TOURISM | HOSPITALITY | BUSINESS | DIPLOMACY | CULTURE
DECEMBER 2020
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TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
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48
TOPTANI SHOPPING CENTER
HOTCO
MARRIOTT ARRIVES IN ALBANIA
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PAGE
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MK I HOTEL TIRANA
DUX, MORE THAN A BED
JARI GUSTAFSSON’S MESSAGE
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ORIGINAL SACHER-TORTE
XMAS IN MADEIRA
AGRITOURISM
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SWEDISH EMBASSY
NHR STATUS SCOUT CONCIERGE
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
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130
MYGLASS STUDIO
INDIAN CHEF
JAKSA DZAJA
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A FEAST FOR THE SENSES
ILLYRICUM TRAIL
HYPE
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE EMBASSY OF SWEDEN.
Linda Kerpi
General Manager
linda.kerpi@yahoo.com +355 69 261 1781 Family Flowers, Qendra Kristal Tiranë family__flowers
Family Flowers
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JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
The child is wondering why Santa Claus is not coming
The Different Christmas By Jose Pinto*
Christmas 2020 is going to feel different. The pandemic has changed many aspects of our lives, and the new habits we have formed will shape our behavior over the festive season. But like nearly everything else in 2020, holiday shopping this year will be anything but typical. Fueled by changes in customer preferences and economic situations, as well as a global pandemic, holiday shopping will be quite different this year. Retailers need to make adjustments to best serve their customers and find success.
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JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
A global marketing
Increasingly, all consumers want
transparency and social good. Most
guide highlights trends
to feel good and proud about the
online marketers studies found
and insights new habits
brands they buy but are not willing
that loyal customers / consumers
formed at this time, and
just to see and buy.
would switch to a different brand
which are shaping the
or product or service if a company
trends for the season and
These actions really matter to
had violated their values or had not
perhaps beyond. Here are
consumers, according various
been up to their promises, the actual
five key insights:
Barometer of research being
situation have made them much
published since the start of the
more aware of their needs ad values.
Gen X and Baby Boomers
constitute the new value equation.
continue dominating mobile and
One of the biggest questions
other electronics and also will
surrounding holiday shopping this
continue buying via different online
year is how much people will spend.
channels.
With economic uncertainty and
Self-gifting and seasonal shopping
many people facing job losses or
can be positive in difficult times if
pay cuts, some shoppers may be
well managed.
spending less.
Imposed financial disruption fuels receptiveness to news products
Across the world, businesses and
,brands and services. Affordability, authenticity and action
brands have been responding to the crisis by using their resources and strong social media influence. It is something that will remain in the consumers’ minds as they shop this Christmas.
pandemic. Black Friday promotion extensions and Christmas
Customers, consumers and loyal
campaigns will seek to remind
clients have globally endured during
consumers about a brand’s.
the pandemic and have highlighted the appetite to be better and do
The Consumer has been having
better and hardened consumers.
a positive reaction so far, as
They will take a step or do the thing
per researchers. These stats are
without being sure.
replicated across most countries.
With his in mind we all aim for better
Even before the pandemic time,
and productive 2021.
consumers were already demanding
May I take the opportunity to wish
more from brands: in
Everyone a very healthy, happy and safe Christmas and New Year! *Founder of JP Hospitality.EU & Trailblazing Magazine
Price will be a dominant and important factor in any purchase, discounts and deals will be on everyone mind regardless their status.
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E D I TO R ’ S N OT E
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
BANA KING Like the Name BY RUDINA HOXHA & JOSE PINTO
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
T
rifon Murataj, owner of ZICO Sh.A. talks with TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE about the vision of its company, its values and the journey up to date making this company one of the most unique in Albania thanks to its exceptionally Albanian management paradigm with international success.
Among all, the result of ZICO’s efforts was a major win for the Albanian consumer, and the birth of one of Albania’s most recognizable brands: Bana King. Who hasn’t tried the delicious Bana King bananas? “The market for banana was a natural fit for ZICO’s competencies. Initially, it was hard to identify top-of-the-line sources which both lived up to ZICO’s rigorous quality requirements and Balkan consumers’ willingness to pay. ZICO kept the focus on the Albanian consumer: the decision to preserve quality was made early on,” says Murataj. ZICO’s standards for quality are exceedingly high. “ZICO’s way of life and work is summarized by its slogan: “We are Quality.” ZICO’s product team demanded full oversight of the quality-control process, from planting to pre-market processing,” he states, adding “The firm’s founders didn’t settle for supplier reassurance, and traveled to Ecuador to select individual plantations themselves. This is how the story of Bana King began.”
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BUSINESS
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JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
“ZICO is unique among Albanian firms because its leadership represents a uniquely Albanian management”
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competition. ZICO is an exception.
Initially, ZICO began by selling,
Traditions and persistence have
warehousing, and transporting
driven ZICO to prominence, but
sundry consumer goods and fruits.
ZICO is by no means traditional in
In its third year of operations, the
a negative sense. This firm’s vision
firm had already built a truck fleet
isn’t limited to simply building
capable of serving the entire territory
logistics and trade infrastructure.
of Albania and its neighboring states.
Rather than resort to “what
Through careful selection, persistent
has worked in the past,” ZICO
communication with stakeholders,
continuously invests to further
and diligent management,
its ability to disrupt competitive
ZICO honed its focus on trading
markets by integrating state-of-the-
nonseasonal fresh fruits. The result of
art technology into its operations.
ZICO’s efforts was a major win for the
ZICO is unique among Albanian
Albanian consumer, and the birth of
International trade is a pillar of our
firms because its leadership
one of Albania’s most recognizable
economy, and no company is as
represents a uniquely Albanian
brands: Bana King.
synonymous with international trade
management paradigm with
in Albania as is ZICO Sh.A. ZICO
international success. All this by
Why the BanaKing has the highest
began as a small import-export firm,
an organization where team spirit
quality and why is so demanded on
but has since grown into one of
thrives and where every stakeholder
Albanian market?
Albania’s largest FCMG corporates.
is treated like family.
The market for banana was a natural
What sparked you to start importing bananas from “BanaKing”? Can you reveal the story?
The firm’s entrepreneurial founding
fit for ZICO’s competencies. Initially,
and internal traditions constitute a
it was hard to identify top-of-the-
principled bedrock of values that
line sources which both lived up to
continue guiding ZICO’s vision
ZICO’s rigorous quality requirements
today.
and Balkan consumers’ willingness
questions of where to source
Albanian consumer: the decision to
the vicious cycle of commodity-price
preserve quality was made early on.
the most banana (an interesting aside: in India, bananas are used for elephant feed), Ecuador is the world’s biggest exporter of bananas. Generally, Ecuadorian bananas are superior. Thus, procurement became easier with more information, and ZICO’s focus shifted to Ecuador. Quality was more difficult to secure, because ZICO’s standards for quality are exceedingly high. ZICO’s way of life and work is summarized by its slogan: “We are Quality.”
In the beginning, there were
16
has direct implications on quality. For example, while India produces
to pay. ZICO kept the focus on the A firm without a vision limits itself to
bananas. The decision to source
ZICO’s product team demanded
17
“ZICO guarantees that Bana King’s quality”
full oversight of the qualitycontrol process, from planting to pre-market processing. The firm’s founders didn’t settle for supplier reassurance, and traveled
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
the entire Bana King value chain is
Upon arriving at port, Bana King
trademarked. But Bana King is more
is transported in refrigerated
than surface-level marketing.
containers to ensure its continued freshness. The banana is then
ZICO’s whole product offering is
processed in Bana King’s specialized
to Ecuador to select individual
remains superior, even before it’s
marked by corporate accountability
facilities–one of five such facilities
plantations themselves. This is how
brought to market.
and careful attention to detail. All of
in Europe–utilizing Artificially
the story of Bana King began.
To ensure that the banana arrives
Bana King’s Ecuadorian plantations
Intelligent ripening and preservation
It started with a handshake at one of
fresh, ZICO integrates international
are certified by Global G.A.P (Global
systems.
Bana King’s Ecuadorian plantations,
logistics, temperature-controlled
Good Agricultural Practices)–every
Bana King’s specialized process
amid verdant Banana trees,
storage, and pre-market processing
Bana King import adheres to strict
allows for its signature uniform
nourished by the Machala province’s
into a unified operation. The
global safety, quality, and ecological
quality. This very quality has made
dark soils. After years of scouring
resulting product is remarkably
standards. Bana King’s quality is not
Bana King an internationally
the Ecuadorian countryside,
consistent in quality, and well-
fictitious: the very soil it’s grown
recognized brand. It’s no surprise
building trust, and searching for
tailored for the needs of customers
on is responsibly farmed, with
that customers in North Macedonia,
superior quality, ZICO negotiated
in Albania and beyond.
sustainability techniques and no use
Serbia, Kosovo and Montenegro
of chemicals. Bana King originates
insist on Bana King.
fresh, harvested in eastern Ecuador.
Bana King’s market presence is not
one of the largest international brand acquisitions by any Albanian
Has BanaKing any plans to widen
firm.
its scope of its products by using
sporadic–international distributors After being picked in Ecuador, Bana
sign recurring contracts with Bana
Today, Bana King (officially,
King is transported via the world’s
King, ensuring stable market
a brand–it acquired the entire Bana
PREMIUM QUALITY BANANAS
largest maritime shipping company,
King value chain. At Bana King’s
BANA KING) is an internationally
with strict quality preservation
Ecuadorian plantations, green fruit
recognized trademark registered
standards that ensure that their
is harvested and put through a
by the World Patent and Trademark
bananas remain as fresh as they
rigorous selection process to ensure
Office (WPTO) and the United
were when they were picked. As
that each banana represents the
States Patent and Trademark
they cross the Atlantic, Bana King
best of its cultivar. By controlling
Office (USPTO). The Bana King
bananas are refrigerated and
harvesting and selection, ZICO
trademark is more than its logo;
monitored remotely–sub-par fruit is
The acquisition was large mostly
the bananas?
because ZICO didn’t solely acquire
guarantees that Bana King’s quality
“ZICO’s whole product offering is marked by corporate accountability and careful attention to detail.”
never accepted.
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BUSINESS
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JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
entertainment, and lends Bana
on investment is maximized by
King broad exposure across several
carefully selecting television
market segments.
channels associated with desired
Most Albanians know about Bana
Along that same thread, influencer
market segments. Bana King’s
King has come a long way from its
King due to its strong televised
Alketa Vejsiu entrenches Bana
advertisement focus mostly on
humble beginnings in Albania.
presence. Noteworthy Albanian
King’s positioning among mothers
building primary demand by
ZICO’s philosophy of strict quality-
influencers have built brand
with young children. Ms. Vejsiu’s
highlighting fresh fruit’s health
control and efficient, international
awareness among Albanian-
show, “Ne Kurthin e Piter Panit,” is
benefits and reassuring customers
distribution is driving its expansion
speakers internationally by
exclusively about talented children
Bana King’s impeccably curated
into nearby markets from its
showcasing their experiences.
and features famous guests.
quality and safety standards. ZICO
Albanian facilities. The firm’s
The influencers ZICO selects to
For a rawer testament to Bana
Sh.A.’s control of the full custodial
goal is to establish Bana King in
represent Bana King parallel brand
King’s quality, look no further than
chain, from plantation to domestic
all countries within 24-hours of
values and highlight product caliber.
“Alpazar” by Mr. Agron Llakaj. Mr.
distribution, guarantees that Bana
Albania via overland and maritime
Ardit Gjebrea, Bana King’s brand
Llakaj is a well-established Albanian
King lives up to its name.
transportation. This way, more
ambassador, needs no introduction–
entertainer who markets Bana King
And with a name like ‘Bana King,’
customers can enjoy Bana King’s
he is Albania’s most famous
to a broader audience with an
there is a lot to live up to.
superior quality– a level of quality
and celebrated entertainer. Mr.
exceptionally honest voice.
that most established international
Gjebrea epitomizes family-friendly,
In addition to television, Bana King
brands cannot match.
professional entertainment–
has built its presence on national
presence in the Balkans. And recently, Bana King has become
What can we hope to see from
available on a spot basis in Italian,
BanaKing in the future?…
Turkish, and Dutch markets. Bana
reflective of
radio via Mr. Enkel Demi. To build
Bana King’s
online presence, Bana King has
quality
partnered with West Side
and ZICO’s
Family (a widely followed
familial
Albanian hip-hop group)
culture. Mr.
and features in their music
Gjebrea is the
videos.
“true-north”
Bana King’s television
of Albanian
campaign is run to be
Bana King– like the name.
cost efficient, despite its breadth: return
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BUSINESS
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
“T
he initiatives and events did not stop and will not stop,” says Italian Ambassador to Albania, Fabrizio Bucci, in an exclusive interview with TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE while talking of the ways Italy kept its presence in Albania
even during the pandemic times. The Ambassador elaborated on the strengths between the two countries in the context of the trinomial of ARTS-GASTRONOMYTOURISM and underlines the fact that the trio of culture-gastronomytourism has been one of the secrets of the rapid development of the dedicated tourist routes in the recent years. “Considering this wealth of experience, it is our aim to add value and promote a similar path also for Albania, as the country possesses all the environmental, agricultural and cultural features to replicate the Italian positive example, with clear benefits for all the involved stakeholders and the ever-increasing number of tourists, including Italians, who visit the country,” Ambassador says. Therefore, he adds, next year we wish to work towards the
reinforcement of strategic partnerships towards a quality tourism that is not simply focused on the Albanian southern coast,
FABRIZIO BUCCI:
ALBANIA AND ITALY, RATHER SIMILAR WHEN IT COMES TO ARTS, GASTRONOMY, AND TOURISM BY RUDINA HOXHA 22
but is further pushed inland, making use of potential natural and trekking routes in the fabulous Albanian mountains. The top official also reveals a lot about the incoming exhibition“Planets - 20 stories for 2020”, organized by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, in collaboration with the Embassy of Italy in Tirana. 23
D I P L O M AC Y
Photos taken for the campaign Planets: Anima Pictures, Production Company. Lorenzo Pesce, Photographer. Ernesto Spinelli, Communication Manager and Copywriter.
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Even during this year, the Italian Embassy to Tirana has organized many of the scheduled events. We dedicated an entire month to the XX Week of the Italian Language in the World (an idea by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation). Both the Italian Embassy and the Institute of Italian Culture hosted events involving young and adult,
present situation, how did Italy find the way to maintain this presence? Obviously, 2020 did not appear to be an easy year for any of the world countries;
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the Italian language as their vessel of creative expression.
