says among others in this interview.

The Uniqueness of Chenot Method at ONE&ONLY 78

• Henri Chenot studied biology, with a later focus on psychology, Chinese medicine and naturopathy. Known for his revolutionary approach to preventive healthcare, he opened his first Centre at Cannes Polyclinic in 1974. He began travelling around Europe to present and illustrate his idea of preventive healthcare to other scientists, stressing how certain lifestyle choices can accumulate to a build-up of toxins that lead to degenerative diseases. His

Charmingly situated amidst lush vegetation, One&Only Portonovi is nestled just off the open Adriatic coastline, at the elegant entrance to Boka Bay in Herceg Novi. One&Only Portonovi is the jewel of Montenegro’s flourishing new riviera.

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Dr. Gordana Rajović, the CHENOT ESPACE’S Medical Doctor, spearheads the Chenot Method at One&Only Portonovi.

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What are some of the scientific diagnostics used in the Chenot treatments?

revolutionary approach to health wellness led to the development of his concept of Biontology – the science of living, and the prominent Chenot Method® of rebalancing body’s physiology, which is now implemented across all Chenot centres as the core approach. ‘’You need to live in harmony with yourself to be in optimal health’’ – Henri Chenot

healing with the latest scientific advances in Western medicine. It is unique in its application, integrating and transmitting energetic, physical, and emotional signals to the body.

The body, in turn, responds by building up its own internal medicine and by regaining energy, functional capacity, and inner harmony, preserving them over a long period of time.

How do medicine and science form the backbone of the Chenot philosophy?

What are some of the medical treatments offered at Chenot Espace?

• Chenot Method® combines the principles of traditional Chinese

• Our programmes and all their components are based on the Chenot 80

• From Oxidative Stress Assessment, or Arterial Stiffness Assessment, to Measurement of Advanced Glycation End Products, we offer an array of medical diagnostics that give us an insight into guest’s current condition and needs. The Chenot Lifestyle Biomarkers® are used as an on-going measure of guest’s performance or ‘vitality’, with results summarised in the Vitality Index. This assessment allows us to deliver an equally sophisticated set of bespoke treatments and diet plans that, in synergy, work to support and stimulate the body.

Method®. The signature Chenot programmes, Advanced Detox and Fundamental Detox are designed for a one-week stay (7 nights and 6 days of treatments), but we also offer shorter programs that can blend seamlessly into guest’s vacation. Those include Detox, De-Stress & Re-Charge, and Fitness Programme (3 days and 4 nights), as well as the Weekend Spa Deluxe in duration of 2 days and 3 nights, the one-day Complete facial care program, etc.

How does Chenot Espace differ from a traditional spa?

• Chenot Espace is a centre for scientific wellness, so with a complete medical team on resort.

Our programmes include advanced diagnostic tests which are conducted by medical professionals, combined with target therapeutic treatments and Chenot Diet plans. All elements of a programme’s journey are carefully

These programs can also be upgraded with an extensive array of laboratory diagnostic tests and recommended supplementary treatments, including

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Intravenous Nutrient Therapy, Ozone Therapy, Hydro-Colon Treatment, and many more.

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• I am a specialist in internal medicine and subspecialist in cardiology. I spent most of my career, more than 18 years, at the Military Hospital Meljine, where I worked as an internist, and as the Head of the Internal Medicine Department and Intensive Care Unit after completing my subspecialisation in cardiology. I completed the 4-years specialization in internal medicine as well as the 2-years subspecialisation in cardiology at the Military Medical Academy in Belgrade, with great success, becoming the youngest specialist in my generation.

Prior to joining Chenot and One&Only, I spent 3 years as the CEO of the Institute of Rheumatology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation ‘Dr Simo Milosevic’ in Herceg Novi, where my team and I introduced a new preventive medical method – Apheresis based on purifying blood through nano technology filters.

Based on that, the Institute became the first Centre of Excellence in the field of biomedicine in Montenegro.

Such a procedure is not done anywhere in the region and in this part of Europe.

I joined the Chenot Espace at One&Only Portonovi in February 2021, fascinated by the Chenot method

interconnected and woven together to achieve the most optimal results, ensuring maximized benefits from contemporary and traditional medical approaches. Besides personalized Chenot Espace wellness programmes, guests are also offered a variety of a la carte spa and beauty treatments, fitness activities and consultation services.

With this medical component, an integrated and holistic approach, and personalized treatments, Chenot Espace experience goes way beyond traditional spas.

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scientific accuracy at an important array of biomarkers within the body.

These are known as the Chenot Lifestyle Biomarkers® and allow the personalization of client’s treatment plan.

What is the Chenot Vitality Index®, and how is this used to determine treatments?

• The Vitality Index® is our monitoring and marker system. It measures guest’s vitality status. Think of it as a guest’s sophisticated wellness score.

As the rate of our ageing process is affected by our lifestyle choices and behaviours, the Vitality Index® is made up of a set of physiological parameters that are referred to as the Chenot Lifestyle Biomarkers®. They help with the ongoing assessment of the mental and physical performance of an individual. By gaining insight and information into guest’s needs, an effective personalized programme can be designed.

and the brand’s vision based on prevention, i.e. maintaining mental and physical health and establishing a balance between body and mind. I enjoy the implementation of Chenot Method®, as well as our satisfied guests who leave with a big smile on their face. It is the greatest reward for a doctor.

How does medicine and science influence the Chenot Diet?

• Chenot Diet is one of the integral components of the Chenot Method®.

It is an intervention in programme which is specially formulated to support the self-healing mechanisms of the body, cleanse the body at a

Can you explain the Chenot Lifestyle Biomarkers®, and how these are used to shape bespoke, personalised treatments for guests?

• The Chenot Method® looks with

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S PA & W E L L N E S S

Please share your medical expertise and background, and how you came to work at Chenot Espace.

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Why is it important to detoxify the body regularly?

cellular level, facilitate metabolic balance, restore the biorhythm, harmonise the hormones, equilibrate the gut flora and create fresh energy and new cells, which will keep us biologically young. It has been carefully designed to work in synergy with our medical treatments. We have incorporated a significant amount of scientific research into this formulated diet, from the selection, processing and cooking techniques, to creating unique recipes that combine the right balance of proteins, good fats and low glycaemic index carbohydrates.

What can people expect from the Detox programmes?

• Each of us makes daily choices — some positive, some negative — that impact the way we feel, perform and age. Detox supports the natural processes to excrete metabolic waste and toxins, to repair defective tissues, and to restore hormonal balance. This is beneficial to everyone, in particular to those who follow unhealthy habits and a sedentary lifestyle. Aside from reducing the risk of ill-health and associated age-related diseases, Chenot Method® can enhance your performance at any stage of life, helping you to maintain harmony with the body and live a fully active life — physically and mentally.

Consultation?

• Our Advanced Detox is the pillar programme of Henri Chenot and it aims to induce a deep purification and detoxification of the body.

The programme includes medical consultations, advanced diagnostic tests, a low-calorie plant-based nutritional plan, and targeted therapeutic treatments, all carried out under strict medical supervision. After this programme guests can expect improvements in their physical and mental performance, achieved by completely detoxing and resetting both the body and mind.

• On the first medical consultation, as a medical doctor I will review guest’s current health status and medical history, discuss their personal needs and goals, do a complete medical examination and prescribe all the necessary treatments to detoxify body and promote their health and wellbeing. At the second consultation we will discuss the Lifestyle Biomarkers® and the current state of body and mind. At the end of the programme, I will provide guests with all the required lifestyle modifications which will, if implemented, seriously

What happens during the Medical

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improve their wellbeing.

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At Patisserie Francaise Tirana, people come in and out to have a good time while enjoying the unique desserts of Marie Therese Marchal. But most of all, they like to enjoy the éclairs with coffee or chocolate icing. Many people stop by the shop while VIPs and a lot of clients from Kosovo come to Marie’s shop to buy the eclairs in boxes.

The word comes from the French éclair, meaning “flash of lightning”, so named because it is eaten quickly (in a flash). Nevertheless, some believe that the name is due to the glistening of the frosting resembling ‘lightning’.

Food historians speculate that éclair originated in France near the turn of the 19th century. It is widely believed they were invented by Marie-Antoine Carême, a pastry chef for French royalty. The first known recipe for this pastry appeared in “The Boston

Cooking-School Cook Book” in 1884.

All know that an éclair is a pastry made with choux dough filled with a cream and topped with a flavored icing. But Marie Therese Marchal has some secrets which guarantees the tastiest éclair in Tirana.

“A perfect éclair needs its own cooking and baking time. This is one of the secrets behind it. Also its filling must be of the highest quality ever,” says Marie.

The Patisserie cream, she explains, consists of fresh eggs, milk and vanilla. “We leave the mix to rest a bit while we prepare the icing ourselves instead of buying it ready.”

Under a low temperature, we bake the éclairs for one hour and a half.

“Our éclair is wholly artisanal through all its stages and this is fundamental,” the French businesswoman of more than three decades in Albania says to Trailblazing Magazine.

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COOKING IS ART

COOKING IS ART

Les Meilleurs éclairs de Tirana?

A la Patisserie Française Tirana

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MILOS CEROVIC’S EHMG

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1.Tell us about your remarkable journey. How can you sum up your career of more than 17 years of experience?

First of all, thank you for this great opportunity.