Italian language. More an Italian than an Albanian by
All these and more happened in the
now, Helidon has conquered again
course of the programme scheduled
the space of Venice Biennial with a
for the Italian Language Week in
splendid work, “Luce, la rinascita
Albania. We have just concluded the
di Venezia” (Light, the Renaissance
his art at the Residence as soon as
were two events hosted in this
possible.
context. The conference on the
For the rest, we have had a strong
topic, “Conservation and protection
with the nomination
focus on students: The initiative,
of the cultural heritage in Albania
of Ledia Konstantini
“Assaggio di libri” (The Taste of
– the Italian
as “Ambasciatore
Books) is an innovative journey of
sustainability
della Lingua
the digital literary critique for the
model,”
Italiana in Albania”
bilingual high schools of Tirana,
with the
(Ambassador of the
Korca and Shkodra. A programme,
participation
Italian Language
“Di-segni e di parole” (Of Signs
of the
in Albania). We are
and Words), will be dedicated to
Albanian
working with this
the Albanian students who are
Minister of
brilliant Albanian
part of the “Illiria” Memorandum,
Culture, Elva
Artist on a project for
with five virtual meetings with the
Margariti,
graphic design on the topic ended up
an exhibition that is due in spring
measures to contain the virus did
ambassador of the
to Italy, who chose
promoted by the Embassy. There
“Italian between Words and Images”
Albania included. However, the
Xhixha as a senior
authors emigrated
possible, opening an exhibition of
was conceived to identify the best
events. In the
nominated Helidon
the main Albanian
Sustainable Development,
Italy has always been present in
culture, gastronomy
with her, we
brief interviews of
organize an event, as soon as it is
across Albania. The contest entitled,
“ Helidon has conquered again the space of Venice Biennial with a splendid work”
Residence. Together
“For the rest, we have had a strong focus on students”
4th edition of the Festival for
Full interview below:
a series of arts,
at the Embassy
of Venice). With him, too, we will
artist and non-artist Italian speakers
Albania through
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most famed Italian illustrators and
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D I P L O M AC Y
not stop the work of the Embassy.
Photos taken for the campaign Planets: Anima Pictures, Production Company. Lorenzo Pesce, Photographer. Ernesto Spinelli, Communication Manager and Copywriter.
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
and of the Assorestauro President,
environmental,
the winners.
and International Cooperation
Alessandro Bozzetti, in addition to
social and
As you see, the initiatives
contributes annually to this purpose.
both Italian and Albanian authorities
economic
and events did not stop
The trio of culture-gastronomy-
and will not stop.
tourism has been one of the secrets
in the field of archaeology. The initiative, “Italy for Sustainability and the 2030 Agenda”, organized with the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Environment,
“Many other activities of this kind will be hosted in the course of 2021”
Minister of State for
of the rapid development of the In your view, what
dedicated tourist routes in the
are the strengths
recent years, which has positively
sustainability.
between the two countries in the
affected the interests and economy
Many other activities
context of the trinomial of ARTS-
of many Italian regions, starting
of this kind will be
GASTRONOMY-TOURISM and what
with Puglia. Considering this wealth
hosted in the course
are the future plans to advance
of experience, it is our aim to add
of 2021, where in the
these areas? Can you elaborate on
value and promote a similar path
framework of our
this?
also for Albania, as the country
the Protection of Entrepreneurship
partnership with UK, the COP 26 of
As I have had the opportunity to
possesses all the environmental,
and the Municipality of Tirana,
Glasgow will take place from 1 to 11
observe from my arrival to Albania
agricultural and cultural features
focused on the enhancement of the
November 2021.
and like I have always repeated,
to replicate the Italian positive
continuous activities of the Italian
The very 5th edition of the Festival
Albania and Italy are rather similar
example, with clear benefits for all
Cooperation and of the entire Italian
of Italian Cuisine in Albania was
when it comes to arts, gastronomy,
the involved stakeholders and the
system in Albania aimed at the
largely dedicated to food education
and tourism in general.
ever-increasing number of tourists,
development of further knowledge
and the importance of a sustainable
There are many
in the area
and healthy agriculture and eating.
Albanian artists who
of rural
The Embassy also supported the
have been affirmed
development
exhibition entitled, “Vite al Bivio”
in Italy and it is hard
and
(Lives at Crossroads), by two
as we speak to tell
photographers, Letizia Battaglia and
whether they are
Roberto Timperi, that opened in
Albanians or Italians.
Shkodra.
However, I see that there are also
partnerships towards a quality
Obviously, we could not miss the
diverse Italian authors translated
tourism that is not simply focused on
Musine Kokalari Prize this year, with
into Albanian, and, actually,
the Albanian southern coast, but is
scholarships due to be awarded to
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
further pushed inland, making use of
26
“Albania and Italy are rather similar when it comes to arts”
including Italians, who visit the country. Therefore, next year we wish to work towards the reinforcement of strategic
27
D I P L O M AC Y
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JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
“The brand pushes further the ongoing change and integration process.”
potential natural and trekking routes
round tables of
main
in the fabulous Albanian mountains.
dialogue with the
issues
To do so, we will use all the key
relevant Albanian
and aims
tools available, including the main
institutions on
of this
operators in the area, like CAI
culture, an area
new
(Italian Alpin Club), FAI (Italian
where Italy is
Italian
Fund of Environment), Slow Food
unrivalled. We
and our Cooperation Agency that
are firmly convinced that culture
communication
has been strongly active in this
will serve as a significant driver of
initiative?
area, both directly and through the
growth for local regions that hold
As I said in the introduction of the
It is above all about people. If
commendable work of the Italian
exceptional potential, like the
book, “Planets”, Albania is not a
you travel in Albania to meet
civil society organizations. They
regions of Gjirocastra and Shkodra,
member of the European Union yet.
communities and entrepreneurs,
have been dedicated to sustaining
not to mention the enhancement
Its citizens, however, show everyday
like I am trying to do as much as I
small Albanian producers and
of the archaeological sites of
they are already European, open to
can, you realize that there are no
entrepreneurs for years now in order
Apollonia, Byllys, Phoenike and
the world. Far from numbers and
doubts about this historical, popular,
to relaunch some of the wonderful
Butrint.
cold words, the exhibition of the
and strong bond. The initiative of
Italian Agency for Development
the Italian Agency for Development
A new exhibition of
Cooperation opens a window on
Cooperation is a reaffirmation of
the Italian Agency
the daily commitment of Albanian
the friendship between our two
for Development
men and who have been part of
Countries. The exhibition will open
Cooperation, in
the initiatives funded by the Italian
collaboration with
Government in Albania, which are
the Embassy of
changing their lives and those of
Italy in Tirana,
their families and communities. All
“Planets - 20
the entrepreneurs whose stories
stories for 2020”,
have been included in this campaign
is supposed to take
were awarded the ethical brand,
place soon at the
“Made with Italy”. The brand
National Museum,
pushes further the ongoing change
rural areas in the country that were at risk of being abandoned and degraded. I am thinking in particular of the ethical brand, Made with Italy, an initiative of major cultural impact, in addition to the socio-economic one.
“ We are firmly convinced that culture will serve as a significant driver of growth for local regions”
At the same
Scanderbeg Square. What are the
time, we have initiated numerous
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and integration process. The main
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goal Italy has is to ensure the cultural and economic enhancement of Albania’s European roots and prospects. Integration is not merely an institutional matter.
D I P L O M AC Y
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JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
its doors to the public whenever
the Albergo Etico (ethical hotel). It
excellent and the Italian approach
the property rights issues, of the
appropriate, depending on the
has been a successful intuition of a
is constructive, as usual, and intent
corruption that is still pervasive and
COVID-19 restrictions we all know
group of Italian young people that
on leaving a tangible imprint on
the weaknesses of the administrative
rapidly developed in
the country with focus not only on
and judiciary systems. In that sense,
numerous national
economic interests, but rather on a
there is a critical role to be played by
and international
balanced development of Albania
the Governments and the Albanian
contexts, which
in the future, which is in line with
actors involved in the strategic reform
aims at establishing
the constant Italian support along
processes initiated in the course of
a development
the European integration process.
these years.
conducive thread
An effective increase of the Italian
between quality
direct investments will, however,
by now. I invite your readers to come and visit and follow the websites and social media networks of the Italian Embassy and the
“Another initiative is the Albergo Etico”
Italian Agency for Development Cooperation in Tirana,
tourism and social integration of the
depend on a series of other factors,
AICS Tirana.
most disadvantaged categories.
including the overcoming of a set
Albergo Diffuso, which has recently
of structural obstacles that have a
been introduced in Albania, is also
Will we see any Italian hospitality
negative impact on the activities
an alternative for the rural tourism.
investment and management
of our companies present in
interest in Albania in the future?
the territory, and new investors.
Is Italy prepared to enhance the
Italy has largely shown by example
I am thinking, for instance, of
promotion of Italian investments
that it intends to be an active part
in boosting the Albergo Diffuso
of Albania’s tourist development.
concept in Albania?
Such interest has produced some qualitative co-operations and all
Definitively, it is a winning idea in Italy and, with a little dedication
odds are there to extend the Italian
and awareness, it will thrive in
presence in the sector in the near
Albania, as well. The stories of
future, be it in the area of hospitality
cooperation between Albania and
or of the transport infrastructure
Italy in the south of the country
and logistics. Among the areas
have already produced a positive
of major interest are nautical
feedback in this regard. Another
tourism and all the relevant service
initiative that had started to develop
industries revolving around this
in Albania prior to the pandemic is
strategic field. Bilateral relations are
30
“Italy has largely shown by example that it intends to be an active part of Albania’s tourist development” 31
D I P L O M AC Y
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
ACCOR IS DEEPLY LOOKING FOR ALBANIAN INVESTORS TO TEAM UP
The future for tourism in Albania is very bright, it has all the features to become even more successful, but the further development of travel infrastructure is very important, together with a controlled development of the coastline. For me, each visit in Albania always gives me great memories, the hospitality, friendly people, food – these are great assets to your country.
BY RUDINA HOXHA & JOSE PINTO
u Fr a n k R e
“W
l
e are working on introducing a number of
five star premium resort properties in the region. I think there is a great opportunity towards the development of branded resorts in the entire region, and Accor is one of the leading operator in the world with more than 300 resorts operating under a wide range of brands, such a Rixos, Sofitel, Swissotel. We are confident that we can bring these brands also to this region in the next few years,” Frank Reul, Eastern Europe Vice-President for Development, Accor, highlights in
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JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
an exclusive interview with TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE. Reul, with more than 20 years with Accor, appreciates the opportunities he sees in Albania. “In Albania we see truly great opportunities for our further development in the upcoming years, the coast line is tremendously beautiful,” he says.
Kosovo, Northern Macedonia,
position in all key feeder markets
Montenegro etc)
give us confidence that we can be a good partner.
Today we have hotels under
partners,” Reul says.
He also explains that Accor is an important franchisor around the
development in Montenegro,
We are working on introducing a
Albania and Kosovo all to open in
number of five star premium resort
the next few years. In Macedonia
properties in the region. I think
we have three properties operating
there is a great opportunity towards
right now (ibis & ibis Styles Skopje
the development of branded resorts
and Mercure Tetovo) – very nice city
in the entire region, and Accor is
centre hotels all with strong local
one of the leading operator in the
partners. We can see, especially
world with more than 300 resorts
in Montenegro and Albania, great
operating under a wide range
world. “We franchise more than 1000
What are the projects the Accor
opportunities for investors to team
of brands, such a Rixos, Sofitel,
properties in Europe, all our brands
Group has on pipeline and what
up with Accor, as we have the brands
Swissotel. We are confident that we
(apart from the luxury brands)
brands does the Group intend to
to bring the leading resorts to this
can bring these brands also to this
are available to franchise by our
expand in the region (Albania,
beautiful part of the world and this
region in the next few years.
combined with our dominant market
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H O T E L S / H O S P I TA L I T Y
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
by our partners. We work also with
Is the pandemic influencing
will subside. But what we can say is
your development projects in
that our resorts continue to perform
Europe? Is that also changing the
well. Both coastal and mountain
investors’mindset and concept
resorts have had a good season.
development?
Accor together with its partners
Obviously the hospitality is going
hotels has set up the “ALL SAFE”
through unprecedented times this
label which ensures a safe stay for
year, and still we have no clear
all of our guests with many protocols
visibility when this hygiene crisis
and solutions providing hygiene
“The future for tourism in Albania is very bright.”
and sanitary safety. In Albania we see truly great opportunities for our further development in the upcoming years, the coastline is tremendously beautiful.
36
Is Accor in favor of all-franchise
a number of important white label
growth?
operators in the region as this can
Accor is an important franchisor
be also an alternative solution for
around the world. We franchise more
the investor. But most important is
than 1000 properties in Europe, all
that we work individually for each
our brands (apart from the luxury
project with the owner to bring
brands) are available to franchise
the most appropriate solution to
Jose Pinto, Founder of JP Hospitality.EU is ready to link you with Accor for any brand change, franchising, management. Please reach him at jose.pinto@jphospitality.eu
37
H O T E L S / H O S P I TA L I T Y
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
the partners and this can be either
together with a controlled
a franchise or a management
development of the coastline. From
agreement.
me each visit in Albania always gives me great memories, the hospitality,
After many visits in Albania, what are your views about tourism
friendly people, food – these are great assets to your country.
development for the country? The future for tourism in Albania is very bright, it has all the features to become even more successful, but the further development of travel infrastructure is very important,
Perspective of Novotel in Tirana.
38
his year the decorations will be astonishing, with so much beauty around, warm colors and lights making Toptani Shopping Center a warm place to go shopping and to be together with friends and family,” says Marketing Manager of Toptani Shopping Center, Irena Dajci in an exclusive
interview with TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE. She underlines that Toptani Shopping Center will not only reassure the community but will also give them good reasons to come back. “One thing that hasn’t changed, however, that
is
the
consumers
importance place
on
experiences, creating memories with friends and families, and the need to celebrate cultural and religious traditions with the people that matter most. That’s why Christmas and the festive season before and after December 25th will be more important than
ASTONISHING DECORATIONS, WARM COLORS AND LIGHTS AT TOPTANI SHOPPING CENTER
ever for retail spaces and shopping centers in 2020,” Dajci says.
BY RUDINA HOXHA
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T O P TA N I , H O U S E O F B R A N D S
“T
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
Full interview below:
What kind of activities has Toptani Shopping Center planned for this
How has Toptani Shopping
year? Can you reveal some details
Center managed to
about the decorations as well?
become a center of great
Even though Christmas will be little
celebrations for Christmas
different for everyone there are lots
and New Year in Tirana?
of festive things to see and do at
Of course, COVID-19 has
Toptani Shopping Center. This year
changed the world. People feel
the decorations will be astonishing,
unsure and unsafe, but they still
with so much beauty around, warm
want to come together and share
colors and lights by making Toptani
memorable experiences. By turning Christmas into a festive event in our shopping center this year,
Shopping Center such a warm place to go shopping and to be together with friends and family.
we’ll not only reassure our community but we’ll
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
population data, which includes
shops in addition to what we have in
factors such as age, gender, marital
the shopping center. Of course, in
status, household size and income.
our short and long term plan, is the strategy of opening new stores and
Are you planning to open new
new brands at Toptani. Definitely
brands at Toptani Shopping
new stores will be open based on the
Center? Can you mention any of
market demand for specific items or
them?
brands and when the time comes the
Our brand mix covers all the
public will be introduced with their
category of stores starting form
names.
fashion stores, groceries, kids, home décor, accessories, jewelry, sports lingerie, optics, shoes, cosmetics, and electronics. We also aim to attract also other exclusive
Based on your experience, what
give them good reasons
are the keys to creating an ideal
to come back. One thing
brand mix in a shopping mall?
that hasn’t changed, however, is the importance that consumers place on experiences, creating memories with friends and families, and the need
Creating a shopping center’s tenant mix requires consideration and analysis of a number of factors, including the
to celebrate cultural and religious
demographics
traditions with the people that
of the shopping
matter most. That’s why Christmas
center’s trade
and the festive season before and
area. It is
after December 25th will be more important than ever for retail spaces and shopping centers in 2020.
important to consider both local
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JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
If the industry waits for others to take matters into their hands, be it by (more) government handouts, airline frequencies, destination management promotions, border relaxations or OTA initiatives, we might be waiting until eternity or go out of business faster than we could spell the word bankruptcy. HOTCO is not waiting! We are busy identifying exemplary leaders and seeking out the doers in the industry to have them on stage and provide guidance in this era of unexpected darkness. We will bring the hotel investment community of the HOTCO region together again to network, engage and boost business activity. With our supporters, HOTCO will celebrate its 5th anniversary in a riotously fun, but safe opening gala (honestly, people seem to have even forgotten how to have a great time!). For our online participants, while we can only promise virtual catering, we will surprise you on screen.
HOTCO 2021 is on! MARCH 22-23, BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
Be part of “the” industry event to help kickstart 2021 with the ammunition required for drafting the blueprint for your rebounding success. Be with us and secure new business and contribute to the acceleration of the travel sectors recovery. Some of the subjects HOTCO 2021 could address:
Dear former and future HOTCO delegates,
• Owners at operators’ throats • Operators and owners at insurance companies’ throats
We are living in unprecedented times and such require unprecedented
• Bankers at owners’ throats
measures.
• Developers at lessees’ throats • Hotel companies at their own throats as travellers are home-office bound
I am reaching out to you personally as I am flabbergasted by the timidity
• The travelling public at each other’s throats for going mental being stuck
of the travel industry in seemingly hesitating to take action in rebuilding.
at home • Influencers at followers’ throats to finally meet in person
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JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
But in reality HOTCO 2021 will cover: • How to stay in business and keep your asset • How to convince banks to play a supportive role in revitalizing your hotel • Where do investors put their money now • Why hotel and resort developments should not stop • Who is financing hotel projects • How to outsmart aggressive buyers and exit with pride • What is the fair value of hotels and resorts • When to expect distressed acquisition opportunities • Digitalization and how to reap its benefits • Rise of resorts and how to turn them into solid profitable businesses • How to introduce residential sales to boost resort development IRR • Is Zoom the new threat to MICE events and the hotel industry at large • Conference centers and their model for survival • How should thermal resorts capitalize on the rise of health consciousness and fear for safety • Golf as conduit to health and wellness • Attractions fill hotels, but how to turn hotels into attractions • Why all owners need asset managers and why aren’t they on board yet • What to and not to expect from airlines, railways and ships in getting guests to hotels • Winning strategies of key industry players in CEE/SEE/CIS/RUSSIA/ Caucasus • Iconic keynote speakers to reflect on what made them stronger and where they are heading at the helm of their companies Looking forward to having you join like-minded hotel investment community professionals, to help make sure we do not run out of hors d’oeuvres and band width, please hit the “Confirm Your Interest” button, Keep safe and stay well, Marius Gomola Co-Founder and Organiser HOTCO 46
BRAND LO G O
The Marriott Hotels logo is used for all brand communications and should always be presented clearly and legibly.
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
L
MARRIOT T RED PMS 201
one M-height
M I N I M U M C L E A R S PA C E I S
V I S U A L LY A L I G N E D T O
CHALKBOARD
TWO M-HEIGHTS ALL AROUND
FIRST DIAGONAL STROKE
PMS 426
MINIMUM SIZE: 1/2” WIDE
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event Cengiz, General Manager of Tirana Marriott Hotel, is in Tirana. He is passionate, enthusiastic and excited to prepare opening and introducing “the best product in the market.” “My first objective is to open a hotel that the Investors,
Marriott and all the Albanians can be proud of. That is my priority.
OR 35 PIXEL S WI DE
I think that our hotel will be the best product in the market,” says
M A RRI OT T HOTEL S V ISUA L GU I DELI N E S
11
Cengiz in his first interview in Albania for TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE. The 45 year-old hotelier from Ankara, Turkey, has a rich career during which he experienced many different positions within the hospitality industry from Front Office Manager, Food and Beverage Manager, Director of Sales & Marketing and finally to General Manager. Cengiz is loyal and grateful to Marriott for being inspired and supported so much to grow professionally because he says; “the foundation of our company’s culture is to always “Put People First.” It was the beginning of 2020 when he noticed that a new Marriott Hotel will be opened in Tirana. “As soon as I got to know this, I told
MARRIOTT ARRIVES IN ALBANIA, Welcome Mr. Cengiz! BY RUDINA HOXHA & JOSE PINTO
to my manager that I would love to go to Tirana and take this project. I was always curious about seeing Albania and It was exciting for me to be in Albania, meet new friends and explore Albanian culture, history and nature. Besides, I am also from a Balkan country and I always felt very much connected to the Balkan cultures,” Cengiz says. Luckily, his request was accepted and here he is in the beautiful Albania. “Now I have the opportunity to lead our project here and hopefully be one of the members of the professionals, working on adding more values to the Albanian tourism perspectives, he concludes.
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LUXU RY H OT E L S
Be sure to: - Use it on a white or light-colored background (when possible). - Maintain legibility when using over imagery or dark backgrounds. - Maintain mimimum clear space all around the logo equivalent to two M-Heights. (M-Height is the height of the M in Marriott.) - The logo should never be smaller than 1/2 inch in width.
Full interview below:
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
became front office manager. So
and I wanted to make a different
told that the position of Food
my career started at the front office
move in my career. As a result, I
and Beverage Manager was taken
Welcome to Albania Mr. Cengiz!
department. After being graduated
came back to Turkey and I joined
while other positions within this
Please can you make a brief
from university, I was seeking to
the Rezidor Hotel Group. There
department could be offered to
presentation of yourself and your
pursue a Master’s degree, so I left
was a new Radisson Blue Hotel
me. I was ready to take any position
professional career?
for London, UK, in 1999. After a few
opening in Çeşme Resort, west of
within Marriott. Therefore, I took
Certainly. I am 45 years old. I
months of searching for a convenient
Turkey where I joined from the pre-
the challenge in JW Marriott Ankara
entered the hospitality industry
school, I decided to enroll myself to
opening and worked as restaurants
as Banquet Operations Manager.
through school in 1994 marking the
London School of Commerce, MBA
and rooms manager for
26th year of my career nowadays.
program. During this time, I worked
10 months. My family
In 1994, I started my studies on
and studied at the same time as you
was in Ankara at that
hospitality management at Abant
can imagine, London is one of the
time and I was at the
İzzet Baysal Üniversity in Turkey.
most expensive cities of the world.
same time seeking
As Turkey has always been a top tourist destination, I was able to do
“I worked and studied at the same time”
internships in
I worked in different
different opportunities
restaurants, bars
there. So once I
and hotels, mostly in
received an offer from
catering as well as in
Rixos Hotel Group, I
food and beverage
decided to move to
departments. I
Ankara and started as
At that time,
“The culture of Marriott is the core element that keeps our associates as well as our guests always loyal”
it was and still is the biggest banquet space in Ankara with a one thousand people ballroom, open air terrace of 1,000-people capacity, 28 different size meeting rooms.
different hotels during the summer
began to move ahead in my career,
Food and Beverage
seasons throughout my university
while I continued my studies, and
Manager. After about
education. My first entry to the
worked in various positions as waiter,
a year working there,
hotels was in 1994 in Turkey. I
restaurant supervisor and finally a
I found out Marriott International
development opportunity for me
worked for 4 years as an intern in
manager.
was going to launch one of their
and since then I am part of Marriott
very special brands, JW Marriott
family.
different hotels every summer in
It was a great experience and
Bodrum, a seaside resort in the
How was your first contact with
in Ankara and working for Marriott
west of Turkey. During the last year
Marriott?
was always my dream throughout
Why did you choose Marriott in
of my internship and the fourth
In 2008, after 9 years in London, I
my whole career.
your career?
year of my university studies, I
decided to go back to Turkey, I was
I contacted the management of
I had many reasons but today I
was promoted in the hotel and I
missing my country and the culture
JW Marriott in Ankara but I was
would like to highlight the most
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LUXU RY H OT E L S
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
important one
an experienced food & beverage
of those reasons
individual, it was not a surprise
His answer to me was a solid
Your career had come to a point
and that is
that I was found fit for the position.
example of our company’s culture
of being expanded abroad, right?
the culture of
However, after couple of years
and a demonstration of how putting
Indeed. In 2017, I started to look for
my company.
working as Director of Events,
individuals first as when you put your
international opportunities within
The culture of
my General Manager offered
trust into the talents with the right
my company because I wanted to
Marriott is the
me the Director of Sales and
attitude, they will take the ownership
explore different countries and
core element
Marketing position. I didn’t have
and make it happen for you.
cultures. I told my manager that
that keeps our associates as well
an experience working in Sales as
as our guests always loyal and
most of my career I was in Food &
I took the position and 1 year
makes us greater, more and more
Beverage. Besides it was the third
after that I was able
successful. Because the foundation
year after opening the biggest
to be among top
of our company’s culture is to always
hotel in Ankara and the sales
1% of Marriott sales
“Put People First” And this is why
performance expectations from all
associates with the
Marriott associates stay loyal and
parties involved were high. Under
sales figures performed
pursue their careers within our
these circumstances, I was being
in my hotel and
company.
offered to lead a team of 28 sales
awarded to be in
and marketing individuals with not
Chairman’s Circle which
Let me tell you part of my story as a
much of a previous sales experience
is a special award and
great example;
myself and satisfy expectations. I
recognition program
a very interesting
Approximately 8 months after
wasn’t expecting this obviously so I
for sales associates in
and challenging
starting my Marriott career as a
started to ask my General Manager
our company.
experience. I opened the hotel and
Banquet Operations Manager in
questions like ‘’are you sure? why
After 2,5 years working as a sales
six months later I had to switch all
JW Marriott, a new vacancy for
me?’’ and etc… He answered:
leader, I was offered by my Area Vice
of its systems from Starwood into a
Director of Events Management
“I trust your leadership. I know
President whether I was interested
Marriott property. So it was almost
became available, and I was given
you are a great leader and I trust
in the position of general manager
like opening the same hotel twice
the opportunity and promoted to
your leadership. The rest is just
and he offered me the position in
(laughing).
this position. Events Management
technicalities and you will learn, our
Renaissance Hotel in Izmir, west of
was part of Food & Beverage
company has all the resources to
Turkey. And I started my first GM
In Kiev, there was no other Marriott
operations in the hotel and as I was
help you learn”.
position there.
property, a sister hotel from Marriott
52
I was interested in international opportunities. Soon after, I was
“I started to look for international opportunities within my company”
53
informed of a new opening in Kiev, Ukraine - Aloft brand which was one of the new brands joined Marriott portfolio under Starwood acquisition. It was
LUXU RY H OT E L S
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
portfolio. So, I had a challenge of finding and recruiting talents familiar to Marriott culture or with previous Marriott background. But, luckily, Ukrainians are talented and well educated people with fast learning skills and I was able to build a very strong and skillful team in a short period of time.
2018 and achieved great performance and amazing figures in a short period of time. Within the first 6 months, we were able to achieve our fair market share.
I noticed that a new Marriott Hotel
them?
pandemic nowadays, we expect to
will be opened in Tirana. As soon
First objective
face challenges of course. Statistics
as I got to know this, I told to my
is to open
highlight that hospitality industry
manager that I would love to go to
a hotel that
has shrunk by 70% globally and
Tirana and take this project. I was
the Investors,
going back to the previous level of
always curious about seeing Albania
Marriott
travel and tourism may take a few
and It was exciting for me to be
and all the
years to achieve.
in Albania, meet new friends and
Albanians can
explore Albanian culture, history
be proud of.
and nature. Besides, I am also from
We opened this hotel beginning of
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
“We achieved great performance and amazing figures in a short period”
After a successful opening, and great hotel performance, I was awarded as GM of the year 2018 for Select Service Hotels in Europe.
That is my main objective. I think
a Balkan country
that the product that
and I always felt very
we will have will be the
much connected to
best product on the
the Balkan cultures.
market. I can see already from
Luckily, my request
the plans and the
was accepted and
design that this is a
I came to beautiful
top-class hotel. We are
Albania and now
very much focused on
have the opportunity
quality and delivery of
property again? What are your impressions so far? It was the beginning of 2020 when
54
travel and I think the demand for travelling has never been this much before as people are desperately waiting to freely move and travel again.
to lead our project here and
quality. And thanks to our investors
hopefully be one of the members
and my company, I have all the
As you can imagine, it will be
of the professionals, working on
resources to deliver that promise.
a lot of competition between the international hotel chains
Second is obviously after opening,
in Albania. So, how have you
to place our product as an added
predicted to fight it?
What are your objectives as GM
value to help further develop
I don’t see this as fight. But I think
of Marriott Tirana Hotel now and
Albanian tourism industry. Given the
this will lead to more quality to
how do you think you can attain
current circumstances caused by the
the competition. And more quality
tourism perspectives.
coming to Tirana to run a Marriott
positive that world will continue to
“Statistics highlight that hospitality industry has shrunk by 70% globally”
adding more values to the Albanian
How was the story behind your
But despite such challenges, I am
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LUXU RY H OT E L S
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
in understanding the culture of hotel services. Also it will bring higher spending travelers and more competition as a threat but as an opportunity for us, as Marriott, for the city, for the country and for the whole tourism of the country.
professional career, how did you manage to go through all the levels of your work? What are the lessons you can share? I have to underline that I am very much result-oriented. I try to spend no more than necessary time on details but try to
industry where we need to adopt
and nature is beautiful. I have
It is a very unique building. I have
ourselves efficiently. And the first
everything I need in Albania.
seen a few hotels attached to the stadiums before. At first, I was
key to adopting efficiently and
international brands. I don’t see
Considering your
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
effectively is to keep an open mind
How do you think your Turkish
thinking, because I don’t know much
at all times, try to observe much
approach will influence your job?
about the sports culture in Albania,
every day, listen to the people like
On the menu, let’s say?
how frequent the stadium will be
our customers, our mentors, our
Most people like Turkish food, it
used. The way I see is that stadium
leaders, our associates and our
has a long tradition and remarkable
will give many advantages to our
competitors. There is something to
sophistication. I had the opportunity
business. Sports events, concerts
learn from everyone.
to visit different restaurants in Tirana
and various other events taking
Filter the knowledge
and tried to identify eating habits of
place in the stadium will always
and observation
Albanians as well as what is being
be opportunities for our business.
and be adoptable.
offered for tourists and travelers. I
Additionally, our building location
And remember, as
hope to bring some new concepts in
has a great advantage, the close
Mr. Marriott says;
our restaurant to Tirana community
proximity to government buildings,
‘’Success is never
which I can rely on local products,
embassies and Blloku as the heart of
final”.
always available in the market, fresh
entertainment & leisure are some of
and reasonable prices. This way, we
our key highlights.
“Being a hard worker is number one skill in addition to being a good listener and a good observer”
move fast to achieve results. Being a hard worker is number one
One Turk in Albania.
will also be able to support our local
How is he enjoying?
farmers and serve our community.
I find Albania very
I also would like to have some
similar to my own
examples of Albanian cuisine in our
country. I really feel at home. I
menus so that international travelers
see the people on the streets and
visiting will have the opportunity to
they resemble with the Turks so
try some traditional dishes.
much, their body language and
skill in addition to being a good listener and a good observer. We have a fast moving, challenging
56
their behavior is very similar. Their
What are your thoughts on
sense of humor too. Food is great,
the Marriott Tirana Hotel as a
weather is warm, people are friendly
building?