Let me tell you that my career is not different than the career of a usual hotel expert who was not afraid to try different things and get out of the comfort zone. I can describe my career as a truly global and international career. I was blessed to be living and working in some key markets like in New York, Las Vegas, Dubai as well as in some exotic places like Taipei, Guangzhou, Tel Aviv and others.

Each one of these experiences have made a little bit of impact on my career, on my journey, not only in terms of moving up in the corporate ladder but also in shaping up my personality, my behavior and help me grow through this journey. I, as a matter of fact, have been blessed not only that I grew professionally but I grew even personally because I have so many friends worldwide and colleagues that I can call upon whenever I need them. Also, whenever I travel even for pleasure, I still get to meet some of them, exchange opinions and keep in touch.

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FULL INTERVIEW BELOW:

ilos Cerovic is a global hotelier with a colorful experience of more than 17 years of multi brand leadership experience in iconic, luxury hotels & resorts in North America, Middle East, Europe and Asia. Passionate about every detail in this industry, Cerovic has recently shared his big focus on Albania in particular and on the Balkans in general. To this purpose, alongside with two co-partners, he established the European Hotel Management Group (EHMG) in 2021.

“Yes, my focus is primarily on this region. Last year, with two co-partners, we established the European Hotel Management Group (EHMG) which is a wide hotel management operator. We want to assist owners in achieving their financial potential investments,” Cerovic said in an exclusive interview with TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE. “We want to be the key company for developing young talents, to implement new international standards, but also to be the liaison between the international operator and the investors who want to have one of the flags from global brands,” he added.

Cerovic intends to highlight that investing in hotels is not a quick return but a good business done in a long term.

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3. In your view, what has been the key you have jumped from one international hotel chain to another, so successfully.

2. Can we go a bit back in the days of your work in Las Vegas? What do you remember from this first stop of your career and how influential it was for the rest of your journey?

Las Vegas was unique in every sense.

First, I was in the graduate school at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, which back at that time, was one of the top hotel schools globally and had an opportunity to enter this beautiful industry with the largest hotel in the

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I always challenge myself and I think this is a key message to all the young hoteliers: to keep pushing forward, to keep challenging themselves, to keep getting out of the comfort zone.

For example, when I moved from InterContinental to Shangri-La Group, I wanted to experience Asia. I looked at my CV at that time and I said, I have experienced Europe, US, Middle East and I am missing Asia from my CV. But no better way to experience Asia than by joining Asian companies.

That’s why I joined Shangri-La Group

As a matter of fact, my focus is greatly Albania and the entire Balkans. There will be quite a focus on expansion of different international operations into the Balkans because at the moment, there is lack of know-how and professional way of doing hospitality business. That’s why I felt that with my background and the experience I have, I can contribute in this part of the world. I can contribute in my backyard more or less. I consider Albania, Serbia, Montenegro as one unit, as one country with the Open Balkans we are going in this direction as well. Yes, my focus is primarily on this region. Last year, with two co-partners, we established the European Hotel Management Group (EHMG) which is a wide label hotel management operator. We want to assist owners in achieving their financial potential investments.

We want to be the key company for developing young talents, to implement new international standards, but also to be the liaison between the international operator and the investors who want to have one of the flags from global brands.

We work very closely with ACCOR GROUP and Intercontinental HOTELS Group where we are the official hotel management company for all their franchise agreements. In a sense we have global partners who are helping us to penetrate into new markets but

which is not only one of the most prestigious hotel groups in the world but also it gives you a wholly authentic Asian experience. As I said, I have been fortunate enough to work with this Group in Taipei, Guangzhou and others.

In that sense, I wanted to go through different experiences. When I graduated from the University of Nevada, I did not want to stay in the States. I immediately wanted to experience international ways of hotel work. So, I moved to Dubai in 2005 when the country was still in its developing stages. I opened a hotel there. I was not afraid to join the preopening team and work for endless hours. Therefore, I gained experience from bottom up. I think this is the only way to succeed. This is the message to the young hoteliers. Don’t think you can be successful by joining hotels at the top or don’t you think that after school, you are the GM or the sales and marketing director and so on and so forth. You get down to the bottom as this is the only way you can understand your employers and you can be able to lead them.

4. What does the future of your cooperation with Albania look like?

For the hospitality and tourism industry, the properties? Any concrete plan in the near future with Albania?

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world - MGM Grand Hotel Las Vegas with 5044 rooms where I gained my first experiences. Obviously, MGM Grand Hotel is a city within the city with 10.000 employees. I managed my first 100 percent occupancies, first experience of re-locating guests to another hotel, meeting some of the celebrities and government’s dignitaries so on and so forth.

In a way, it paved the way for the forthcoming career path when I worked in Shangri- La Group which is again a fantastic chain, InterContinental for 14 years, Global Hyatt, so on and so forth. The first experience surely had one of the largest impacts on me.

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6. You were called the leader of Luxury in Slovenia when you were leading Intercontinental Ljubjana.

How can Albania gain from your luxury hotel experience?

Luxury is a process and we all have different understanding of this term.

For some people, luxury is a fancy room or a fancy car that brings you from the airport to the hotel and that could be perceived as a luxury experience. For me, nowadays luxury is the time. It is the time we spent with the loved ones, that we spend reading a book or having a time for our own. It is the hotel and the staff that manages to create unique and memorable experiences for the guests during their free time. I think this is luxury. If we are able to exceed customer’s expectations or at least meet them, because nowadays the customer is well-traveled; some business guys know hotels better than the hotel employees do because they

there is still quite a lot of work to do in Albania, in other countries and in the region.

5. What has EHMG finalized in Albania so far?

We have brought Crownplaza to Durres. It is the first EHMG project and we are also looking to bring InterContinental to Albania. We also brought Radisson Blue in the South of Albania as well. We work closely with Radisson as well. On the other hand, we are currently managing Movenpick

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stay 150-200 nights a year in some of these hotels. They exactly know what they want, when they want and how they want. So, for us, it is important to understand the needs of the clients, to get prepared even before they arrive and then to exceed such expectations.

Yes, the product is also important.

But sometimes it is not about the new and fancy product. Sometimes even the hotels, which are not the richest and the newest, can offer you much better service and create value for a

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guest that some of the new hotels can not do. So, it is all about investing in people, in creativity and helping the line employees because the latter are the most important ones. They are the ones who deliver the service. We lead them, we guide them, we coach them, we help and teach them. We create that passion for this industry but they are the ones who deliver that to the customer. So, they are the contact point. Empowering them is the right word. Empowering them and giving them the freedom to deliver that wonderful service. Owners, especially in the Balkans, tend to frame employees in the sense that you can do this but you cannot do that. So, they say, in return to the customers: “I am sorry we cannot do this or we don’t have this or that”. Instead, we have to say to the customer, for everything reasonable, “Yes, we can do it.” We will find the way to do it.

Don’t say no. We tend to fail in little things.

But everything starts from the mindset of the owners who should understand that investing in hotels is not a quick return. Instead, it is a good business in a long term. Hospitality is a resilient industry we know, but if you are seeking for a quick return, invest in something else.

in Lalez Bay, Durres (Albania).

For each of the agreements we have achieved, we have constantly worked for more than 7-8 months. It has been a process which has involved a lot of non-stop communication and engagement, pros, cons, education and know-how. It is an educational process. We need to start at some point. It is a challenging process but also fun at the same time.

B E S P O K E D I N N E R WA R E A N D S E R V E WA R E

Cube Cloche – Unique Collection

by MyGlassStudio B E S P O K E D I N N E R WA R E A N D S E R V E WA R E

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B E S P O K E D I N N E R WA R E A N D S E R V E WA R E

can be placed upright to save counter space and the handle is powder coated metal; safe to be used outdoors.

Here are some more unique benefits:

• Made of glass; a sanitizable & nonporous material • Food safe and non-toxic (no lead of cadmium) materials • Resistant to acids contained in ingredients such as vinegar, tomato and lemon • Resistant to cutlery with up to 52% carbon on the Rockwell Hardness scale • Anti-slippery surface under the cover Select from black, gold, grey and clear glass for a “Minimal” style or from orange, pink and green for a “Macaroon” display.

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deal for room amenity presentations and pastry display, the Cube Cloche by MyGlassStudio is the only food cloche in the form of a cube.

Although the collection comes in standard colors, MyGlassStudio’s main purpose is to create only and exactly what you need, so we can create bespoke designs with the 170 colors and 200 patterns in our collection, and personalize the items with logos.

At MyGlassStudio we are tableware designers. We design true bespoke dinnerware, table accessories, serve ware and room amenity presentations for the food service industry. With 3 libraries of 1800 shapes, 170 colors

Four sizes of food cloches together with footed glass trays that can be delivered in opaque colors for a unique uncovering experience, and a room decor item, as well as in transparent to protect but keep the food presentation visible.

The collection is dishwasher-safe, ultra-durable, food-safe and colors will never peel off. The cube cloches

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and 200 patterns, we are able to create “Only and Exactly What the Customer Needs”. A tableware concept unique and exclusive for your restaurant. In our design we also incorporate other materials as well, such as metal, brass, leather, wood and stone/marble.

Being a boutique factory, we continually innovate to help the luxury hospitality market, in more than 140 countries, to achieve their primary goal: Delivering memorable experiences for their guests. In the past 17 years, we have implemented numerous hotel opening projects

and have procurement contracts with major hotel chains.