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LUXU RY H OT E L S
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
“MK I HOTEL TIRANA” A MODEL FOR OTHER HOTELS IN ALBANIA
Ulrike Bega, CEO, principal architect and founder of SymbioticA, sits with TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE to talk of mk hotel Tirana from A to Z. 58
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
The “mk hotel tirana” will be the first internationally certified 5-star hotel built in Albania. It will be the main face and welcome point of the “Tirana Business and Residential Park”, a 23ha big development zone invested by the Lindner Group from Germany. The property is positioned in a strategic location directly on the main Road to Tirana International Airport and in 15km distance to the center of Tirana.
“The new master plan for the overall development area, also developed by SymbioticA, foresees the creation of real neighborhood and a vast recreational Green Park surrounded by residential and business buildings. The “mk hotel tirana”, currently under construction and planned to be opened in spring 2021,” Bega says among others in this exclusive interview.
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ARCHITECTURE
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
Can you describe “mk hotel
3 disabled friendly rooms) are
tirana” minimum standards that
designed to the DEHOGA 5-star
you have used for the property at
hotel standard and are supported
the TBP hotel?
by a big outdoor and indoor
The “mk hotel tirana” will be the
lobby, breakfast room and public
first internationally certified 5-star
restaurant and series of outdoor
hotel built in Albania and will be the
terraces and fitness zones. These
main face and welcome point of the
standards are the minimum
“Tirana Business and Residential
requirements to achieve the 5-star
Park”, a 23ha big development zone
status.
“These standards are the minimum requirements to achieve the 5-star status. ” Albania. For us it was important to design the exterior and interior spaces of the hotel as an integrated and continuous system of spaces
invested by the Lindner Group from Germany. The property is positioned
What was the main inspiration of
in a strategic location directly on the
the interior design behind “mk
main Road to Tirana International
hotel tirana”?
Airport and in 15km distance to the
currently under construction and
The Lindner Group is an
center of Tirana.
planned to be opened in spring 2021,
internationally successful company
The new master plan for the overall
is located on the very West of the
producing high quality construction
development area, also developed
Green Park and will front the overall
materials and systems, but they are
by SymbioticA, foresees the creation
investment zone as a representative
also deeply rooted in the natural
of real neighborhood and a vast
landmark visible from all main access
beauty and cultural heritage of
recreational Green Park surrounded
routes. The volume of the hotel
Bavaria. Lindner’s “mk I hotels” are
by residential and business
building dissolves into green terraces
mainly business hotels which are
buildings. The “mk hotel tirana”,
cascading into a private outdoor and
reflecting this feeling of “Heimat”
garden space with a pool, barbeque
of Bavaria in their interior designs.
and playground area while a public
Since the “mk hotel tirana” will
open space under the main hotel
be the international flagship hotel
volume connects the private outdoor
of the “mk I hotel” chain we were
space to the public park in the East.
asked to develop the already
Some 80 hotel rooms (67 double
chosen style further but to also
rooms, 6 family rooms, 4 suites,
integrate local elements from
“The “mk hotel tirana” will be the first internationally certified 5-star hotel built in Albania” 60
including many different viewpoints and spaces of different levels of privacy. We combined the material palette of the existing mk-hotels (natural wood, steel, leather) with
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“The “mk I tirana hotel” is 100% invested by a foreign / German investor”
In your view, will this hotel be a key MK PROJECT to inspire others in Albania? The “mk I tirana hotel” is 100%
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
during the design phase will reflect
to the guests, they are designed
not only into the good atmosphere
to be comfortable and to be used,
of the rooms and public spaces but
not only to represent. For I am sure
also into the quality and efficiency of
that the “mk I tirana hotel” will be a
the hotel service. A well-organized
model for other hotels in Albania.
service, easy maintenance and
In view of the above please also
smooth operation is the key to a
note that the design of the “mk I
successful 5-star hotel and the hotel
tirana hotel” was already awarded
design foresees all these aspects.
the share-architects jury mention for
Also, all spaces are designed to give
hospitality & interiors in February
a very warm and welcoming feeling
2020.
“Spaces are designed to give a very warm and welcoming feeling to the guests”
https://share-architects.com/shortlist-winners-albania/ Can you introduce to our readers “SymbioticA” and on
invested by a foreign / German investor and will also be operated
local material references and
by the “mk I hotel” chain. The
traditional Albanian construction
building is designed to EU-
methods of wood, mosaic stones
standards and we have developed
and gold applications which
the design and equipment of the
are interpreted in a modern
hotel in very close collaboration with
architectural language. The golden
the experienced hotel operator. The
travertine façade and golden
kitchen is designed by a specialized
window frames give the building
kitchen equipment design company
a warm and luxurious feeling
and will be state of the art for
combined with lush Mediterranean
a hotel kitchen in Albania. This
vegetation on the terraces and in
integrated approach and teamwork
the gardens.
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ARCHITECTURE
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ARCHITECTURE
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“Sustainable planning, innovative environmental ideas, smart energy concepts and improving the local economy are at the core of our work.”
what projects are you working right now? SymbioticA is an innovative design and consultancy office specialized on creating sustainable urban development processes and providing integrated designs for complex architectural, urban space and land management projects of all scales - from high rise buildings to large scale public space and
collaboration with our public and
regional planning. We are co-
private sector clients and are
operation agents for a smart and
experts in managing, identifying,
effective city and architecture production and operate as the creative link between all involved stakeholders. We work in close
64
designing, and coordinating
processes, priority action plans and
smart energy concepts and
PROTOTYPES of strategic urban
implementation projects.
improving the local economy are at
development tools, planning
SymbioticA was founded in 2009
the core of our work.
and currently operates offices in
SymbioticA
Düsseldorf, Germany and Tirana,
Bega who has a wide range of
Albania and employs a highly
international experience Germany,
qualified and motivated team of
the Netherlands, UK, USA, Russia
currently eight fixed staff. Our office
and Australia and also has worked 4
has broad local and international
years for the Municipality of Tirana
experience in project preparation,
as the Mayor’s Advisor on Strategic
project management, design and
Urban Development and Project
planning of urban, architectural
Coordination.
and regional projects throughout
Mid of this year SymbioticA
all design and supervision of works
completed Albania’s first energy
phases. Sustainable planning,
efficient public building project, the
innovative environmental ideas,
“Energy Efficient Reconstruction
65
is headed by Ulrike
of Student City No.2 in Tirana”,
because we also had to make a
4 dormitory buildings (16.800 m²
complete demand analysis and will
GFA) which were extremely run
integrate all equipment for the auto-
down and are now rehabilitated with
mechatronic and hotel & tourism
smart energy efficient measures and
sector workshops (in association with
equipment, we also made a detailed
Sweco GmbH - DE, funded by the
energy audit and monitoring
KfW bank).
process for these buildings (in joint
We are also working on the Urban &
venture with Integration GmbH,
Mobility Assessment and Strategy,
Sweco GmbH & Cityfoerster, funded
Development Vision, Integrated
by KfW bank).
Urban Upgrading Design Concepts,
Currently we are preparing the
Investment Program, Preliminary &
master plan and concept &
Detailed Implementation Design &
execution design of new workshop
Tender Documents for the Saranda
and classroom buildings for the
Tourism Gateway Integrated Urban
Vocational Educational School of
Upgrading Project which is in
Kamza, a very challenging project
essence a detailed mobility and
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JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
urban development plan for the
Saranda Waterfront” is currently under
city and region of Saranda and
construction and will be finished
the development of many relevant
mid of next year (with DEA Studio
implementation projects to enable
AL) as well the “Kajo Karafili Primary
this plan, e.g. a multimodal transport
& Highschool” in Maminas (part of
terminal, new public squares, the
the post-earthquake reconstruction
rehabilitation of roads and road
program activities in Albania).
crossings and the development of
Since 2 years we are also active in
public green spaces, touristic event
Germany again and we are currently
zones and a new waterfront in the
designing several public projects and
South of Saranda (in association with
are consulting different institutions on
Sweco GmbH - DE, Mobility in Chain
integrated urban development and
S.r.l. – IT & InfraKonsult Sh.p.k. – AL,
smart mobility strategies.
funded by the World Bank). Our biggest infrastructure project, the rehabilitation of the “Urban
How would you describe your
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ARCHITECTURE
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JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
approach to architecture? Has
that the project is sustainable, well
your approach changed over time?
designed and gets accepted by the
I have been trained as a modern
user. Luxury for me does not consist
architect but soon after my first
only of materials, real luxury is being
studies developed a keen interest
in a space which feels generous,
in good urban development and
natural and which has a good and
the economics of the construction.
healthy atmosphere. I think people
My postgraduate studies on these
deserve to have a better quality of
questions is what brought me to
life and we at SymbioticA always
Albania, and I have been lucky to be
think and design for a better
able to contribute to many great and
future. This has been always my
necessary developments in Albania.
ambition but with now 20 years of
“Luxury for me does not consist only of materials, real luxury is being in a space which feels generous, natural and which has a good and healthy atmosphere.�
professional experience I know what
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
to focus on, I sharpened my design skills and have a more realistic approach to reach these goals.
For me it is important to consider architecture or any built project in its context, whether it is the urban surrounding, historic background, or an economic or environmental constraint. For me it is important
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SWEDISH DUX IS MORE THAN JUST A BED.
IT’S A VEHICLE FOR WELLBEING BY RUDINA HOXHA & JOSE PINTO
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
“We take sleep very seriously. We study it. We measure it. We investigate every aspect of it. We’re experts in the mechanics of sleep. We understand the vital role sleep plays in the body’s cycle of healing, growing and rejuvenating,” TOPOLLARI TOLD TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE.
T
opollari invites more
Topollari highlighted that the
people to visit the
customers value the highest quality
Duxiana Showroom and
goods for their bedroom. “ To
discover what makes a
complement your DUX bed, we
good sleep.
offer a selection of the finest linens
“Come find out for yourself why
to help you create your ideal sleep
DUX technology provides the
environment,” he said.
most ergonomically sophisticated,
We met Saimir Topollari, President of DUXIANA Albanian Operations at Duxiana Showroom in Tirana. Proud of the Swedish brand of beds, which he represents in Albania, Topollari talked about the difference such beds make in the lives of people. 70
most durable and comfortable
Can you tell us about Duxiana and
handcrafted bed available on the
what inspires this Swedish brand?
market,” he said.
Originally formed by Efraim Ljung
In 1987, DUX introduced the
to produce the first innerspring
DUXIANA marketing concept in
mattresses in Sweden, four
Europe, Great Britain and the
generations of this Swedish
United States To date The DUX Bed
family have evolved DUX into an
is available in 28 DUXIANA stores
international concern with 88 stores
in North America and in over 88
worldwide.
locations worldwide.
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F U R N I T U R E WO R L D
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“We take sleep very seriously.”
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
28 DUXIANA stores in North America
products?
and in over 88 locations worldwide.
We take sleep very seriously.
As a fourth generation privately
We study it. We measure it. We
DUX designs are characterized by
DUXIANA marketing concept in
owned company, our only
clean, simple, and contemporary
Europe, Great Britain and the
investigate every aspect of it. We’re
responsibilities are to our customers,
lines with products made from top
United States. A tightly controlled
experts in the mechanics of sleep.
the quality and longevity of our
of the line materials, with the finest
system, these specialty stores are
We understand the vital role sleep
product and to the health of the
Swedish craftsmanship, ergonomic
under license arrangement, and
plays in the body’s cycle of healing,
planet. By choosing DUX you
research and engineering.
provide exclusive furnishings for the
growing and rejuvenating. DUX High
are making the environmentally
bedroom, with particular emphasis
Performance Sleep Systems are the
responsible choice.
result of over 90 years of research
The DUX trademark has been
on the DUX bed. Serving as one-
rated in the top 100 most valuable
stop shopping centers for the
It’s in our nature and precisely what
trademarks in Sweden coming in at
bedroom, DUXIANA stores offer,
system is designed to provide
inspires us.
number 17. DUX was also the only
in addition to The DUX Bed, the
an unrivaled level of ergonomic
privately owned company in the top
highest quality headboards, linens
50.
and down products. To date The DUX Bed is available in
In 1987, DUX introduced the
Ambassador of Sweden in Albania, H.E. Elsa Hastad with Mr. Henrik Ljung, CEO of Duxiana
72
and development. Our component
support, to help you experience In what aspects, do the Duxiana
significantly higher quality sleep.
products make a difference in the market and how do you test its
DUX is more than just a bed. It’s a
Posing with Henrik Ljung, CEO of Duxiana
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F U R N I T U R E WO R L D
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JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
“ We conduct exhaustive research into new materials and techniques .” vehicle for wellbeing. The DUX Bed
Sven Engdahl)
is about deep sleep. That’s the only
We take innovation seriously. We
time when your body can repair,
don’t change the color of our
rebuild and restore itself. Not when
ticking and call it innovation. We
you’re asleep — but when you’re in
conduct exhaustive research into
deep sleep.
new materials and techniques - sometimes for years - before
In an independent sleep study
incorporating them into our
conducted by the Karolinska
products. As a result, our upgrades
Institute of Sweden, the sleep
are measurable and verifiable
patterns of individuals using a
before ever hitting the market.
variety of innerspring mattresses
Our beds have been thoroughly
were measured using an EEG to
vetted and tested - by the scientific
record the electrical activity in the
community, but more importantly,
cerebral cortex of the brain. The
by four generations of customers
study demonstrated that DUX users
worldwide. Our technology is one
not only reached the Deep Sleep
that works, and we have the history
stage of sleep faster, but remained
to prove it.
there longer. This is especially beneficial since it is during Deep
What types of Dux beds and
Sleep that the body and immune
accessories are most demanded in
system recovers and repairs itself.
Albania and region? Our customers value the highest
* BRL, 1985, 1989 (Bed Research
quality goods for their bedroom.
Laboratory, Associate Professor
To complement your DUX bed,
Evert Knutsson, Associate Professor
we offer a selection of the finest
74
linens to help you create your ideal
standards we uphold in the
sleep environment. And for those
production of our luxury beds
finishing touches we also offer
extend through our complete line
the finest selection of luxury bed
of down products. Coupling high
accessories including bed skirts and
quality down with excellent design
base covers. DUXIANA has a large
and workmanship, we achieve
selection of colors to choose from
a product that will add to the
to match any décor.
warmth and comfort of your sleep
An important component of any
environment.
bedroom is the presence of down
And of course, the pillow plays an
products. Down is nature’s finest
integral role in the way in which
insulator. The same exacting
you sleep. The right neck support
“ An important component of any bedroom is the presence of down products .” 75
F U R N I T U R E WO R L D
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is vital to the proper alignment of
future.
your spine. With the purchase of a
Come find out for yourself why
new bed it is always a good idea to
DUX technology provides the
reassess the firmness of your pillows.
most ergonomically sophisticated,
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
most durable and comfortable Any offer for Christmas and New
handcrafted bed available on the
Year from Duxiana?
market.
Of course, enough for you to spend a few minutes visiting our showroom
Do you intend to expand Duxiana
close to the grand lake of Tirana.
in the future?
More than the monetary aspect of
We’re always looking to expand
it, we believe that such a visit will
the brand in new markets such as
serve as a great investment into
Kosova, North Macedonia, Bulgaria,
your search for a great night’s sleep
Rumania and so on, given that we
regardless if you plan to make a
find the right people that share our
change soon or sometime in the
love for the environment and high quality products.