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Postcard from Durrës city The coastal city of Durrës is an important hub to Western Europe due to its port and its proximity to various Italian port cities, such as Bari (300 km or 186 mi away) and Brindisi (200 km or 124 mi away).

It is the second most populous city in the Republic of Albania. Durrës city is considered the most ancient and economic and historic center. Above all, Durrës is home to beaches, which are popular destination for many foreign or local tourists, and a port which will be transformed by Dubai-based Emaar Group into one of the largest and most beautiful tourist ports in the Mediterranean.

PHOTOS BY TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE TRIP ORGANIZED BY DEA LINES TRAVEL AGENCY, DURRËS

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-Feeling Well in a Natural Way with Dr. Maria Cristina Marchesi -

BY RUDINA HOXHA & JOSE PINTO For us as a couple, who work a lot on running many things at the same time, taking a stop is a blessing. A kind invitation by Mrs. Nevila Dudaj, the General Manager of Luxury 5-star Adriatik Hotel in Durres (https://www. adriatikhotel.com/) , Albania, to try some new wellness and spa packages, brought to the Hotel by a great Italian Naturopathic Doctor, sounded irresistible to us.

Besides the customary Wellness packages from the Queen Teuta Spa,

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the 65-year Luxury 5-star Adriatik Hotel, part of Best Western, in cooperation with the Dr. Maria Cristina Marchesi, an Italian Naturopathic Doctor, with a diploma in Naturopathy from Centro Riza di Medicina Naturale in Milan, has recently pioneered the first wellness clinic in Albania and in the Balkans. Thus, enhancing the spa and wellness experience for the guests as well as adding a unique feature to the historic and iconic property, built in 1957, now part of the

Best Western, the world largest hotel chain.

Among many other aspects, what is so striking about this Hotel is that it offers seawater winter and summer pools as the only ones in Albania.

This Wellness Clinic offers full packages inspired by Naturopathy.

Mostly they are based on the Japanese method of Reiki combined with natural therapies and healthy nutrition to live longer and better.

So, we left to visit the Wellness Clinic at Queen Teuta Spa at Adriatik Hotel where our interest was to learn more about the full packages of Dr. Maria Cristina Marchesi as well as the story who brought her to Albania.

But before let’s explain a bit more on Naturopathy: What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic medicine is a system that uses natural remedies to help the body heal itself. It embraces many therapies, including herbs, massage, exercise, and nutritional counseling.

Naturopathy was brought to the United States from Germany in the 1800s, but some of its treatments are centuries old. Today, it combines traditional treatments with some aspects of modern science.

The goal of naturopathic medicine is to treat the whole person -- that means mind, body, and spirit. It also aims to heal the root causes of an

illness -- not just stop the symptoms.

A naturopathic doctor may spend 1 to 2 hours examining you. They’ll ask questions about your health history, stress levels, and lifestyle habits. They may order lab tests. Afterwards, they will typically discuss your personal health plan. Naturopathic medicine focuses on education and prevention, so your doctor may give you diet, exercise, or stress management tips.

SPOTLIGHT ON Dr. Maria Cristina Marchesi

We arrived to the Adriatik Hotel in the coastal city of Durres. This classy, luxury and Iconic hotel, renowned as the first Albanian hotel, is located right on the sandy beach of Durres, 25 minute- drive from Tirana’s International Airport. Undergoing many renovations through years, the Hotel takes your breath away.

We sat by the sea to have a coffee while waiting for Dr. Maria Cristina Marchesi.

After a while she appeared. With a dark blue satin shirt on, blown lightly by the sea breeze and a pair of loose pants, Dr. Maria Cristina Marchesi approached to us. With a happy and beaming face, she radiated positivism, comfort and happiness. Empathy struck. In all her talk, it was obvious that she was smitten by the love for Albania. “First, I was in Albania about 4 years ago enjoying vacations. I fell

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WELLNESS CLINICS

WELLNESS CLINICS

The Only Wellness Clinic in Albania at Queen Teuta Spa at the Luxury Beachfront Adriatik Hotel in Durres

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today 18, had a terrible car accident alongside with his father when he was 7. They stayed in the emergency care unit for three months. The son had leg amputation operations and blood transfusion. Besides that, I applied my holistic techniques. This whole experience was meant for me to lead me in this direction.” in love with this country. I decided to come and live here,” Dr. Marchesi opened the conversation.

Through common friends, she said, who had tried such holistic methods which she recommends in Italy, she got to know the General Manager of the Adriatik Hotel in Durres, Mrs. Nevila Dudaj. “Being fond of all these holistic techniques, she proposed this cooperation to me,” she said, adding “I am so happy to bring these new methods in Albania which for many people might be unknown but they are so beneficial for the health.”

She revealed that she is a Master Reiki with a 20-year of experience of practicing the Asian well-being methods.

First she studied sociology but later the need to raise her 4 children healthily pushed her to study naturopathy. But much later, a difficult moment in her life, would seal her business journey.

“I have a personal experience which has taught me a lot. My eldest son,

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A Fantastic Wellness Retreat by Dr. Maria Cristina Marchesi

The Wellness Clinic at Adriatik Hotel Durres provides wellness retreats for you, your partner, your Family members, your Friends which make them feel completely rejuvenated psychologically and physically. They are tailored for each and every one at the Hotel. We should come with the determined objective to lose weight, to change mindset, to take the stress away and to achieve an optimal level of physical and mental well-being.

If the guest is a foreigner, he/she is picked up at the airport by the Adriatik Hotel Durres concierge personnel. He/she can stay for one week or two weeks at the Hotel under the full care of Dr. Maria Cristina Marchesi. With a focus on details, she makes a detailed report for every guest. Meals, prepared in accordance with the corresponding blood group of each guest, accompanied with the food intolerance tests, combined with the proper breathing techniques

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Three Massage Rooms – Facial & Skin treatment room – Exclusive skin Luxury products Forlled.

Touring and enjoying its services, many guests, especially foreigners or Albanians living abroad, often wonder why the Spa is called Queen Teuta Spa. On purpose, it is called so to tell them more about the symbol queen of Durres City – Queen Teuta – and sightseeing its ancient places including the Archaeological Museum of Durres.

It is the Hotel which offers tour guides around the city including Queen Teuta.

in front of sunset and other relaxing exercises are all part of a fantastic wellness retreat. She guarantees that at the end of this immemorable experience, the guest will feel anew.

“What I recommend are advices on eating, exercises and seasonal herbs based on the psychology of the person. As well as the Réflexologie plantaire which consists in massaging the soles of the foot knowing that every point responds to an organ in the body. We must know that besides the blood circulation in the body, what is important is the circulation of energy. It is exactly the energy that stimulates the organ to self-improve and self-heal. The same we can apply on the face. We do not aim to avoid the medicines but we accelerate the recovery by such techniques,” Dr. Marchesi said.

Other methods she applies are the Tibetan singing bowls and chimes which are largely used to promote relaxation and offer powerful healing properties as well as Kinesiology method – a practice that works on the strength of muscle.

For reservation with the Spa, please contact: E: spa-services@adriatikhotel.com W: https://www.adriatikhotel.com/spawellness/ T: +355 69 995 4570

A Curious Fact About the Spa Evoking the Past of Durres City

The Queen Teuta Spa, laying in 400 square meters, was established in May 2019 offering: – a Thalasso heated seawater indoor pool – a modern Gym – a Sauna – Turkish Bath – Hamam –

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BY FABJOLA ARAPI

Rural Development Expert

The AAA Head, Mr. Flori Uka speaking at the ceremony of the establishment of The Agritourism Association - Albania.

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he constant changes in the agricultural sector seeks the Albanian farmers to adjust to the new realities and embrace alternative strategies to keep their farms stable. The diversification of the farms has been turned into a strategy for the Albanian farms thus creating an agritourism unit model.

Nowadays the agrotourism is perceived as the most efficient alternative method to use the resources of the farms, generate extra incomes and increase the employment of the youngsters. Agrotourism is actually a trend for the passionate youngsters for agriculture.

In situations, where the challenges are complex and they ask for interor multi-organizational response, cooperation is needed. The network is

an interactive system among various actors with the aim to exchange the resources, information, activities and mutual support in increasing the capacities of reciprocal benefits.

The latest initiative, undertaken by 71 agritourism enterprises, does not represent solely an association but is a Networking which includes interactive partners and supportive partners whose nucleus is “The Agritourism Association – Albania.”

Its main aim is to grow the industry of Agrotourism through increasing the human capacities and transfer of know-how, marketing, establishment of standards and increase of incomes to offer a social-economic and educational contribution.

The Association advocates the interests of the agrotourism units, the lobbing, the promotion and the

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“The Agritourism Association – Albania”: “Time for Agritourism”

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consolidation of the image of the Agritourist Albania.

“Being all together around the same pillar makes us stronger and by being stronger we aim to be a factor in the development of rural areas, creation of a sole profile of agrotourism in Albania. We want to establish an identity, led by the principles of agrotourism, by our land, authenticity, tradition, culture, nature and our roots,” states a press release of Agritourism Association-Albania.

“We have just closed with dignity a very important process of electing the

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directing bodies of the Association whose leaders are young and successful entrepreneurs of the agrotourism units which have a clear vision. The “Agritourism Association – Albania” is led by its Head, Mr. Flori Uka and its Steering Board by Mrs. Jonida Hena, Mrs. Elona Bejo, Mr. Altin Prenga, Mr. Fatmir Ndoj and Mr. Rigers Kacorri,” according to the press release.

The Association is led by a concrete operational plan consisting of proposals pertaining to legal and

events the Association will organize. #TimeforAgroturizem #TimeforCooperation

fiscal aspects, promotion, proposals for co-decision making (governance) and projects that come to the help of the agrotourism units.

This initiative has found the support of the German government, SRD project, experts of the field and institutional partner with whom the cooperation will be constant.

To learn more about the initiatives of the Association, check the website at the application format (AgroTime AL) where you will find the real rural Albania as well as information about

https://agroturizem.gov.al/ (https:// agrotourism.gov.al/) https://www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100074184376374 https://www.instagram.com/shoqata_ agroturizmit/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/ in/agritourism-associationalbania-831563227/

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IN BRIEF

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1 10 SUPER PROMISING NORWEGIAN STARTUPS TO WATCH IN 2022 AND BEYOND Home to fairytale landscapes made up of fjords, mountains, lakes and the magical northern lights – Norway is certainly a source of inspiration for innovation, creation, and a reminder of the wonders of the planet.

It’s a nation with a thriving economy, a welcoming and positive culture and a healthy startup environment. Norwegian innovation is at the forefront of embedding sustainability to the core of business purpose and aims, as much as practices. About 98% of Norway’s domestic power usage is drawn from hydroelectric power plants – talk about future-proof approaches!! The Scandinavian country is known across the world for its forward-thinking and progressive outlook and approaches, and its startups are no exception – it’s a community that’s skyrocketing.

We’ve put together this list of top startups to watch this year and beyond! In our research, we focused on startups founded between 2019 and 2022. https://www.eu-startups.com/2022/03/10-super-promising-norwegian-startupsto-watch-in-2022-and-beyond/ Source: eu-startup

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HOW YOU CAN TRAVEL IN ABU DHABI FOR FREE BY COLLECTING PLASTIC BOTTLES

BILBAO WELCOMES SPAIN’S SECOND RADISSON COLLECTION HOTEL

The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi DMT) has launched an initiative encouraging public transport passengers to collect plastic bottles, and exchange them in order to obtain free trips on public buses in the emirate.

Radisson Collection Hotel, Gran Vía Bilbao takes over the 1945-built former headquarters of Banco Hispano Americano with 137 rooms across six floors, including two rooftop suites with private terraces, Jacuzzis and views of the city.The property’s Art Deco-inspired design was brought to life by dAAr Arquitectura with interiors now combining curved lines, soft seating and the use of many different textures and fabrics. Marble, natural stone and wood meet a colour palette of earthy tones complemented with gold and blue.

Read the full article at https://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/transport/how-you-can-travel-inabu-dhabi-for-free-by-collecting-plastic-bottles?utm_source=newsletter&utm_ medium=email&utm_campaign=arabianbusiness_newsletters Source: Arabian Business

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Read the full report at the link below: https://tophotel.news/bilbao-welcomes-spains-second-radisson-collection-hotel/ Source: TopHotelNews 111

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GULLIVAIR STARTS THE NEW DIRECT FLIGHT BETWEEN TIRANA – SOFIA

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9 TRAVEL TRENDS IMPACTING EVENTS RIGHT NOW Skift Forum Europe 2022 brought together Europe’s top minds in travel and set the scene for what recovery from the Covid pandemic will look like in the event industry. Here we take a closer look at the key trends identified.

On April 2, 2022, GullivAir, a Bulgarian airline headquartered in Sofia started the new route between Tirana and Sofia. The new route will offer its passengers three weekly direct flights to Sofia, Bulgaria, and from mid-May four times per week.

Read the full article at the link below: https://www.tirana-airport.com/d/378/gullivair-started-today-the-new-directflight-between-tirana-sofia Source: Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza

https://www.eventmanagerblog.com/travel-trends-impacting-events

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Finalists Announced

at the ceremony.

Find out more about the finalists European Inventor Award 2022: The finalists

day; encourage your followers to do the same and also to take part in the interactive virtual ceremony, where they will have the opportunity to find out which finalist takes home the Popular Prize.

Timeline Media campaign: 17 May – 21 June

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n May 17, the European Patent Office revealed this year’s European Inventor Award finalists of

the categories Industry, Research, Non-EPO countries and SMEs. The

Young Inventors prize finalists will be announced on 24 May (10:00 CEST).

From this year onwards, the Lifetime achievement category will feature a single laureate who will be announced

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On 17 May, the European Patent Office launched the campaign for this year’s European Inventor Award on all of its channels, including social media.

This campaign aims to raise awareness of the inventors, their work and valuable contribution to society, as well as the role of the patent system in supporting innovation and economic growth.

The Popular Prize voting contest also kicked off on 17 May and will close on 21 June 2022 during the ceremony of the European Inventor Award. Vote for your favourite inventor, once a

Announcement of Young Inventors prize finalists: 24 May Popular Prize voting period: 17 May – 21 June Watch the online award ceremony on 21 June 2022

The European Inventor Award is one of Europe’s most prestigious innovation prizes. Launched by the European Patent Office (EPO) in 2006, it honours inventors, individuals or teams whose pioneering work improves our lives, advances technology and creates jobs. They are chosen by an independent jury.

Official hashtags:

#InventorAward #YoungInventors EPO social media handles: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram European Inventor Award: https://bit.ly/InventorAward_22 Popular Prize: https://bit.ly/PopularPrize22

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European Inventor Award 2022:

Every year, the public can vote for their favourite inventor: the Popular Prize goes to the shortlisted inventor with the most votes.

The winners in each category, as well as the winner of the Popular Prize, will be announced at the online European Inventor Award ceremony on 21 June, starting at 12:00 hrs (CEST).

Visit inventoraward.org to find out more.

European Inventor Award 2022 Social media engagement opportunities

DESTINATION CO2-NEUTRAL AVIATION

Into a sustainable future with a clear strategy and innovative technology The Lufthansa Group takes its responsibility for effective climate protection seriously - with a clearly path toward CO2 neutrality. With CleanTech Hub, Lufthansa Group has launched a new Competence Center for climate protection technologies. The goal: Flying more sustainably.

Real-time optimisation for flight routes Optimal flight planning and routing are crucial for flying sustainably. To achieve this goal Google Cloud and Lufthansa Group are working together to develop holistic control options for flight operations using artificial intelligence. Lufthansa Systems’ state of the art navigation tool, "Lido Flight 4D," also works with real-time data. Pilots are provided with the best possible flight route that enables fuel savings of up to five percent.

NICE TO KNOW Goals based on science Reducing Lufthansa Group's net carbon emissions

CO2 -50% 2019

Future Lab

CO2-neutral

2030

2050

The Lufthansa Group has joined the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in 2021 so that its CO2 reduction path is in line with the Paris Climate Agreement of the United Nations and is based on scientific data.

The CleanTech Hub combines Lufthansa Group airline know-how with input from worldwide start-ups and scientific advancements. Experts are already working on more than 80 projects ranging from Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), digital and technical solutions, waste reduction and the future of mobility. Five highlights of this work are:

Efficient aircraft

Aircraft becomes a hydrogen laboratory Next generation SAF

Innovation and research are always a glimpse into the future. Funded by the City of Hamburg, Lufthansa Technik, together with the German Aerospace Center, the Center for Applied Aviation Research and Hamburg Airport, will design and test over the next two years comprehensive maintenance and ground processes in dealing with hydrogen technology. This will require that an aircraft of the Airbus A320 aircraft family be converted into a stationary laboratory at Lufthansa Technik.

Lufthansa Group is involved in several projects to accelerate the development and industrialization of the next generation of SAF. With Power-to-Liquid technology (PtL), sustainable fuel can be produced from green electricity, water and CO2. Another promising innovation: flying with sunlight. Sunto-Liquid technology (StL) uses solar heat to convert CO2 into fuel.

-30% An annual 2 billion Euro investment

Fuel consumption

The Lufthansa Group is constantly modernizing its fleet and will put about 180 highly efficient aircraft into service by 2030.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Circular economy replaces in-flight waste Learning from nature: New aerodynamic aircraft skin Lufthansa Technik and BASF have jointly developed the surface film AeroSHARK for commercial aircraft. Based on the structure of shark skin, it reduces aircraft drag, thus reducing fuel consumption on every flight.

Lufthansa Group will already use the technology on its aircraft in 2022.

Source: https://cleantechhub.lufthansagroup.com/

By 2025, Lufthansa Group plans using only sustainable materials instead of single-use plastic. Already the company has initiated various cooperations to achieve this goal. For example, with the German start-up "traceless materials": they develop biodegradable plastic alternatives from agricultural waste products that can be used to package food for use on board. After being used it decomposes under natural composting conditions without leaving a trace.

The Lufthansa Group has acquired Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for $250 million to meet projected demand.

CREATE A SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUTURE WITH US! In addition to regular conferences, hackathons and labs, the CleanTech Hub invites thought leaders and start-ups four times a year to present technology projects and concepts for climate-friendly flight operations to a jury of experts. The Competence Center connects you with the relevant players, sets up a partnership with you or turns into your first customer. Be part of it!