Mr. Topollari in the Duxiana shop in Porto, Portugal
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JARI GUSTAFSSON’S MESSAGE TRUIST IN INVESTING IN HUMAN CAPITAL IS KEY TO GROWTH BY RUDINA HOXHA & JOSE PINTO
T
TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE sits down with the new Ambassador of Finland to Albania, His Excellency, Mr. Jari Gustafsson who presented his credentials to the President of Albania, Mr. Ilir Meta on 13th of November, 2020. The bilateral relations between Finland and Albania, objectives on this new appointment, Finland’s support to Albania in EU’s context and the wish of Finns to visit Albania more and more were some of the topics we discussed in this following interview. “The key pillar for any civilized industrial country is, that you have to trust in investing in human capital. I think this is the key message that I wanted to bring here,” Gustafsson said among others in this exclusive interview. Full interview below:
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The door is already open showing that tourism is increasing. There is an increased interest in visiting this country. This is a good opportunity. People are happy to come and visit Albania. If they are happy, they want to come again. If the Finns are happy, they come again. 79
D I P L O M AC Y
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better than in the past. Definitely
growth and wellbeing, not to
you have to encourage the private
mention new jobs.
sector for more investments, which is a big challenge. Therefore, the
If you look back, we have heavily
politicians should be willing to
invested in human capital and in
constantly work towards removing
the Finnish educational system and
regulatory obstacles to help
we know that the results of these
entrepreneurs succeed.
investments have been very good in the past. One of the key factors
What we did well in the last Your
is that though the foundations of the
sector was that we succeeded in
Finnish primary
have completed a five-year term
setting new targets for innovation,
education system
as Secretary General. What does
R&D, spending, and allocation of
were laid in the
this mean for an Ambassador and
money from GDP for the innovation
early of 70s, since
how much this can influence his/
system which means that one third
then, not a single
her position?
of that money should come from the
government has
All experiences prepare you to
public sector. Then we expect that if
done any cuts in money allocation in
take on new challenges. So, the
we allocate from the government’s
the education system. It has been a
five-year term I accepted to serve
side one third of the money, the
very sound financial basis from the
as Secretary General gave me an
rest will come from the private
government side to Finnish primary
important opportunity to work
sector. This is one of the keys for
education throughout the decades.
together with the government
future growth that
Until the previous government made
in trying to set the priorities for
trust in the society,
economic growth and new jobs,
both private and
since Finland also went through
public sector, that
also made
a huge economic crisis in 2015.
investing in R&D
some savings
There was a lot of hope that once
and innovation
in R&D
things would start to improve, the
and in human
expenditures
public sector and the government
capital, will bring
also would be able to do things
about economic 80
there is a
the things that we corrected. Since the new government came into power one
“ We have heavily invested in human capital .�
five years together with the private
Excellency, you
of
some cuts during the financial crisis. The government
and this was one
year and a half ago, the program plan followed the compensation of these cuts and now we are back on track.
As we are trying to keep the financial basis for the educational system steady, we are trying to do so for the R&D and innovation. This is the key. These are the things I am happy that we managed to do. The key pillar for any civilized industrial country is, that you have to trust in investing in human capital. I think this is the key message that
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I wanted to bring here. Greece, as
have the
Russia throughout the
an EU country, has benefited billions
interest
history, so they know how
of euros from the EU recovery fund.
and
to deal with the countries
Let’s see in which sectors they are
they
where they don’t have yet
going to put this money.
start
experience. They are able
to visit
to take such risks. But first
In this new position, what are
of all, they need to place
your objectives regarding Albania,
Albania on their map. Then
its relations with Finland, and
Albania and spend
Greece Mr. Ambassador?
winters here as many families have
For Albania, I would say that it is a
started to do that, they will invest
that kind of trust that the companies
nice moment for me to serve as an
to the second home they buy
are encouraged
ambassador. Even though working
by the coast somewhere. If their
to come, that they
from the distance, from Athens.
experiences are positive, that would
know that they are
That’s what I said to the President
make the Finns gain more interest in
well received, that
of Albania, Mr. Ilir Meta, if we
your country.
the regulations are
the big challenge is that the government has to create
in place and they
work hard to enhance the bilateral
on both sides. EU is trying to help a well progressing
“ I think this is a long term challenge for this country.”
relations between us, then we have
Once more people put Albania
are appreciated,
to start with the people. If the
on the map for travel and spend
that the business practices are
winters and summers in Albania
acknowledged. We are on the way of
as well, then we will have a good
getting this kind of interest from the
number of companies which are
companies since we are getting the
very experienced in taking quite
interest of people.
Finnish people
duties
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How is Finland supporting Albania
have not been before. The Finnish
in the EU context?
companies were the first western
This is something that Finland,
ones to deal with the Chinese
among other EU countries, is very
companies in the 50s. The Finnish
willing to see a good progress in
companies are very experienced
this regard. As Albania is already a
in working with different parts of
candidate, that means that they are
process and this government also is doing their best in fulfilling all the requirements. But this is an
important issue even for Europe. If Albania could join the EU, that will
big risks to come among the first foreigners to places where they
accession
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increase the stability in the region that will help the other countries in the Balkans to work towards the
multilateral financial institutions
is an increased interest
like World Bank, EIB or EBRD are
in visiting this country.
present in Albania. Everything
This is a good opportunity.
related to infrastructure gives a lot
People are happy to come
of business opportunities for the
and visit Albania. If they are
Finnish companies. Of course,
happy, they want to come
we do have companies which are
again. Therefore investments
internationally well-known and
are needed from this country
“ The door is already open showing that tourism is increasing.”
same objective, so
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
they are ready to go
for the hospitality business
anywhere they feel
sector, so the infrastructure can
well-received.
be as good as the people can expect. They don’t expect too
More and more Finnish tourists have visited Albania over the years. Do you
have any recommendation for how
all the countries can jointly benefit
much. The Finns know what can be expected. But they should be happy. The infrastructure and the quality of living should be up to that standard that they could decently expect. If the Finns are happy, they come again. We see that in Croatia
in this regard.
to have a sustainable tourism in
So, there is full support from our
This is a key issue that the
started from
side as well.
people-people
the scratch.
Albania?
Have you already figured out what are the areas where Finland will invest or can show interest in Albania?
Balkans, which
collaboration has
Their success
to be strengthened.
stories can
I think this is a long
be copied
term challenge for
by Albania,
this country. The
too.
As I said we have many companies
door is already open
which have interest in Albania. I
showing that tourism
know that the international and
is increasing. There
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and the
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Lufthansa Group Ushers in a Touchless Customer Experience at Airports LUFTHANSA AND SWISS MILES & MORE MEMBERS FIRST TO RECEIVE ENROLMENT CAPABILITY
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names are stored.
tar Alliance, the world’s
Program who opt-in to biometrics
will have the option to enrol in Star
largest airline alliance, has
will be able to pass through both
Alliance Biometrics, accessed via
completed development of
security access and boarding gates
a link within the Lufthansa app.
an interoperable biometric
in a touchless manner, an important
Customers enrolling are asked to
identity and identification platform
health and hygiene safety measure
take a selfie, verify their identity with
that will significantly improve the
in times of COVID-19.
their passport, and opt-in to the
I
travel experience for frequent flyer programme customers of Star Alliance member airlines. The Star Alliance Biometrics platform advances the vision of Star Alliance member airlines of delivering a seamless customer
airlines and airports where they want n keeping with the
J
effrey Goh, CEO of Star Alliance stated: “We are exceedingly proud to have founding member Lufthansa
as the first airline to implement the
to use the service.
Star Alliance Biometrics solution in both of its Frankfurt and Munich
requirement to wear masks in the airport terminal, it is not
Enrol once, use often
Airport hubs. This is a customer-
required to remove the mask
They only need to enrol once
centric solution that furthers our
for the biometric identity check.
and can then use their biometrics
credentials in innovation, particularly
The identification process works for
data multiple times at biometrics
its multi-airline and multi-airport
passengers wearing masks.
touchpoints of any participating
capability. Whilst it offers a seamless
airport whenever they travel with a
customer travel experience, it is
journey, while strengthening loyalty value proposition within its travel
The Star Alliance Biometrics service
Star Alliance member airline who
also a critical development that
ecosystem.
is built upon NEC Corporation’s
has implemented Star Alliance
addresses the expectation of
Lufthansa Group (LHG) airlines,
NEC I:Delight biometric and identity
Biometrics.
customers for a more touchless and
Lufthansa (a founding member
management platform software.
of Star Alliance) and SWISS will
The secure service is available at
Data privacy and security
Alliance Biometrics is a key part of
be the first to use Star Alliance
no cost to customers of the Miles &
Personal data, such as photo and
our strategy to be the most digitally
Biometrics for selected flights
More program who have consented
other identification details, are
starting in November. Specific
to share their biometric data with
encrypted and safely stored within
infrastructure is being installed at
stakeholders of their choice during
the platform. From the outset,
hub airports Frankfurt and Munich,
travel.
the system has been designed in
hygienically safer experience. Star
C
advanced global airline alliance.”
compliance with applicable data
reaping operational benefits at both
hristina Foerster, Member of the Board, Customer, IT & Corporate Responsibility, said “The
How does enrolment work?
protection laws making use of the
Effective immediately, and with
latest facial recognition technology.
Members of the Lufthansa and
a few easy steps on their mobile
Storage of personal data is kept to a
travelling in the future. Especially
SWISS Miles & More Frequent Flyer
device, Miles & More customers
minimum – for example, no customer
during the pandemic, such touchless
locations.
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topic of biometrics will become increasingly important when
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AV I AT I O N
S
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processes at the airport are a
for boarding pass control and
big plus. In the Lufthansa Group,
individual gates in Terminal 1 - Area
biometric technology and solutions
A, together with our most important
will increasingly ensure simplified
customers Star Alliance and
and more efficient processes at
Lufthansa. In the coming weeks and
airports, thereby significantly
months we will gradually expand the
improving the travel experience of
range - also to new process points
our passengers. I am very pleased
such as baggage drop-off,” says Dr.
that with Star Alliance Biometrics
Pierre Dominique Prümm, Board
we will be able to offer interested
Member Aviation and Infrastructure
frequent flyers biometric security
at Fraport AG.
checkpoint access and boarding via facial recognition at our Frankfurt and Munich hubs as from November. This is an important milestone for us. “Optimizing travel processes for
“B
iometrics offers us the opportunity to further accelerate and simplify
processes at Munich Airport for
passengers is our top priority at
the benefit of travelers”, said Jost
Frankfurt Airport, and biometric
Lammers, CEO of Munich Airport.
processes offer our customers
“This not only increases passenger
numerous advantages. Star Alliance
comfort, but also - thanks to the
Biometrics now creates a more
contactless process – hygiene
efficient and - especially important in
standards and health protection. In
today’s times - touchless passenger
this way, we are once again fulfilling
journey, which offers greater security
our promise of quality as the only
as well as more comfort and less
5-star-airport in Europe.”
waiting time. We are proud to be Courtesy of Lufthansa Group
one of the first airports worldwide to offer this pioneering technology
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A
WHAT WE CAN REVEAL TO YOU ABOUT
THE SECRET of THE ORIGINAL SACHER-TORTE
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
N ACCIDENT
As ruled by a court of law in 1962,
MAKES HISTORY
only a torte produced at the
“Oh, that he may
Sacher is entitled to be designated
not discredit me
“Original”. That is how the Original
tonight!” – This
Sacher-Torte became a piece of
admonition marked the beginning
Austrian contemporary history – best
of the story of the Original Sacher-
enjoyed with unsweetened whipped
Torte in 1832. We have an historical
cream.
accident to thank for this success
PHOTOS © HOTEL SACHER
story. One day in 1832 the court of
A SECRET KEPT THROUGHOUT
Prince Metternich wanted a dessert
THE GENERATIONS
to be created for discerning guests.
The successful manufacturing of
It just so happened that the chef
an Original Sacher-Torte depends
de cuisine was ill at the time and
on more than the perfect blend of
apprentice Franz Sacher filled in
ingredients, the right temperature,
for him. The young man created a
and the relative humidity within
wonderful cake that left nothing to
the bakery. Equally important is the
be desired. This night marked the
precise sequence of 34 individual
birth of the Original Sacher-Torte –
steps up to the packaging of the
and a moment of glory for epicures.
torte in its exquisite
Within a matter of years, the
wooden box.
Original Sacher-Torte had gained
The Original
international popularity. Even figure-
Sacher-
conscious Empress Sissi could not
Torte is
resist the torte of Franz Sacher,
made
his son Eduard, who opened the famous Hotel Sacher Wien, was also purveyor to the Imperial and Royal Household.
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exclusively from fresh,
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been passed down from generation
Arnulf Rainer, Heimo Zobernig and
to generation and kept securely
Gottfried Helnwein are among the
locked away in a safe.
outstanding Austrian artists who
PRESS CONTACT: Elisabeth Waxmund, Hotel Sacher
have already artistically enhanced A CULINARY MASTERPIECE FROM
Wien, ewaxmund@sacher.com,
the wooden box into unique
AUSTRIA
+43 1 51456 1273
artworks for the Sacher Artists’
www.sacher.com | shop.sacher.com
Today, the Original Sacher-Torte
Collection. The net proceeds of
www.facebook.com/sacherhotels |
is beloved and known across the
the sales of this limited edition are
www.facebook.comoriginalsachertorte
globe. About 360,000 tortes a
donated to charitable causes.
| @sacherhotels
year leave our Original Sacher-
free-range eggs and various kinds of premium chocolates produced especially for us. And even after more than 185 years, the Original Sacher-Torte is still made by hand today. Since 1832, its recipe has
Torte Manufactory for shipment
FACTS CONCERNING THE
worldwide.
ORIGINAL SACHER-TORTE
Since 2009 it is probably also the
• The largest Original Sacher-Torte
only torte with a charitable bend.
ever was made for the Vienna
Hermann Nitsch, Xenia Hausner,
Festival in Ljubljana, Slovenia. It was 3.5 meters in diameter. • Anywhere from 5,000 to 8,000 eggs are separated by hand daily for torte production. During Christmas season, that number rises to anywhere from 15,000 to 21,000 eggs. •The Original Sacher-Torte was awarded the Tourism Prize by the Vienna Economic Chamber in 2005. • Only the family knows the original recipe.
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F
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or this magic time of the year the streets of Funchal get beautifully ‘dressed up’ with thousands of lights in numerous colors. During this time, all streets and roads in and outside Funchal also put on their Christmas dress, as almost all the lamp posts are connected with a light chain, giving the impression of
a lit road map when looked at from above. This is a special season for the Madeirans as traditions and customs are renewed. December is the month of the ‘Festa’, as we called it. In addition each one decorate the houses, with the traditional “lapinhas” (cribs) and with flowers of the time, it is common to make typical Christmas delicacies, like honey
cake
,
cookies and biscuits, homemade liqueurs, and meat in wine and garlic, which is a delight for all of with Bolo do Caco (Flat Bread cooked in a flat surface, made out o local wheat, flour and sweet potatoe)
Remembering my Xmas in Madeira During Childhood 96
ead r B t a l F aco ( C o d o ace) l f r u Bo s t a l naf i d e k o o c
Bolo de M e l o r ( Ho n 97
ey Cake)
T
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he Madeira Honey Cake is one of the most traditional delicacies of Madeiran gastronomy. It is made with honey from sugar cane( mel de cana) and it can be preserved and eaten even weeks after being made. It’s usually best to eat 6 to 12 months after as my Grand Mom told me ,every year.