Apply now for the next Pitch Day: https://cleantechhub.lufthansagroup.com

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SAF

CO2 The Lufthansa Group has been involved in research on Sustainable Aviation Fuels for many years and is now one of the world's largest users. Passengers can already fly carbon-neutral.

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Tea Tours: “You Dream it, We Plan it!”

TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE grabbed some time to Rudina Licaj, Founder of the tour operator “Tea Tours” to talk about her company and the services it offers all year round.

“We offer our complex services: tourist packages, car rental, transfers from harbors and airports, as well as accommodation (hotel, hostel, guest house) and various activities (diving, rafting, fishing, hiking, gastronomy, agrotourism) made possible by our collaborations,” she said.

“Tea Tours” offers tourists the opportunity to find all the services they need for their vacations or adventures in just one comprehensive platform www.teatours.al”

travel guide book publisher “Lonely planet” and “Bradt Travel Guides”.

I have been a part of the tourism industry since 2012 and have a vast knowledge about all destinations in the Southern Albania. The experience in ZIT (Tourist Information Office), the acknowledgments received, together with the amazingly qualified staff who worked with me, led to the birth of tour operator “Tea Tours”, whose team believes and wants to offer the best service to tourists in all aspects. We had been assisting tourists with information for many years, and little by little we started to gain an understanding of tourists’ needs, wants and desires, so we thought why not offer these tourists the full experience rather than just information? We decided the best way to make that happen was by starting our own tour operator.

Our motto is: “You dream it, we plan it!”

FULL INTERVIEW BELOW: To get started, could you tell us how you came up with the idea for TeaTours? What is the story behind it?

Hello “Trailblazing Magazine”! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be part of this interview. I am Rudina Licaj, founder of the tour operator “Tea Tours”. I studied Economics in the “University of Tirana” and worked for several years in the banking system of Albania and Social Security Services. I have managed the “Tourist Information Office” of the Municipality of Saranda for 10 years. This office has been acknowledged by the Australian

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How does Tea Tours work? How many tours do you organize daily, monthly and yearly? Can you mention some of the main tours you organize especially in the spring and summer periods of time?

“Tea Tours” offers its services all year round.

We offer our complex services: tourist packages, car rental, transfers from harbors and airports, as well as

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T R AV E L AG E N C Y C O R N E R

After facing harsh times due to COVID-19, travel agencies are coming back with ambitious plans. Would you like to promote your travel agency? Now we have the proper space for you.

Please contact us at rudina.hoxha@jphospitality.eu

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3. With the ease of anti-COVID 19 restrictions, how is TeaTours managing to come back? What do you see coming in the mediumterm?

accommodation (hotel, hostel, guest house) and various activities (diving, rafting, fishing, hiking, gastronomy, agrotourism) made possible by our collaborations. We offer tourists the opportunity to find all the services they need for their vacations or adventures in just one comprehensive platform www.teatours.al

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After going through a difficult period like all other businesses, we hope that after the pandemic everything will return to normal and tourists will be free to enjoy the services we offer. The removal of these measures is increasing interest and contacts from partners and customers who are interested in the new season. During the pandemic period we did not stay idle on the contrary, we invested our time to establish new connections with partners from all over the world,

we started selling our rushes through various very successful platforms we also explored new places for become part of our tourist destinations.

4. What about your team and how have you maintained company culture?

We have been working together with my team for 10 years, we have a very good relationship and great collaboration skills with each other. The trainings and fairs we have participated in have grown us professionally. We pass on the good spirit of cooperation and experience to the new colleagues we bring into our staff, as well as organize a few motivational tours for our team so they can not only get a chance to enjoy their time and relax, but also learn more about the wonderful cultural and natural beauties that surround us, something we look to transmit to our clients as well.

Together we create piles and work on them in order to bring them to market with the highest standards.

for everyone aspiring to create their own startup is to increase the quality of the products or services they offer and to identify themselves with their own product. We need to work harder to make the tourist season longer so we all can have the opportunity to offer tourists even more to visit not only summer vacations.

5. What practical tips do you have to share with other travel or tourism startups out there?

We would like everyone to treat customers with respect and correctness because a satisfied customer today can bring many new customers tomorrow. Also, another tip

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We try to be as flexible as we can with the clients’ requests. “Tea Tours” can be easily found on all social media…

By placing ourselves in the shoes of the customer, we ensure complete satisfaction, transparency, comfort and competitive prices for the market.

While we do have a substantial number of tours that we organize all year round, the number depends on the fluctuations of tourists that visit Saranda during the summer months and the winter ones, summer having a noticeable increase in the number of tourists which leads to more summer tours packs we book and a slight increase of cultural tours during the winter months.

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S O F T WA R E D E V E L O P M E N T AC A D E M Y

SDA by Protik Starts your journey in the IT world 122

AADF in partnership with Protik Center, the Municipality of Tirana and the National Agency for Information Society has launched in 2020 the Software Development Academy (SDA), which is implemented by Protik. SDA International is the largest programming academy in Central and Eastern Europe based in Poland and operates in over 35 cities across Europe. The SDA International has over 15,000 graduates, 600 other trainers and programming languages like Java, JavaScript, Python, .Net and

Software Tester. SDA by Protik offers a flexible program through “Bring Your Own Device” model and aims to hire new professionals in the private and public ICT sector. SDA by Protik issues certificates after completing of the course meeting the labor market needs of ICT professionals in the Albanian market.

In partnership with Protik Center, the National Agency for the Information Society, and the Municipality of Tirana, the Albanian-American 123

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S O F T WA R E D E V E L O P M E N T AC A D E M Y

ICT investors, meanwhile, stimulate emerging local companies and startups by offering the opportunity to enter the global market with ICT goods and exports.

SDA by Protik offers software development courses - programming in Java, JavaScript, Python, .NET, Data Science and Software Tester through a unique learning approach and offers employment and career advancement opportunities for graduates.

SDA by Protik Albania has over 254 graduates, 53 certified trainers and currently offers courses also in 4 other cities: Tirana, Durres, Fier and Korca.

So far, over 200 students have been employed in the biggest programming companies in Albania.

AADF offers a scholarship program, supporting young professionals in

Development Foundation will bridge the market skills gap in the software development industry for over 1,500 new ICT professionals and transform the ecosystem into an attractive market for for foreign investors.

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various categories such as: Early Birds – The first 6 students who sign-up Remote - students coming from other cities Unemployed Support for students in need of financial aid due to low income GPA > 9 - Students with GPA >9 (3 partial scholarships), and one full scholarship for Change your Career with Us - for the students > 9.5 (GPA

3.8) - women who work in the IT sector and upgrade their skills During 2022, the academy aims to expand to other cities in Albania and will offer a diverse portfolio with courses in Data Engineering & Data Science, DevOps, Java Enterprise, .NET, Cyber Security, UX/UI Course, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning.

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No matter what you want to reach, you can do it – always challenge yourself and in the end, it pays off!

BY LARGELINDA TERMKOLLI

P

ërshëndetje! My name is Largelinda Termkolli and I’m a 25-years-old woman living in Germany with roots in Kosovo. Because of the political situation in Kosovo, my family decided to leave the country and start a new life in Germany. So, I was born and raised with two brothers in a small German town where I went to kindergarten, elementary and high school.

In these early stages of my life, I learned to deal with two completely different languages and to manage German as the main language used at school and in daily situations and Albanian as my mother language at home. Initially, it caused pure chaos in my head. But with the great support of my teachers and friends, I handled it quite well. Looking back, it is a real advantage to grow up bilingual and bicultural – I am sure

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that this influenced me to get this open-minded and respectful mindset toward everybody, no matter which background this person has. And how did my professional career start? As a young girl I loved accompanying my dad to the ATM – Is there anything better than receiving money after just inserting the bank card? Unfortunately, I now know that it’s not that simple…

So, I had the dream to become the woman I always saw behind the bank counter. My parents always pushed me to show my best and to be as disciplined as possible. With their support – after overcoming some obstacles because of my origin in my elementary school – I got my confirmation for the high school I wished to visit. Occasionally I wanted to become a doctor, a lawyer and indeed a singer… But after having an internship at a bank it was clear again that I needed to reach my first goal.

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So, I learned a lot and tried to get good grades.

My ambition for my dream job just got stronger and stronger. And after my graduation at high school in 2015, I got my dream job and started my apprenticeship to become a bank clerk. At this point, my journey in the finance industry began and after 2,5 years I successfully completed this education. But for me, it was clear that this achievement wasn’t my last.

I wanted to learn more in order to expand my knowledge. So, the new job offer came on time.

In March 2018 I started as a Treasury Manager for a real estate company.

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For this role, I was able to apply my existing knowledge and gain new financial skills for the future. Becoming an academic was also an important goal for me.

Therefore, I decided to study Business Administration at university. But to be a fulltime student means not having the monthly income I got used to. And shopping is one of my favorite hobbies.

Well, the decision was made, I combined my studies with my full-time job. That meant 3 years of studying on Friday evenings and Saturdays while working from Monday to Friday – the Sunday was my only time off and most of the time I needed this day to complete assignments, learn and balance life. It sounds as tough as it was. I was faced with challenges during this period.

On the one hand, I had to give my best at my job and on the other hand, I wanted to get the best version out of myself. And I managed it! With my willpower, ambition, discipline and my focus on my goal, I knew I can be successful.