Madeira Honey Cake is traditionally linked to Christmas. Usually it’s prepared on December 8, however, it can be found in shops all year round.
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Madeira Honey Cake Recipe: HONEY CAKE INGREDIENTS 1 kg Flour 500 gr Sugar 1/4 Lard (Melted pork fat) 1/4 Butter 1 Lt of Honey 2 Eggs 1/4 Cider 1/4 of Almond 1/4 Raisins 1/2 Cup of milk 1 packet of sodium carbonate (2 tablespoons and a half) 500 grs whole walnuts 10 grams of fennel 10 grams of cloves of India 10 gr from Maranhão (a type of Clove) 10 gr of Axa (a type of Clove) 10 gr of Flower (a type of Clove) 10 gr of nutmeg
How To Make The Honey Cake? Put the honey, the butter and the lard in a pan to melt. Allow to cool. Mix the flour, sugar, spices and soda in a bowl. Meanwhile, heat the milk until warm and add to the bowl to make it easier to mix. Add the eggs and stir well. Finally add the warm honey and remaining ingredients and mix them all together. Before baking, add the chopped nuts to the top of the cake, then place it in the oven at 180º for 35 minutes. 98
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T
he outstanding
show, places Madeira
Christmas light
Island into the
decorations all over
Guinness book of
Funchal, ( Capital city
records as the largest
) together with the
show in the world! This
fantastic New Year’s Eve fireworks
is also the longest
and activities make Madeira Island
night in Madeira, with
one of the most desired place to be
families , friends and
during Xmas and New Years
visitors celebrating the New Year
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until the early hours or sunrise of These festivities come to an end on
the next day!
December 31, with the spectacular 1o minutes or more of fireworks
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AGRITOURISM, A CATALYST FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT: THE CASE OF ALBANIA BY FABJOLA ARAPI*
R
ecently agritourism is strongly argued as a tool for rural development. This strategy of on-farm activities diversification, attract visitors into the rural areas, increase revenues and employment, value landscapes, provide more sustainable production techniques in congruence
to the environment, prevents depopulation and the abandonment of traditional cultures. In this vein, to have a viable growth and to effectively meet new societal demands, many small farms have considered diversification of their offerings, through adopting tourism activities into their farms’ operations, and by transforming into Agritourism.
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AG R I T O U R I S M
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Albania
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into agritourism. In Albania
The country numbers 23 agritorusim
there are several active
certified as such, while farms
units (farms, exporter,
that have the potentials to be
agribusiness units etc.)
transformed into agritourism,
which are officially certified
are much more than this
as organic products
figure. It already exists a legal
providers. In addition,
framework specifically covering
livestock farms, small scale
the agritourism phenomena.
least 50,000 inhabitants. In addition, 10 out 11 farms reported that are located less than 9 km from a highway. Agritorusim hosts roughly 400-600 visitors in a week. Generally speaking, agritourism, as a new path of organizing on-farm
farms, those that are managed by
Agritourism development in
young farmers, intensive on the
Albania has a short life-span
for agritourism development due
land use for activities, have higher
(roughly 5 years). Agritourism is
to its wide range of nature-based
chances to be transformed into
a family business and is mostly
and agricultural resources, its rich
agritourism. Furthermore, while
managed by younger managers
biological and natural diversity due
roughly 37% of Albanian territory is
(35 years old), representing a
to the geographic position of the
covered by forests, and 12.57% by
young age of agripreuners (i.e.,
country as well as the geological,
Protected Areas (PA), on the other
agricultural entrepreneurs). This
hydrological, climatic, land and
side, studies have indicated that
figure reflects the average age of
relief characteristics. Our country
farms whose surface falls within
the Albanian population (39 years
has also a rich flora with 3250 plant
environmentally protected areas are
old). The educational background
species or about 30% of European
opt to offer agritourism. As a result,
of agripreuners is mostly on
flora, and up to 91 endangered
Albania has a significant opportunity
economy, agriculture, tourism, and
species of the world. Studies have
to foster agritourism development.
biotechnology. The average farm size
is a suitable destination
activities in Albania, provides to the farmers new profitable markets for farm products and provide travel experiences for a new and large market. Agritourism lately has gained the policy-makers attention because is considered a catalyst for rural development, particularly in agriculture areas that have experienced declines. *Advisor at Ministry of Agriculture
found that fruit/vegetable farms,
is roughly 7.3ha, which is higher than
rural residential/retirement farms,
the average of the agricultural farms
intermediate-scale farms are more
(1.2ha), in Albania. The
likely to offer agritourism. Those
major agritorusim
farms that implement organic
farms are located
production techniques and farm
less than 30km from
conservation practices, are
an urban area of at
and Rural Development, LEAD Albania
more likely to be transformed
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AG R I T O U R I S M
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CNVP Albania Signs a New Agreement with the Swedish Embassy on LED Project On 6th November 2020, CNVP Albania signed an agreement with the Embassy of Sweden in Tirana to implement the LED (Local Economic Development) project. The agreement was signed by the Ambassador of Sweden in Tirana Mrs. Elsa Hastad and CNVP Albania Director Janaq Male, during a field visit in the lavender fields and premises of MEIA company- one of the LED project partners in Tirana, in the presence of Embassy staff, MEIA Company and CNVP Albania.
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LO C A L E CO N O M I C D E V E LO P M E N T
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Sweden has made an immense
poor and disadvantaged households
contribution to Albania by
and groups involved, especially
promoting and supporting Local
women, in the production of MAPs
Economic Development, social
respecting the environment and
empowerment, and equality for the
climate change. The project will use
local people in disadvantaged areas.
the Market System Development (MSD) Approach working through
The LED project will be
MAPs private enterprises in order
implemented by CNVP Albania
to bring changes in the functioning
with the financial support of the
of the market system by focusing on
Swedish International Development
the introduction of 10 Value Chains
Cooperation Agency (Sida) in 6
of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
regions in Albania, Tirana, Elbasan,
(MAPs) and other NTFPs.
Korca, Shkoder, Diber, and Berat from October 2020 to March 2023.
Introduction of new productivity-
The goal of the LED project is to
enhancing plant varieties, improved
increase the incomes of households
storage, and mechanization
in rural Albania by promoting
technologies increased MAPs
improvements in the efficiency and
organic cultivation, improved
inclusiveness of the MAPs (and other
mutual benefits of MAP companies
NTFPs) market system.
and producers through Contract
The project builds on the inception
Farming, consolidation of business-
phase achievements by further
driven extension services, are
upscaling interventions as well
among crucial planned interventions
as launching new ones based
expected to unlock the sectors
on the MAPs Market System
potential in favor of poor and
Analyses conducted in 2019. These
disadvantaged groups involved in
interventions will be implemented to
the production of MAPs.
result in long-term tangible benefits,
Courtesy of CNVP
particularly income increases, for
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NHR NON-HABITUAL Resident Regime TAX COMPENSATION PROGRAM FOR LIVING IN PORTUGAL
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T
he regime
originated in a non-Portuguese
was
source being exempt from, or
introduced
being subject to a preferential rate
in 2009
of, personal income tax, the only
to attract
requirement to benefit from the
individuals
NHR status is become a Portuguese
and their
tax resident, not having been a
families
Portuguese tax resident in the
to Portugal by making it beneficial
previous 5 years, the NHR status
from a tax perspective to become
can be maintained for 10 years.
a tax resident, NHR status can result in pensions, dividends, bank
Successful NHR applicants will be
account interest and some royalties
exempt from personal income tax
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on qualifying income if it is subject
The best internationals schools for
tom tax in the country of source
kids to complete their IB program
under an existing Double Tax Treaty
and the universities to graduate and
which permits. If no Tax Treaty
master’s degree finance programs.
exists, the income will be exempt
We are here to relocate you and your family to Portugal‌.
if it were subject to tax in another jurisdiction and is not considered as Portuguese source income under domestic rules. Special flat rate of 20% applicable for certain types of income arising from highly qualified activities. This is the right time to choose Portugal for living, It is the safest country in the world, as well as a being ranked the safest country in the European Union. It has been ranked as the fourth greenest country in the EU across six categories waste, energy, greenhouses gases, air quality, freshwater and natural land.
www.scoutconcierge.pt
Portugal has the seventh highest English proficiency among non-
https://www.scoutconcierge.
native speakers in the world,
pt/relocation-to-portugal/
according to the new EF English Proficiency Index.
scout.concierge
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RECOVERY IN A RESILIENT AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM BY ARIOLA MEREPEZA *
T
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he current situation
According to the United Nations,
of Covid-19, which
international tourism could decline
affected Albania and
by 60-80 per cent in 2020 due to
the whole world, is an
the Covid-19 pandemic, resulting
opportunity to take
in the revenue loss of $910 billion
measures to make tourism more
to $1.2 trillion and placing millions
powerful, sustainable and resilient
of livelihoods at risk. Today over
to these occurrences.
100 million jobs directly related
Tourism is an important part of
to tourism are at risk. Apart from
many national economies and
this direct impact, the tourism
the immediate shock to the
economy is also linked to many
tourism sector, resulting from the
other sectors including construction,
coronavirus pandemic, is affecting
agriculture, distribution services
the wider economy.
and transportation, all of which exacerbate the size of the shock. In Albania, tourism is considered as one of the main sectors of national economic development. The National Tourism Development Strategy states that this sector contributed $ 1.12 billion to the economy, though if indirect effect is also considered, the contribution is thought to be three times higher ($ 3.47 billion), which otherwise accounts for 26.2% of Gross Domestic Product. Resilient and sustainable tourism
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TO U R I S M
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Development of Albania in order
guarantee its long-term
to turn it into a resilient and
sustainability.
numbers, this can serve as a strategy
tourism products.
to overcome the economic crisis until
sustainable tourism destination.
• Reforming tourism towards
the situation normalizes and supports
According to the World Tourism
A resilient tourism means the ability
responsibility and inclusion. The
the safe return of international
Organization (UNWTO), sustainable
to recover quickly from hardship, to
tourism sector can have a significant
tourism.
tourism takes full account of its
turn back or to recover from disaster
environmental and social effect,
current and future economic,
or catastrophic events. Businesses
therefore policies that protect
• Close multilateral cooperation
social and environmental impacts,
and tourism destinations face
tourism resources, destinations and
and strong support are essential in
addressing the needs of visitors,
adverse challenges so they need to
the community need to be revised,
reactivating travel. Cooperation and
industry, the environment and
be adaptive.
be agile and sustained.
sustainability of traveling rules at bilateral, regional and international
host communities. The Principles of Sustainability refer to the
Measures to overcome the tourism
• Creating an image for a safe
levels are the cornerstones that will
environmental, economic and
crisis of Covid-19
and reliable travel destination. It
allow tourism to resume safely and
socio-cultural aspects of tourism
• Adapting tourism development
is important to take the necessary
accelerate economic recovery.
development and establishing a
strategies in a resilient and
safety measures and to promote the
sustainable way. Undertaking new
country as a safe travel destination.
balance between these three
closely related to various areas such as
measures consisting on adapting
dimensions to
• Tourism, not as a separate field, but
marketing strategies and innovative
• Focus on local and regional
health, transportation, environment,
business models in the
tourism. Although domestic or
foreign affairs and economic policies.
regional tourism is unlikely to
Governments need to approach
replace international tourism
the recovery of tourism in a more
provision of
integrated way, involving all levels of government, the private sector and civil society in a practical and actionable plan to revive the tourism sector. ---*tourism expert
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MY GLASS STUDIO: WE EXCEL TO OFFER CUSTOMERS A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE
MyGlassStudio is a tableware company which designs the perfect “canvas” for a notable food presentation and a tablescape that contributes to the customer’s memorable experience. This company, incepted in Greece and based in Sofia, Bulgaria, has been working with the best professionals in the worldwide hospitality industry for 15 years while it can create 30 million customized items. Its aim is to design dinnerware that will add value to the tabletop and help create a WOW
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experience for the guests. Following their two keys, flexibility and adaptability, MyGlassStudio has created unique Post-Covid solutions and bespoke serveware. “We created the new collection of bento dinner plates. The bento dinner plate set is a collection of covered dinner plates including soup bowls, appetizer and main course plates. MyGlassStudio’s design response to Covid-19. You can find out more about the collection here: https://myglassstudio.com/bento-dinnerplates/ ,” Vasily Pashalis, Founder and General Manager of My Glass Studio told Trailblazing Magazine. Please can you make a panorama
us. We want to create and design
of My Glass Studio and what is
new ideas and concepts. We focus
the key to the rapid progress
on research & development and
of your company over the last
technology. Innovation is about
15 years in design, in variety, in
imagining things that others find
creativity and unique designs?
impossible to picture.
My Glass Studio always had two
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“create We want to and
How was the journey of transforming the company into a boutique factory? My Glass Studio was founded in
design new ideas and concepts
1992. Since then we have been a boutique factory, from producing two bowls a day to doing projects such as the The Cosmopolitan Las Vegas. However, we have kept the concept of being boutique.
between passion and caution. We
Boutique for us means flexibility and
always want to improve by learning,
adaptability. Our customers can rely
unlearning and relearning.
on us when they want a new item
These are our leading values and we have kept them for 15 years to reach where we are now.
or a logo. Our production expertise allows us to create unique pieces and bespoke products in a very
main leading values: innovation and
Leadership for us is hard work,
leadership.
determination and “ethos”.
we are able to adapt to different
Innovation is very important for us
In Greek, ethos means a good
environments. During Covid we
and that is how our customers know
character and intentions, a balance
adapted.
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short time. Adaptability is also key;
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“ We love the world of hotels and the people who lead it
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adapting to each hotel or restaurant
for the five continents for the
interior was and will be our main
innumerable hotel chains and
priority. Exclusive dinnerware is the
private companies, what’s next for
outcome of this passion.
you when you have reached the
Your customized dinnerware
top? There are always more places to
and handmade glass dinnerware
discover and clients to serve. So, we
are a valuable tool for the best
don’t think you can ever reach the
restaurants in the world. Are
top!
they customed at the restaurants’ We created the new collection of
concepts, menu concepts or
bento dinner plates. The bento
owning companies’ desire?
dinner plate set is a collection of
We design together with the hotel
cover the Balkans?
covered dinner plates including
or restaurant team. Imagine three
Not at the moment but we would
soup bowls, appetizer and main
libraries, one with 1800 shapes, one
happily visit and meet you! Jenny,
course plates. My Glass Studio’s
with 250 colors and one with 150
who is with our sales team for more
design response to Covid-19.
patterns. We can create more than
than 10 years, is from Albania and
You can find out more about
30 million customized items! The
handles the projects in the country
the collection here: https://
combination of these 3 gives us
as well. So, for sure we hope to visit
myglassstudio.com/bento-dinner-
the way to adapt to each concept
after the lockdown periods.
plates/
individually and exclusively.
How did you arrive to make such
Your five guiding principles are
exclusive dinnerware for the
wonderful. Do you have the six
luxury hospitality industry?
kept in store within the company?
The hospitality sector has always
Respect the competition. We
been an interesting environment for
believe that this is very important
us. We love the world of hotels and
for the ethics of a company.
Is part of your plans to open a representative office in Albania to
the people who lead it. Travelling is also part of our company’s DNA. So,
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When you have manufactured
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Indian Chef:
HERE WHAT WE PREPARE FOR THIS FESTIVE SEASON BY RUDINA HOXHA & JOSE PINTO
Ajay Markan, an Indian hospitality veteran of more than three decades of rich national and international experience, chose TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE to share the food delicacies from his own country for Christmas and New Year. According to him, “we prepare similar festivities dishes which were savored by our ancestors in their kingdoms as those are also very rich and are prepared during celebrations or victories.” Markan, a Corporate Chef at Cygnet Hotels and Resorts in India, underlines that in India, the taste of the cuisine changes after every 100 kms, “so there is so much to learn which keeps my passion for food alive.”
“Modern Indian Cuisine in India fancies everyone”
What are the Christmas and
Cuisine plays a very vital role in
New Year’s Festivities main
these festivals especially Xmas as
food delicacies that keep Chefs
we will have to gel our preparations
creating and innovating out of the
with the classic International
Indian delicacies for these very
Preparations viz. Roasted Turkey,
special seasons?
Glazed Carrots, etc.
Christmas & New Year Eve are the
So we prepare similar festivities
biggest festivals in India where in
dishes which were savored by our
everyone wants to indulge in food.
ancestors in their kingdoms as those
The Chefs all across the country
are also very rich & are prepared
starts the preparation of these
during celebrations or victories viz.
festivals way in advance. Indian
Mussallam, Kebabs, Kufis, etc. Have also enclosed the other dishes
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which we prepare as per the modern
presentation yet keeping all the
required for cooking varies at every
Can you tell us what has been
culinary trend these days, as those
essence of the food.
stage while preparing food, which
your motto for keeping you busy
innovative dishes are appealed by
You also learn so much from your
can’t be documented in a recipe.
and motivated? .
the youngsters.
home when you see your wife
Also a Chef/Cook will use his/her
My motto is to share my learnings
managing the food in terms of
own imagination while preparing the
with the Young & Budding Chefs
After 3 decades of creative
wastage, shelf life & taste. So I
dishes instead of following a recipe.
these days, so that our cuisine &
gastronomy in different countries
believe if you have a passion in you
what still stimulates you to be so
for gastronomy then the creativity
During several years you have
been instrumental in sharing my
creative ?
automatically follows.
been showing the World that
expertise with lot of Chefs who are
Indian cuisine has much more to
doing wonders these days. You feel
After 3 decades I still feel myself as
grow further in their hands. Have
a learner coz the Gastronomy is so
Your motto is: “A good cook
contribute to the World of culinary
very proud when these chefs excel &
vast that it cannot be covered in 1
needs no recipe.” Can you
than the traditional dishes, are
take our industry to a next level.
life span. Especially Indian Cuisine
describe your style of cooking?
you happy with your innovation
is in so depth & is divided into
We can prepare international food
and creativity , what are you now
various regions that its difficult for 1
by following exact recipe & can
preparing to show it in the near
person to specialize all. In India the
achieve 90% similar results but
future ?
taste of the cuisine changes after
with Indian cuisine its not possible,
Yes I am very proud of the same as
every 100 kms, so there is so much
recipes are just the guidelines rest
today due to the collective efforts
to learn which keeps my passion
depends on your expertise as in
of all the stalwart Chefs of India the
for food alive. Especially now the
Indian Cuisine one should know at
Indian cuisine is globally renowned
introduction of Modern Indian
what stage to put masalas as most of
& in fact in every country you shall
Cuisine in India, it fancies everyone
our masalas reacts in a different way
find Indian Restaurants. Also you
as per can use our authentic cuisine
so we can’t simply mix all masalas
would see that all International
& modernize the same in the
& put. Also the amount of flame
Cooking Competition Shows will demonstrate their episodes on
“ If you have a passion in you for gastronomy then the creativity automatically follows.” 126
Indian Cuisine. These days we are evolving by using International Cooking Methods in our Indian Cuisine yet keeping it traditional in terms of its essence & taste.
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Birbali Turkey Roll METHOD Stuffing Take a pan, add oil chopped onion and stir fry till it becomes golden in colour. Add ginger and garlic paste. Add minced turkey, salt to taste and chopped green chilli. Cook the mixture well and when it is done keep a side till it gets cool.
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Roll • Turkey breast to be hammered till it gets flat and take rectangle shape. Thickness as per your choice. • Put stuffing in the center of the breast and roll, tie it with thin thread and keep it in a platter. • Marinate the roll with curd, salt, chilli powder, kasoori methi and mix it well. • Keep marinated roll in the refrigerator for 3 hours. • Pan seared the roll with little oil till it gets light brown in colour. • Arrange the pot place thin slices of tomatoes with whole spices and add little water. Place the turkey roll in the pot and seal it from the top with the lead. • Minimum cooking time is thirty minutes. • Make sure the turkey roll is well cooked and becomes tender. Gravy • Open the lid keep the turkey rolls on a platter, pour the cooked tomato and blend and strain. • Heat Pan adds oil, giner garlic paste and mixed with blended tomatoes till the tomatoes are completely cooked with butter. Add cream and cook well. • Strain the cooked tomato gravy. Plate Presentation • Take a platter, pour the cooked tomato gravy, and give a thin layer. • Place the turkey roll on top of the gravy. • Garnish it with Edible Flowers & Micro Greens. • Can be served with Butter Naan or steamed rice
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PA S T R Y
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aksa Dzaja works for Radisson Blu Resort in Split, Croatia. Working for this international hotel chain for more than 9 years, he is very much in demand for his creative spirit in “designing” and decorating the desserts and the pastries.
“I find creativity exclusively thanks to the Internet, from where I learned various skills and knowledge, says the guy from the island of Hvar, one of the 10 most beautiful islands in the world, adding “It would have been easier if I had someone to teach me but with a lot of will, time and effort, I mastered some knowledge, techniques and skills over the internet.”
How is it working for an
Where do
international chain in the role of
you find the
the executive pastry chef? How
creativity in
much demanding is this for you?
“designing”
Working for an international hotel
and decorating
chain in the role of executive
the desserts
confectioners is very demanding.
and the
As in any job, preparation and
pastries?
organization are very important,
I find creativity
because the result of good
exclusively thanks
preparation depends on the
to the Internet,
difficulty of performing the tasks.
where I learned various skills and
As a tourist country on a daily basis
knowledge. It would have been
we get so many different guest’s
easier if I had someone to teach
demands. We have to adapt and
me but with a lot of will, time and
execute everything to fully satisfy
effort, I mastered some knowledge,
the guest.
techniques and skills over the internet.
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from
What are the
masterclasses
pastries that
from foreign
have more
confectioners.
success or are
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What inspired you to follow the path of pastry? What have you not achieved as yet? As a child I lived on the island of
chef for years but when I decided to move away from the island the position of head pastry chef in a large international chain opened
on demand on
Is chocolate your
Hvar (the town of Hvar), which is
up and I accepted that. Since then,
your hotel?
favorite topping for your
one of the 10 most beautiful islands
I have started to take sweets more
Honestly, I
pastries or do you have any other
in the world and a famous tourist
seriously. I would not like to talk
can’t point out
preferred ingredients?
resort. Catering was a major branch
about achievements, because there
which desserts
At the moment, my favorite glaze is
and that’s when
are the most
mirror glaze, but I also like to make
I decided to
and everything is possible if you
successful because we change
other glazes. Maybe the chocolate
study to be
work hard and
desserts seasonally, and in each
glaze is the most beautiful one and
a chef and
want to progress
period, we have some desserts that
gives to the desserts an artistic
pastry chef.
and achieve
are more demanded than the others,
impression, so that’s why it’s my
I worked as a
something.
but I can say that desserts with
favorite.
are a lot of things ahead of me
chocolate go better than any other. How demanded are you for On your postings, we see a lot
weddings and celebrations’ cakes?
of art on your pastries. Have you
For weddings and other occasions,
attended any school of art?
we are in high demand and we
I attended a catering school, I
have a lot of reservations. Currently
learned some of the basics there,
due to the pandemic, we have a
but I learned most of the work on
lot of delays to resume next year hopefully.
the internet, seminars and
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TOURISM
A feast for the Senses BY MARIANA DE LA ROSA*
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C
hocolate has been winding my path practically as soon as I started my professional life. I like to call myself passionate chocolate and cacao expert and would love for you to understand better this delicacy, show you how to taste fine chocolate, and delight your senses.
Food of the gods
Why do we like it so much?
The scientific name of the cacao tree
According to a recent study
is Theobroma Cacao, derived from
by psychologist David Lewis of
the Greek that translates into “food
the MindLab, letting chocolate
of the Gods.”
dissolve slowly in your mouth produces as significant an increase
Olmec, Mayan and Aztec
in brain activity and heart rate as a
civilizations found chocolate to
passionate kiss—but the effects of
be an invigorating drink, mood
the chocolate last four
enhancer, and aphrodisiac, which led
times longer! Trust
them to believe that it possessed
science to tell
mystical and spiritual qualities. The
us things we
Mayans worshipped a god of cacao
already know!
and reserved chocolate for rulers, warriors, priests, and nobles at
In layman’s
sacred ceremonies.
words: we crave chocolate
Nowadays, fine chocolate can be
because it smells
compared to a premium whiskey.
good, looks good,
Take your time, find the space to
tastes good and makes
taste it and relax. Your ultimate goal
us feel good. The mere sight of
is to enjoy every bite like a god!
a beautiful chocolate bar being
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JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
How to taste chocolate?
Feel it: premium chocolate should
Your mouth has
or a package
Flavor perception is the sum of
melt at body temperature. If you
a million taste
of bonbons
taste, aroma, texture and visual
rub it between your thumb and your
receptor
being
appearance. Thus, all your senses
index finger, it should start melting,
cells, which
opened,
must come into play when tasting
and you can feel its texture.
generate a
can start us
fine chocolate. It requires for you
unwrapped,
message to
to see it, hear it, feel it, smell it and
Smell it: Bring the piece of
your brain.
finally, taste it.
chocolate close to your nose and
Feel the size of
Especially with dark chocolate, the
smell the aromas. What do you
the bite. Should
else looks like chocolate, and,
subtle and sophisticated notes of
notice? Spices? Fruits? Chocolate’s
be smooth and silky, not
aside from a few perfumes or
the cacao show a more exciting
primary ingredient is cacao beans,
too fatty or with a waxy aftertaste.
extracts that are poor imitations at
flavor path.
and they can carry different genetic
As the cocoa butter melts, you will
material that will define its aroma.
start to discover the different flavor
See it: first impression matters!
Cacao from Venezuela, for instance,
shades the chocolate has to offer.
Premium chocolate should have a
is known to be fruity whereas cacao
Chocolate as therapy
silky shine and even texture. No
from Madagascar can display a
Once you’ve mastered the art of
Researchers at the Neurosciences
blemishes, such as a white haze,
subtle acidity.
tasting as a true connoisseur, you
Institute in San Diego, California
should be visible.
salivating like one of Pavlov’s celebrated dogs. Nothing
best, nothing else has chocolate’s unique aroma.
can experience chocolate differently Taste it: Put a small piece in your
say chocolate also contains a feel-
and enjoy this feast for the senses!
good chemical called anandamide,
Hear it: take the piece of chocolate
mouth and let it melt between your
which is found naturally in the
and break it close to your
tongue and your palate.
brain. Commonly anandamide is
ear. That sound is
broken down quite quickly after
like a snap! With
it is produced, but the San Diego
dark chocolate,
chemists think the anandamide
the ‘snap’ is
*About the Author
in chocolate makes the natural
louder than
•••
anandamide in our brain persist for
in chocolates
longer—in other words, giving us a
containing
longer-lasting “chocolate high.”
milk.
Mariana De La Rosa is a Venezuelan chocolate and cacao specialist, who provides technical advice, sales, and support of chocolate derivatives, as well as chocolate training for manufacturers and tastings. www.puro-origen.com
Let the therapy begin!
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Illyricum Trail,
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sporadic initiatives that stakeholders
Basilica in Stobi
have undertaken in this regard, the concrete encouragement and support of the respective governments has been fairly present. Illyricum Trail, the new promotional tour of the region
A CULTURAL TOUR THAT COMBINES THE PRESENT AND ANTIQUITY OF THE BALKANS BY EVA RAMA *
While regional governments in this
T
difficult period of the COVID-19 pandemic have focused on issues related to managing the situation
he countries of the
and its consequences, various actors
Western Balkans, as they are already being called as a result
light at the end of the tunnel. One
approach over the recent decades,
such initiative at this challenging
are tourist destinations that still
time was Illyricum Trail, a project
need to be explored and promoted.
implemented by the RCC and DCC
Apart from the development
as the managing body of the Roman
that the tourism industry has
Emperors and Danube Wine Route,
experienced in countries such as
while the FAM tour of this product
Croatia, Montenegro, Macedonia,
was implemented by Explorer Travel
Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina
& Tours, Albania. The initiative
in recent years, what has always been raised as a demand by tourism promotion and creation of joint regional packages. In addition to
Apollonia 138
projects have restored hope in the tourism sector, that there is always
of the geopolitical
experts and tour operators is the
with the support of initiatives and
brought together tour operators from Albania, Macedonia, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, to explore a tourist itinerary focusing
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on the archaeological and historical
way and style that the Romans brought
Mogorjelo in Bosnia and
The tour then continues to Doclea
tourism of that period known as the
to the region.
Herzegovina, a good example of
archeological site in Podgorica,
a Roman village-style agricultural
one of the best examples of local
legacy of the Roman Empire. The itinerary on its own has the main
9 archeological sites on the Illyricum
center during the late Empire.
settlements urbanized in the
purpose to take us back in time
Trail
In Mogorjelo, it may be noticed
Roman way in Montenegro, having
enabling the traveler to experience
The region of the Western Balkans is
the influence of the construction
an important status in the Roman
the sensations and traces that such
rich in culture, tradition and in this
of Roman-style fortified villas,
Empire.
civilization left on a territory that
territory, there are archeological sites
which bear a resemblance to the
In Albania this itinerary includes
the Romans called Illyricum. The
belonging to different eras. Illyricum
Diocletian palace in Split. Famous
the ruins of the city of Dyrrhachium,
itinerary is enriched with Balkan
Trail in this first step promoted 9
Roman mosaics in Risan (the
which is today’s Durrës, and which
gastronomy with traditional dishes
archeological sites located in 4
oldest city in the Bay of Kotor),
became the main access gate or as
that each country offers, wine
countries of the Western Balkans,
Montenegro, where visitors are
it was otherwise known “The Golden
tastings, special experiences evoked
and each of them, in addition to what
introduced to the luxurious lifestyle
Gate” of Via Egnatia, one of the
in the Roman period such as various
unites them as part of the heritage of
of Roman aristocrats. Numerous
most important roads of Roman
games, reproduction of mosaics,
the late Roman period, also carries the
decodes and geometric shapes,
antiquity that connected the two
obtaining aromatic essences in the
specifics of their history.
present the refined taste of time.
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Bitola, one of the most conserved
main regional ancient roads, the
sites and an important supply base
one connecting Via Egnatia from
during the war between Julius
Heraclea Lyncestis with Via Militaris,
Caesar against Pompey and another
near Serdica (modern Sofia) and the
important station along the Via
other road connecting Thessaloniki
Egnatia. This city was founded by
along the Vardar/Axios/Morava river
Philip II of Macedonia, the father of
with Naissus (present-day Niš). A
Alexander the Great and was named
basilica is found in the ruins of Stobi
after the Greek god of antiquity,
dating to the 4th century AD that
Heraclius.
may be the oldest in the Balkans.