After this stressful but instructive time, I finally earned my bachelor’s degree. Here I’d like to thank my family, friends and colleagues for their support and understanding

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during these 3 years – without them, it would have been even tougher.

During this journey, I grow in every sense personally and professionally and I’m very grateful for this. Because of this positive feeling and my will to learn even more I decided to do this journey again – further two years for getting my master’s degree in Business Psychology. I’m sure it will pay off in the end. And I’m also sure that I wouldn’t have reached all these achievements without the educational opportunities here in Germany. As a young person you can reach everything you want to, and you can constantly educate yourself. I’m also lucky that I got all these opportunities and that I got so much support in every aspect. I really appreciate the German Education

System and I recommend everyone to take advantage of the opportunity to expand their knowledge. Additionally, I am a volunteer for an organization that empowers young women with a migration background. It is important for me to change the old-fashioned mindset which is still existing in today’s world. A lot of women with an immigration background are still faced with challenges, especially in business life. Volunteering in this organization provides a great opportunity to raise awareness and to empower women in our society. Beyond all that, my life is fulfilled with quality time with friends and family. I love traveling, reading, fitness and of course enjoying good food! My tip for you: No matter what you want to reach, you can do it – always challenge yourself and in the end, it pays off!

TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE initiates a new column sharing your study or work experience abroad.

Contact us: rudina.hoxha@ jphospitality.eu

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- BRAZILIAN EXPERT OF SAMBA SHOWS AND MUSICAL GROUPS -

A HISTÓRIA DO CARNAVAL PELOS OLHOS DE ROSIVALDO BATISTA - ESPECIALISTA BRASILEIRO DE SHOWS DE SAMBA E GRUPOS MUSICAIS -

C

arnival was brought to Brazil by Portuguese settlers between the 16th and 17th centuries, initially manifesting itself through the entrudo (carnival), a popular game.

Over time, Carnival acquired other forms of expression, such as the masquerade ball. The emergence of carnival societies contributed to the popularization of the party among the poor.

O Carnaval foi trazido ao Brasil pelos colonizadores portugueses entre os séculos XVI e XVII, manifestando-se inicialmente por meio do entrudo, uma brincadeira popular. Com o passar do tempo, o Carnaval foi adquirindo outras formas de se manifestar, como o baile de máscaras.

O surgimento das sociedades carnavalescas contribuiu para a popularização da festa entre as camadas pobres.

From the 20th century, the popularization of the festivities contributed to the emergence of samba, a musical style heavily influenced by African culture, and the samba schools parade, an event that ended up being made official with government support. During this period, Carnival assumed its position as the largest popular party in Brazil.

A partir do século XX, a popularização da festa contribuiu para o surgimento do samba, estilo musical muito influenciado pela cultura africana, e do desfile das escolas de samba, evento que acabou sendo oficializado com apoio governamental. Nesse período, o Carnaval assumiu a sua posição de maior festa popular do Brasil.

ENTRUDO In the public sphere, entrudo was used as a tool of mockery, as people turned against anyone who crossed the streets of towns or cities. As it was a very popular practice, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries, this game was seen as an extra income opportunity for some families.

ENTRUDO No âmbito público, o entrudo era usado como uma ferramenta de zombaria, pois as pessoas voltavam-se contra quem cruzava as ruas das vilas ou cidades. Como era uma prática muito popular, sobretudo nos séculos XVIII e XIX, essa brincadeira era vista como uma oportunidade de renda extra para algumas famílias.

These families were dedicated to the production of containers, which were filled with any type of liquid, to be

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Essas famílias dedicavam-se à produção dos recipientes, que eram

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The History of Carnaval Through the Eyes of Rosivaldo Batista

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sold afterwards. The game was so popular that even the Brazilian royal family was adept at carnivals. Despite being popular, entrudo did not please most of Brazil’s elites, so much so that, throughout our history, several decrees against entrudo were issued.

In the 19th century, there was an intense campaign against entrudo.

The press was largely responsible for the development of the campaign against entrudo in Brazil. While entrudo was repressed in the streets, the Empire’s elite created carnival balls in clubs and theaters. At the carnival, there were no songs, unlike

preenchidos com qualquer tipo de líquido, para vendê-los em seguida.

A brincadeira era tão popular que até mesmo a família real brasileira foi adepta do entrudo. Mesmo sendo popular, o entrudo não agradava à grande parte das elites do Brasil, tanto que, ao longo da nossa história, diversos decretos contra o entrudo foram baixados.

No século XIX, houve uma intensa campanha contra o entrudo.

A imprensa foi uma das grandes responsáveis pelo desenvolvimento da campanha contra o entrudo no Brasil.

Enquanto o entrudo era reprimido

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the dances in the imperial capital, where mainly polkas were played.

The elite of Rio de Janeiro would also create societies, the first of which was the Congress of Carnival Sumities, to parade through the city’s streets.

While the Shrovetide was repressed, the imperial high society tried to take to the streets.

nas ruas, a elite do Império criava os bailes de carnaval em clubes e teatros. No entrudo, não havia músicas, ao contrário dos bailes da capital imperial, onde eram tocadas, principalmente, as polcas.

Carnival marches also appeared in the 19th century, with the figure of Chiquinha Gonzaga standing out, as well as her song “Ô abre alas”. Samba only emerged around the 1910s, with the song “Pelo Telephone”, by Donga and Mauro de Almeida, becoming, over time, the legitimate musical

A elite do Rio de Janeiro criaria ainda as sociedades, cuja primeira foi o Congresso das Sumidades Carnavalescas, para desfilar nas ruas da cidade. Enquanto o entrudo era reprimido, a alta sociedade imperial tentava tomar as ruas.

O afoxé é um ritmo musical criado a partir de elementos da cultura africana e que faz parte do Carnaval

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representative of Carnival.

Throughout the 20th century, Carnival became even more popular in Brazil and had a diversity of forms of performance, both among the ruling class and among the popular classes.

Around the 1910s, the Corsicans emerged, with the convertible cars of the Carioca elite parading along Avenida Central, now Avenida Rio Branco. This practice lasted until around the 1930s.

SAMBA SCHOOLS AND ELECTRIC TRIO Among the popular classes, samba schools emerged in the 1920s. It is considered that the first samba school

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brasileiro.

Afoxé is a musical rhythm created from elements of African culture and is part of the Brazilian Carnival.

As marchinhas de carnaval surgiram também no século XIX, destacandose a figura de Chiquinha Gonzaga, bem como sua música “Ô abre alas”.

O samba somente surgiu por volta da década de 1910, com a música “Pelo Telefone”, de Donga e Mauro de Almeida, tornando-se, ao longo do tempo, o legítimo representante musical do Carnaval.

Ao longo do século XX, o Carnaval popularizou-se ainda mais no Brasil e conheceu uma diversidade de formas de realização, tanto entre a classe dominante como entre as classes

In 1950, in the city of Salvador, the electric trio emerged after Dodô and Osmar used an old truck to put musical instruments played by them and amplified by a loudspeaker in their bucket, parading through the streets of the city. They were a huge success. However, the name “electric trio” was only used a year later, when Temistocles Aragão was invited by the two.

The electric trio would undergo a transformation in 1979, when Morais Moreira added the drumming of the afoxés to the composition. A new success was given to the electric trios, which began to be adopted in various parts of Brazil.

The Sambadrome and the parades The Sambadrome, founded in 1984, is the place where Rio de Janeiro’s samba schools perform.

The samba schools and the carioca carnival began to become an important commercial activity from

populares. Por volta da década de 1910, os corsos surgiram, com os carros conversíveis da elite carioca desfilando pela Avenida Central, atual Avenida Rio Branco. Tal prática durou até por volta da década de 1930.

Escolas de samba e trio elétrico Entre as classes populares, surgiram as escolas de samba, na década de 1920. Considera-se que a primeira escola de samba teria sido a “Deixa Falar”, fundada em 1928, que daria origem à escola Estácio de Sá. Outra escola de samba pioneira foi a “Vai como Pode”, que atualmente é conhecida como Portela. As escolas de samba eram o desenvolvimento dos cordões e ranchos, e a primeira disputa entre elas ocorreu no Rio de Janeiro, em 1932.

Em 1950, na cidade de Salvador, o trio elétrico surgiu após Dodô e Osmar utilizarem um antigo caminhão para colocar em sua caçamba instrumentos musicais por eles tocados e amplificados por alto-falante, desfilando pelas ruas da cidade. Eles fizeram um enorme sucesso. Todavia, o nome “trio elétrico” somente foi utilizado um ano depois, quando Temistócles Aragão foi convidado pelos dois.

O trio elétrico conheceria transformação em 1979, quando Morais Moreira adicionou o batuque dos afoxés à composição. Novo

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would have been “Deixa Falar”, founded in 1928, which would give rise to the Estácio de Sá school. Another pioneer samba school was “Vai como Pode”, which is currently known as Portela. The samba schools were the development of cordões and ranchos, and the first dispute between them took place in Rio de Janeiro, in 1932.

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O Sambódromo e os desfiles O Sambódromo, fundado em 1984, é o local no qual se realizam os desfiles das escolas de samba do Rio de Janeiro.

The Sambadrome, founded in 1984, is the place where Rio de Janeiro’s samba schools perform.

As escolas de samba e o carnaval carioca passaram a se tornar uma importante atividade comercial a partir da década de 1960. the 1960s onwards. Entrepreneurs from the animal game and other legal business activities began to invest in cultural tradition. The City Hall of Rio de Janeiro started to place bleachers on Avenida Rio Branco and to charge tickets to see the parade. In São Paulo, there was also the development of the samba school parade from that period onwards.

In 1984, the Passarela do Samba, or Sambadrome, was created in Rio de Janeiro, under the mandate of former governor Leonel Brizola. With an architectural design made by Oscar Niemeyer, the building became one of the main symbols of the Brazilian Carnival. The Sambadrome hosts the

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parades of the samba schools in Rio de Janeiro.

Carnival, in addition to being a Brazilian cultural tradition, has become a lucrative tourist and entertainment business. Millions of tourists head to the country at the time of this festival, and billions of reais are spent on the production and consumption of this cultural commodity.

Currently, the biggest champions of the samba school parades in Rio de Janeiro are Portela (22 titles) and Mangueira (20 titles). In the city of São Paulo, the biggest champions are Vai-Vai (15 titles) and Nenê de Vila Matilde (11 titles).

Carnaval brasileiro. O Sambódromo sedia os desfiles das escolas de samba do Rio de Janeiro.

O Carnaval, além de ser uma tradição cultural brasileira, passou a ser um lucrativo negócio do ramo turístico e do entretenimento. Milhões de turistas dirigem-se ao país na época de realização dessa festa, e bilhões de reais são movimentados na produção e consumo dessa mercadoria cultural.

Atualmente, as maiores campeãs dos desfiles das escolas de samba no Rio de Janeiro são a Portela (22 títulos) e a Mangueira (20 títulos). Já na cidade de São Paulo, as maiores campeãs são a Vai-Vai (15 títulos) e a Nenê de Vila Matilde (11 títulos).

Empresários do jogo do bicho e de outras atividades empresariais legais começaram a investir na tradição cultural. A Prefeitura do Rio de Janeiro passou a colocar arquibancadas na Avenida Rio Branco e a cobrar ingresso para ver o desfile.

Em São Paulo, também houve o desenvolvimento do desfile de escolas de samba a partir desse período.

Em 1984, foi criada no Rio de Janeiro a Passarela do Samba, ou Sambódromo, sob o mandato do exgovernador Leonel Brizola. Com um desenho arquitetônico realizado por Oscar Niemeyer, a edificação passou a ser um dos principais símbolos do

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sucesso foi dado aos trios elétricos, que passaram a ser adotados em várias partes do Brasil.

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From France to Albania: Kledis Rexho to Bring Concerts of Universal Meanings TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE grabbed from the time of the Albanian violinist, Kledis Rexho, who was on a short visit in Tirana to discuss details about his latest project – “Life and Music Concept”.

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ell us about your project which seeks to be concretised in Albania, France and the Balkans.

This year, the project “Violin of Peace” will be held in Tirana and Durres during three days.

Starting from September 20 to 22, concerts will be organised with musicians from France, Albania, United States of America, Poland and others.

There will also be master classes for the benefit of the best music students in Albania, and in the end, to fulfil our goal, we will try to distribute awareness messages in the service of different causes. One of these causes, for which we want to make a modest 138

contribution, is the “fight against cancer »..

“Violin of Peace” comes in the framework of a project called “Life and Music Concept” which I created in France. It is a new concept, where music is not limited only to the development of the “concert” and the distribution of emotions as its final goal, but seeks to take on a more engaged civic role, more concrete and more universal.

Creating “bridges” between art institutions in the world, musicians, and art lovers who will follow us throughout this adventure.

How did you come up with the idea to create this project?

In France I have the support of an association composed of committed citizens, and professionals in various fields.

The idea of the current concept of the project comes after several years of reflection on the role of music in society. The first versions of this idea were enriched by discussing with other musicians of the concept, friends and respected professors. Like Ami Flammer and Bujar Sykja, who are also pedagogical coordinators to the project.

Who are the contributors of this project?

I am lucky to have a support in Albania from the Ministry of Culture which has announced the « Violon of Peace” among the winning projects of this year. In all the exchanges with the Ministry of Culture, I saw a very good energy, lots of professionalism and seriousness.

The leaders of the Lyceum of Music

Aurelie, the French president of the association and with many years of experience in cultural and pedagogical transmission for young musicians. Kastriot Gjoni, expert in European Funds’ management, Kadjé Henry Tanon and Rodolphe Denis as founding members of the association, Stephane Wallon as president of the “Friends of Life and Music Concept” and several dozen Albanian and French friends who are supporters of this idea and whom I thank cordially.

What is the mission of the “Life and Music Concept”?

- In two words: Development of quality concerts on Albanian and international stages. The democratisation of classical music.

And, over the years, the creation

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of Tirana and Elbasan are a necessary “bridge” for the pedagogical help to the students and be as effective as possible. But also, art-lovers like Mrs. Nevila Dudaj, owner and general manager of Hotel Adriatik Durres, who is helping us with kindness in every step of this organisation.

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Of course, to achieve this goal requires a union of positive energy not only from public institutions, but also private ones, from art lovers of the diaspora who I invite to contribute as little as possible to this project and to participate as a public of these activities in September of this year ...

Activity partners are serious partners and can accompany them at any point of their stay in Albania.

What are the achievements of this project so far?

- I am very proud that for the pedagogical part of the project, I have established a partnership between “Life and Music Concept” and the “Superior National Conservatory of

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Music and Dance of Paris” (CNSMDP).

It is about a Conservatory that has its beginnings since 1795 and today, is ranked 4th in the world for the quality of teaching and its music students. I would like to thank Mr. Dupont - SPIRIO and the director Mrs. DELORME, for their trust.

from Albania, the Balkans, and Europe.

Will they be from poor social strata?

The “Life and Music Concept” also serves as a “bridge” between the conservatory and Albanian artists.

Recently, a two-day master class was held at the CNSMDP by our wellknown artist Inva Mula, for the benefit of CNSMDP’s students.

Without motivation and will, but also without humility towards the work process, no help, even from the greatest professors in the world, would work. The life of the musician is in a way, a living form of the words of the Albanian poet Naim Frasheri, which take on all their meaning:

A magical musical moment, the emotional transmission, which was distributed by Mrs. Mula to the young artists of the conservatory ...

Another achievement that has given me a special pleasure is the establishment of a memorandum of cooperation between “CNSMDP” and the University of Arts of Tirana.

Something that came after many meetings and time investment by me and the two pedagogical coordinators of the project, Mr. Ami Flammer and Bujar Sykja.

A Memorandum which I hope will be “used” to the maximum by both institutions, and especially by the University of Arts, to create an

The pedagogical program will primarily support music students who show motivation and willingness to progress without distinction.

important “window” for Albanian students.

To what extent is the collaboration with CNSMDP important for the realization of the “Life and Music Concept”?

The establishment of an institutional cooperation between CNSMDP and “Life and Music Concept” for the creation of concrete bridges with Albanian institutions, is in my opinion very important, not only because it is a sign of trust given to “Life and Music Concept” by one of the oldest pedagogical institutions of France and wider in the World.

But the possible development of pedagogical relations between CNSMDP and Albania also has a historical and strategic cultural character that expects only to be translated into projects and ideas in the service of students and the common artistic life.

The project also supports students

“Work day and night, to see a little light”…

But in economic terms, unfortunately, nowadays, becoming a professional musician has become a real luxury. All the more so for Albanian students.

For example, the most correct violins cost several thousand euros. And the good violin is inaccessible, not only for the Albanian student but also for most European students. The monthly purchase of violin strings costs more than the average pension of an Albanian pensioner.

The pedagogical program “Life and Music Concept” which is given free of charge to the participating student,

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of a classic festival of international proportions in Albania. Festival which would be not only a source of culture and awareness but also an important financial source with the development of cultural tourism in Albania.

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Who will be some of the musicians who will take part in the concerts of September 20-22 in Albania?

- In the first place they are friends, and people I value very much both professionally and humanely.

The desire is to invite other musicians, but everything depends on the interest of public and private institutions, in Albania, France and beyond.

I strongly believe in the idea that investing today in culture and art is the security of a brighter future for the whole society.

When did you go to France and get involved in the artistic life there since your beginnings?

Emilie Rose Bry is an American and French soprano with whom I have played in some of the most beautiful scenes in France, U.S.A. Moscow, Spain and Austria.

Gabriela Opacka Boccadero is a virtuoso violinist from Poland who graduated from one of the best institutions in London.

Ionel Streba is a excellent pianist-

I came to France upon the completion of my studies at the University of Arts of Tirana.

After a concert in Nice, and amazed by the beauty of the Nice coast, I knocked on the door of a violin teacher at the Nice Academy. After an audition that lasted 20 minutes, I

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between two cultures not very different but also not the same, lived personally … .. Thank you for the interview and I wish to TRAILBLAZING magazine many successes and as many inspiring stories in the future…”

had the good fortune that our wellknown violinist Florian Vlashi was also in the class by chance, who, with more courtesy, translated the audition. (I remember that after the audition, with Florian, we’ve discussed around a cup of coffee about two shared passions, wine and sea) Coming to France had its own difficulties, the language I did not know, the codes of living and those of communication, or even not knowing the French discipline at work…

Before I came, I knew very little about France. I only knew Louis de Funes’s films, Victor Hugo’s books, and their characters like « Gavroche”, and of course footballers like Michel Platini and Zinedine Zidane.