Stobi with its ruins is also one of the richest sites in Northern
Thus the Illyricum Trail comes as an
Macedonia, which had a great
extension of the itinerary “Roman
capitals of the empire, Rome with
states of that time.
development during the period of
Emperors and the Summer Road
Constantinople.
In North Macedonia you may visit
the Roman Empire, because it was
along the Danube”, a consolidated
the Lychnidos that is today’s Ohrid,
located at the intersection of two
itinerary and certified as one of the
The Illyricum trail also includes
strategically located in Via Egnatia,
Apollonia, a large and majestic city,
another UNESCO World Heritage
as Cicero called it, in whose famous
Site. The Greek-style amphitheater
Academy studied Octavian, who
is well maintained, and is located in
became one of the most powerful
the historic center of the city.
Roman Emperors, attended his military training accompanied by
In North Macedonia you may visit
Agrippa, a prominent general and
the Lychnidos that is today’s Ohrid,
statesman of the Roman Empire.
strategically located in Via Egnatia,
Part of the Illyricum Trail is also
another UNESCO World Heritage
Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. The Greek-style amphitheater
Site, located in a geographical
is well maintained, and is located in
position with immeasurable and
the historic center of the city.
panoramic natural beauty, which We have Heraclea Lyncestis in
served as a bridge between the 142
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optimistic messages, that this is
other tourist attractions, wineries,
a temporary situation, in the end,
small craft units along the Illyricum
life will triumph and everything
Trail.
will return to normal. And in this
What needs to be further developed
normality that we believe to be
in consolidating these initiatives is
close and that we want so much
the promotion of tourism products
now, people will start traveling
in regional and global fairs, the
again without restrictions in order
development of workshops,
to explore unknown places, to
webinars involving tour operators
accumulate experiences and tourism
and tourism boards dealing with
will return stronger than ever.
the development and marketing of tourism in the respective countries
After the success in the first
of the region.
phase, how will the Illyricum Trail 38 cultural routes from the Council
Illyricum Trail, the itinerary that
proceed and be supported?
of Europe, which conveys historical
united the regional countries over
The support of this project by the
EXPLORER TRAVEL&TOURS
values and is recommended to
the time of pandemics
RCC was to encourage the regional
(A) Rr. “Mujo Ulqinaku”,
be visited by tourists and those
Many can ask questions and pose
economies to face the challenges of
(mbrapa Kishës Katolike)
interested in learning more
dilemmas as to why this difficult
the time and the vast global tourism
Pall.5, Kati.1, Njësia
about the period in question and
period was chosen to launch a
market, to know how to promote
Administrative 10
experiencing the commonalities and
regional tour, at a time when the
this region as a single destination,
Tiranë, Albania P.O.Box.1010
differences that the region itself
tourism sector is facing major
as tourism capacities and resources
conveys today. The Illyricum Trail
challenges that in some cases go as
exist and tourism offer is extended
(P) +355 4 2247572;
itinerary comes as a complement
far as survival. The implementation
with the natural, cultural diversity of
(M): +355 696060344;
to the tourist offer and as a need
of this project supported by the RCC
the region. One of the tangible and
(W) www.explorer-albania.al;
to consolidate the common market
with the funding of the European
concrete results of the development
www.explorertours.al
of the Western Balkans as a single
Union, with the tour operator
of this tourist product is the increase
(E) info@explorer-albania.al;
unit vis-à-vis the European and
Explorer Travel & Tours as the main
of cooperation between the parties
evarama@explorertours.al;
international tourist market.
field implementation partner, was
involved in this itinerary, such as
deliberately undertaken to give
tour operators/the travel agencies,
IATA Accredited: 02210375
the archeological sites, museums,
NUIS(Fiscal Code): K71617011W
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Shaking the Tree of Sports Through Innovation BY RUDINA HOXHA
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H
YPE Sports Innovation is a Global Platform that promotes Sports Innovation on its various verticals and aspects throughout the world. Amir Raveh, as a amature football player and
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football fan, is the Founder and the President of HYPE Sports Innovation
About Amir RAVEH
which is the industry-leading ecosystem, with 12 sports tech Accelerators worldwide over 40k members and a private VC. “The most important tangible result of HYPE is our Global Sports Tech Accelerator Network (with both physical and virtual locations). For the past 3 years, we have established, managed and constantly expanded the worlds’ largest network for SportsTech accelerators,” the Israeli entrepreneur underlines in this exclusive interview with TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE.
Founder & president of HYPE Sports Innovation. HYPE is the industry-leading ecosystem, with 12 sports tech Accelerators worldwide over 40k members and a private VC. Amir is the Founder of “MG Equity” Investments House Author of “Acquired Charisma” and an avid soccer player Founder & CEO of MEDIACALL in London, which was successfully sold in 2003. Father of 4 sons
HYPE has created many important business partnerships throughout the years that were always aligned towards creating new business opportunities and connections between all the stakeholders. Also Raveh underlines the key support HYPE is giving to the Sports sector in times of COVID-19.
Full interview below:
which by the way, 5 years ago was in its infancy and with very
Welcome to the Trailblazing
little attention from Investors and
Magazine interview Mr. Raveh! As
VCs towards Sports Innovation or
Founder and President of HYPE,
Sports Tech as an interesting sector
can you please make a panorama
to promote and invest. So I had
of how you built and developed
the vision to combine these two
this business? What was the spark
passions and to set up HYPE Sports
behind HYPE?
Innovation as a Global Platform
The vision and scope of HYPE
that will promote Sports Innovation
Sports Innovation was born out of
on its various verticals and aspects
my two biggest passions: Sports
throughout the world.
and innovation. I have had a long history of being part of the Sports
Can you mention some of the
ecosystem, both, as a football
tangible results of HYPE? With pleasure. First of all, the main
player and a sports fan. Then, I
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realized there are new emerging
and most important tangible result is
opportunities in this specific sector,
our Global Sports Tech Accelerator
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Network (with both physical and
in the times of the COVID
virtual locations). For the past 3 years, we have established, managed and constantly expanded the worlds’ largest network for SportsTech
19 pandemic. How are you addressing the pandemic-related challenges nowadays in the sports sector and further?
accelerators. With hundreds of
Actually, 100% of what HYPE
startups that have graduated the
is doing right now is focused
program, dozens of leading partners such as: 1.FC Koln, FIBA, Miami Dolphins, Adidas etc. and more than $200M that
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
“We are now solving our partners’ real challenges”
were raised by our startups throughout the programs. Obviously more than ever, the
down because we are enabling
Sports”. How influential has been
them to either create quick pivots
the role of women in HYPE Sports
or secure pilots and new business
Innovation?
connections in times where the
Women are an essential part of
future is uncertain. By the way, this
our life in HYPE. We are constantly
was also a crucial pivot for HYPE,
aiming to increase the number of
as we changed
challenges and real
our mind set and
issues which are
direction due to
related to COVID-19
COVID because
new reality. By
until then all of
establishing the
our accelerator
Global Virtual
programs had a
Accelerator program,
physical part and
women that are
“Women are an essential part of our life in HYPE”
engaged, active and working within the HYPE team. In addition to that, nearly in every activity and event that we have
we are now solving our partners’
now we are 100% virtual as you
done, we always aim to find ways
real challenges. I would even go
know.
to encourage women entrepreneurs
startups, we acted as a true lifeline
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Innovation is “Women Leaders in
towards solving real
as far as saying that for some
impact of HYPE is tremendous
and helped them to avoid shutting
and industry leaders to apply and The latest event of HYPE Sports
participate. I can openly say that this
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has not been as great success as we
always aligned towards creating
wanted, but this is a mission that we
new business opportunities and
are constantly working on promoting
connections between all the
in any way we can. You can see it in
stakeholders. On top of that, the
the remarkable list of ladies within
focus was and still is, and actually
our advisory, mentors and partners.
these days it has also increased, to solve real challenges and promote
How have you managed to
innovation with partners, clubs,
increase the partnerships within
brands, etc. This was the reason
HYPE Sports Innovation and which
our partners such as: the Taiwanese
are some of the new partners of
Sports administration, PSG, Miami
this network? Have you thought
Dolphins, FIBA, LAFC, River Plate,
to join forces with your partners
among others, joined HYPE as
to ease down the effects of the
they wanted to get connected to
pandemic?
the leading solutions, the leading sports innovations and the leading
The business partnerships we have
SportsTech Startups in the world.
created throughout the years were
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E
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no Peçi, a well-known Albanian dancer, living and working in Austria for 23 years, has been magnificently ushered in the path of a choreography over the last years. This is another level his career has embraced www.eno-peci.com.
Recently he worked as a choreographer with Györi ballet in Hungary on a new production. “I have been lucky having been working in such difficult times on a new production in Hungary as a choreographer,” Peçi told to TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE. In this exclusive interview, Peçi talks on how he started his own career to
the latest shows and premieres he is working with Vienna State Opera and his new project in Germany next March.
Let’s go back to your early life.
When did you realize you wanted
What do you remember about it
to dance? Inherited from your
when it comes to ballet?
parents?
Before I started with ballet, I didn’t
My parents realized that I was
know much about it. As a kid I was
always dancing non-stop, so they
playing football. It was fun but than I
decided to bring me to the ballet
stopped because I couldn’t find any
school. But no.. is not from my
logic running after the ball for 90
parents inherited! I come more
min!! :)) Meanwhile I loved to dance
from a military family, either mother
on birthdays or at home with my
or father side. My mother was a
sister! We were listening to music
dentist but in her heart, she is a
every day and having fun :)) Loved
true artist! So first I went to the
the early 90’ music!
University of Arts in Tirana to get tested if I could dance or if I had some chances to enter to the ballet
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Peçi
A DANCER AND CHOREOGRAPHY OF FAME BY RUDINA HOXHA
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
school. So, I prepared my music
in 2003. To what extent, did
97’-98’. And from that moment, I
future plans?
cassette and dressed up with my
Albania and Austria help you to
went to the ballet school of Vienna
Yes it’s true… I’ve been lucky having
baggy trousers and wide shirt. I
become today the future of ballet
where I got my diploma and then
been working in such difficult times
gave them the music and dance the
world?
started to work at the Vienna State
on a new production in Hungary
hell out of it hahaha… They were
Yes, I started at year 2000 than I got
Opera. I am a proud Albanian and I
as a choreographer. It was a very
impressed with my dance but still
promoted in 2003 to Demi soloist
love my country. I live now in Austria
new piece I have been working with
they said to my father to bring me to
and than in 2009 to a Soloist. And
since 23 years and this country gave
Györi ballet. The piece was about
someone from the ballet school to
at the same year 2009 I started my
me everything.. my dream profession
loneliness. Nobody can escape from
look at the way I perform. So I went
career as a choreographer too. In
and my own family! I feel lucky to
loneliness, sooner or later it will
there and they checked my body if
Albania I had just 4 years of my
live here and I am endless grateful
catch you...
for this country!
But how many faces does loneliness
I was gifted! And there I realized that the students had to wear tights and practice with classical music! For me was a bit strange because I didn’t know that and I couldn’t understand what tights and classical music has to do with dance! But yes,
“ I GAVE THEM
THE MUSIC AND DANCE THE HELL OUT OF IT ”
You have been active even during the pandemic times with different cooperation. The latest one is with Hungary. Please can you tell us more? What are the
than I understood that.. that’s the education of being a ballet dancer
education as a ballet
and getting your body ready through
dancer in the ballet
the years of a very hard daily training
school in Tirana. I must
till you get to be a professional
say at that time it was
ballet dancer and you are ready to
a very strong Russian
work in a ballet company.
method of the classical
You studied ballet in the Tirana Academy of Ballet and the Ballet School of the Vienna State Opera. You joined the Vienna State Opera in 2000, becoming a Demi-soloist
ballet but also very old.
has? My play depicts the many
These 4 years helped
different forms of loneliness. There
me but than I left
are moments in life where we feel
Albania very young at
solitary and don’t really know why.
the age 15-16 because
Feelings of desolate can catch up
of the riots of the year
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even when someone is by our side.
How often do you reinvent
Where does the loneliness come
yourself to be always on top of
from? This play features a huge
your profession?
clock that symbolizes TIME and
It is easy, haha.. Well i practice every
how quickly it passes. Time is an
day. I’m always on the move. And
essential part of our lives and many
it is very important for a dancer
of the events that happen to us only
to be always in shape and always
begin to make sense after some
ready physically and mentally. So
time. The thought may arise in many
yes it’s a lot of work! But in the end
of us: I wish I could go back in time
is something I love to do.. so that’s
to do a few things differently. For
why it is easier ;))
the moment in Vienna state opera
“ BUT IN THE END
we are preparing different shows and some premieres too. And next year in March I am gonna create a new piece in Germany with the music from Maurice Ravel - Daphnes & Chloe.
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IS SOMETHING I LOVE TO DO ”
A R T S / C U LT U R E
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
The Swedish Arts Grants Committee and Sida:
NEW COLLABORATION COALESCE CULTURE AND DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION
160
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A R T S / C U LT U R E
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE
Skap, the Swedish Intellectual
countries. From a development
Property Office and the Swedish
cooperation and democracy
Arts Council. Sida and the Swedish
perspective, the goal is to work
Embassies will contribute with
through exchanges, partnerships,
knowledge regarding the social,
and capacity building efforts with
economic, and political contexts in
particular focus on youth. The main
partner countries.
principle is to develop initiatives
COURTESY OF EMBASSY OF SWEDEN IN ALBANIA
that are demand-driven and based on the local actors’ own needs and
T
priorities.
he Swedish Arts
“Culture is a vital part of a strong
Grants Committee
democracy and Sida is pleased
and Sida have
enter this cooperation with the
launched a new
Swedish Arts Grants Committee at
initiative to merge
a time when the democratic space
Sweden’s cultural and development
is threatened and diminishing
cooperation policy areas. The
in many parts of the world. The
programme will support artists
Swedish Arts Grants Committee has
in partner countries Albania and
extensive experience of partnerships
Ethiopia, contributing to freedom
and building capacity, and these
of expression, democracy, and
are important components to help
other key development cooperation
further democracies and implement
goals. This endeavour will become
Agenda 2030,“ says Carin Jämtin,
an integral part of Sweden’s
Director-General of Sida.
future development and cultural The programme will contribute to
collaborations.
strengthening freedom of expression
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“This is a long-awaited collaboration. The Swedish Arts Grants Committee has been advocating for a more prominent role for the arts and culture in the realm of Swedish international development cooperation.” says Anna Söderbäck, the Director of the
Destil-desound © destil (Oda Haliti concert at the New Bazar Tirana)
Swedish Arts Grants Committee. Through this new collaboration with Sida, the Committee will develop an international programming proposal
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
on culture partnerships and supporting institutions alongside
Neda Mansouri, Head of
a dozen Swedish government
Programme, The Swedish
agencies and national organisations
Arts Grants Committee: neda.
including the Swedish Film Institute,
mansouri@konstnarsnamnden.
Sweden’s National Touring Theatre,
se, +46 (0)70 758 21 62
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A R T S / C U LT U R E
and artistic freedom in partner