But everything is a life experience, with its pros and cons. After all, just like any other journey of life.

Perhaps it is this journey between the two countries, Albania and France, that is the reason for the birth of the “Life and Music Concept”. A “bridge”

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is composed of courses by musicians from the best European institutions.

We are still in the process of preparing this program, and we expect to have the full cooperation of art institutions because without them we cannot identify future talents to give our modest help, if the institutions do not respond positively to this initiative.

concertist.

Albi Binjaku, Elvina Gurra, Ina Zhegu, Armand Broshka and Flobenc Zyma, Ilir Kodhima are amazing Albanians musicians of prestigious art institutions in Albania and France.

Ami Flammer and Bujar Sykja are an important part of the project from the beginning.

And finally Rebecca Bogdanoff, violinist of Radio France and the best French orchestras and with whom I have a special and very special connection for many years.

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- TAI

CHI IS AN ART FOR LIFE -

Tan Xiao has been practicing Taijiquan for years without stop, three – four hours per day. Thanks to her husband, Ricardo, a Brazilian diplomat, she is promoting Taiji here in Albania after her staying in Belgium, Brazil and other countries. She said in our interview that the Grand Lake Park of Tirana is the best place for her daily training and if possible, she would promote it for more Albanian people to get benefits from this wonderful Chinese traditional art.

Tàijíquán, also known as Tai Chi Chuan, a Chinese martial art, is considered as one of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, described as a traditional physical practice characterized by relaxed, circular movements that works in harmony with breath regulations and the cultivation of a righteous and neutral mind. Based on the Chinese philosophy and Yin Yang theory, Taijiquan includes elements of martial arts, qigong (internal energy cultivation work), TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), and Chinese traditional culture.

Due to its characteristics of integrating harmony between body and mind, Taijiquan is also considered as “meditation in motion”. This centuries’ Chinese treasure, has become a gift to the entire world.

It’s said nowadays there are more than hundred millions of Taiji practitioners in the whole world.

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A Chinese Lady Brings Taiji in Albania

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FULL INTERVIEW BELOW: Q: What brought you to Albania?

Tan Xiao: I came here because of

my family. My husband is a Brazilian diplomat and he was sent to Albania to work in the Embassy of Brazil. He came first to Albania and I just arrived to join him.

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teacher, teaching mandarin for foreigners, and I am a Taijiquan professor too, promoting this art and Chinese culture to the local people wherever I live. We have been in many countries, in each of them two or three years, and then we have to say goodbye to our friends, and start a new life again: new place, new people etc. You know this is our kind of life, come and go, changing all the time. Sometimes it is a little bit difficult. On arriving at a new place, you are curious, because everything is fresh, but when you settle down and life goes well with family, friends, jobs etc. It’s time to leave, to get on another journey. Life is like a journey, different destinations, different moments, but sometimes you feel like leaves in the dry season, a feather in the wind. But when wind stops, leaves fall, sprouts come up again…this is life. Like Taiji.

Taiji, means “Supreme Ultimate”, Big Cosmo, and human body is small Cosmo, changing, transforming, becoming etc. I am content with my discovery of Taijiquan which really

helps me a lot with balance, selfcontrol, physically and mentally. It has been teaching me how to deal with different situations in life, to find solutions and harmony.

I think I am an active and positive woman (smiling). When we were in Ecuador, I learned Spanish, and then I got an opportunity to teach Mandarin in the university there. I graduated with Master Diploma to teach Chinese for foreigners. I have been very lucky that I really made good friendship with the local people wherever I was, such as in South America, Europe, of course, in Asian countries. When we lived in Brussels, I got to know many people from different nationalities, you know Belgium, a small country, but with many immigrants. There, we have a Yang style Taijiquan Association founded by my master Dong. Those years, we practiced every morning following him.

When traditional festivals came, we celebrated together sharing different food, culture. I really miss those moments. Now I am in Europe again, for sure I will visit my Belgium friends and practice Taiji together once more.

I have seen a 3-years’old kid and some elder people about 90 years old practicing Taiji. There is no age limitation. If you are young, you could train it at lower stance to burn your leg muscles, more dynamic and powerful; if you are senior, use a higher stance to move, slowly, relaxed, just empty mind and feel body’s movements. Taijiquan has no boundaries, like music and art, available for everyone without race

Q: What are the benefits of this kind of sport? What makes it so advantageous in comparison with other sports?

Tan Xiao: First of all, Taijiquan is

AGELESS, from kids to senior people.

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Q: As the spouse of a diplomat, what do you do in Albania?

Tan Xiao: I am a language

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Q: Is Taijiquan good for the stressful youngsters?

Tan Xiao: Yes, of course! Definitely!

discrimination nor class differences, rich or poor, healthy or unhealthy, man or woman, young or old, you can always find a way to practice Taiji.

Secondly, it’s an art engaged with mind and body together. For example, people do run or gym exercises while they listen to music or think of job, family problem etc. In this case, your mind and body act separately.

Practicing Taijiquan, mind leads body to move, because Taiji calls for accurate movements, from body to internal organs, from form to perception of flowing of Qi (internal energy), the outer part, the inner part,

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direction, joints’ opening and closing, rotation of articulations etc. with all body parts involved, and our mind must be focused and engaged all the time. This is integration of mind and body. In this way, we cultivate ourselves in training developing calmness, concentration, balance, muscle strength, circulation, of course patience and perseverance too.

The third, I think, people train Taijiquan for self-defense, mindful nurturing, fitness, preventing chronic diseases etc. Besides its functional utility and health benefits, Taijiquan has been a bond to link East and

Our life in modern society is very fast and all of us are facing various problems, family, job, relationship etc. We have to deal with many situations here or there, of today or tomorrow. We couldn’t slow down our pace. Meanwhile, Taijiquan asks us to get slow, to give ourselves more time to explore our inner world.

Taijiquan involves a sequence of slow movements with mindset focus, breathing, and relaxation. Sometimes Taiji professors put on some relaxing music in class, sometimes class will be in beautiful nature, which help a lot to reduce stress. But I must honestly say, when the correct time comes, it is good to practice Taiji without music, just letting your mind focus on the moves and feel, meditate body. So I

strongly suggest that young people learn Taijiquan as early as they can, and involve Taijiquan and Taiji concept in their daily life, searching for balance and harmonization, as a result you could make things much more efficiently.

Q: What is your invitation to all the people who inspire to be part of your tai chi group in a near future?

Tan Xiao: My invitation? It will be

very powerful (laughing). If you want to improve your physical and mental health, cultivate yourself, find balance and harmonization in life, Taijiquan is absolutely one of the best. If you are interested in Chinese culture and philosophy, it will be your philosophy boxing. If you would like to learn Gongfu, it will be your self-defense martial art. I am a Taijiquan disciple, instructor and practitioner, and a Taiji student, you are welcome to join me together to explore the secret of Taiji, and you would discover how marvelous this journey it is. At last, I hope I can really do something here to present and promote this wonderful art for Albania people. Thank you!

My contact details are as follows: Instagram: TTaichilife

https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UC4uAs45kAG75jBsfuMPW-Yg https://www.facebook.com/T. Taichilife/

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West. As I mentioned before, more than hundreds of millions of practitioners in the whole world, many of them start to study Chinese traditional culture, philosophy which helps to enhance the understanding and communication intercultural. I am a Chinese spending most of my life in China, but I feel I need to research more in my own culture and philosophy, and I read, participate in the seminar to seek my “root” through learning Taijiquan.

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FOR THE YAM STEAK

FOR THE BEARNAISE SAUCE

Yam Steak 2pcs Vegetable Stock 300ml Fine Chopped Thyme 5gm Black Pepper 5gm Olive Oil 5ml Salt To Your Taste

Butter 50gm Minced Onion 5gm White Wine 10ml Egg Yolks, Beaten 2 pieces Heavy Cream 20ml Lemon Juice 15ml Chopped Tarragon 5gm Chopped Fresh Parsley 5gm Salt To Your Taste

FOR THE GARNISH Fresh Herbs, Slice Mushroom or Other Accompaniments Yam Steak• Pick the steak with the help of a fork, add salt and keep in refrigerator for 8-10 hours.

• Remove the salt from the steak with water. Take a pan, heat vegetable stock in over medium heat, Boil the steak for 10 minutes and keep aside.

• Take a bowl, mix all the ingredients and let them rest. Place steak in the marination and keep aside for 30min. After that, grill it on a grilling pan.

Ajay Markan, an Indian hospitality veteran of more than three decades of rich national and international experience, has chosen TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE to share his special recipes from his own country.

Markan, a former Corporate Executive Chef, underlines that in India, the taste of the cuisine changes every 100 kms, “so there is so much to learn which keeps my passion for food alive.”

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BEARNAISE SAUCE • Place butter in a medium glass bowl, and melt in the microwave. Whisk in the onion, white wine, egg yolks, heavy cream and lemon juice. Season with tarragon, parsley, salt, mustard powder and cayenne pepper and mix it well.

• Return to the microwave, and cook for 1 1/2 minutes, or until thickened, stirring until smooth every 20 to 30 seconds.

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C O O K I N G I S A R T T M O F J P H O S P I TA L I T Y

C O O K I N G I S A R T T M O F J P H O S P I TA L I T Y

Yam Steak