TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2022

BORELLA ART DESIGN

Make Tourism of Today a Narrative Industry

By Jose Pinto*

Tourism is today a narrative industry. Albania needs to stand out for having millions of narratives and consolidate their position.

The tourism of today and tomorrow goes less by looking at the past and more for imagining where we want to go.

Tourism is a sector that embraces differences, which has offers for all, from January to December, creative, sustainable and safe in all aspects.

Just selling sun and sea or our rivers, mountains etc. is no longer what the new ERA tourism wants. We Must develop a full plan country wide where we should blend and immerge in culture, customs, nature, history, religion or nomadism, with a tourism that today is differentiated by inclusion,

diversity and respect for sustainability.

Let’s not invent what is already in practice, the basis of tourism in ALBANIA and that are recognized internationally; people, culture, gastronomy, landscape, and seaside. Now the project is to focus on tourism that embraces and formulates new offers for all, that is inclusive and diverse, that takes place all year round and that develops and promotes culture, reduces the environmental impact, promotes equality in distribution of income, contributes to fauna and flora, generates income capable of allowing people better living conditions in all areas of the country focusing on talent development and retention.

The purpose is to disseminate technology, promote digitization and make tourism of today a narrative industry.

We must be able to create and foment millions of narratives of unforgettable moments create by visitors in the minds of each and every future visitor.

The success of a destination depends on developing and promoting a clear and strong brand based on the core values of the destination. The new creative tourism products and experiences require effective and powerful branding and support through content generation and storytelling.

Creative storytelling is defined as the development of unique narratives able to create a sense of community and belonging, engage and interact with any audience, transform followers in promoters, inspire, show the creative process, ideas, invite the audience to be creative and have a stimulating and energetic mind and so on and so forth.

The industry demonstrated the ability to

resume activity strong after a time it had been forced to be closed, obviously with sweat and tears but we should not be able to be carried away with the idea that this is going to be the trend. Bear in mind that during this period there was also a lot of transformations in digitization and new destinations have come up with what I say new appeals for tourism and other skills were added and others strengthened.

You can see QR codes, chat bots popping up every time you click in a subject and several series of experiences to capture new segments that proved opportunities for tourism: nomadism, traveling and working at the same time, prolonged stays etc.

The challenge is in the air and is to think about the future of tourism in Albania from front to back, backcasting instead of forecasting, instead of looking to the past to draw the future, let’s imagine and draw where we want to go. That is the dynamic.

Dhermi Beach Photo credit Ingo Joseph

Photo credit Marsel Hasanllari

Source from all photos: Pexel.

View from Gjirokastra Photo credit Dajana Reci

This culture with the notion that the world is now “running” faster in every corner, that competitiveness comes in any moment and that the industry other than our own is also being evolving and creating mixed opportunities.

The empowerment of people is understanding that digitization is an investment and not a cost. Having more agile PEOPLE, ORGANIZATIONS and operations and more horizontal structures, will be key to achieve short term results.

Using the technology, any audience can join in the storytelling process, thus impacting positively on engagement and facilitating the development of long lasting relationships. New digital technologies, particularly the visually oriented social media, have facilitated new tourist experiences based on storytelling and offered new ways to develop and disseminate these experiences through social networks.

The tourist board for promotion should have a significant role in this initiative and involve important partners in the dissemination of information and new ideas in this field. It has been recognized that the creative tourism value is shaped by multiple stakeholders involved in the destination narrative development in an open network based structured.

With a vast experience in hotel administration and Operations of Branded Hotels / Resorts and Multi-Functional Units in 5 Continents, Jose Pinto is the Founder of JP Hospitality. EU (www.jphospitality.eu ) and Trailblazing Magazine

CONTENTS

NOTE: MAKE TOURISM OF TODAY A NARRATIVE INDUSTRY

ATELIER KONOMI: MEN, REAL FANATICS OF FASHION

- THE VOICE OF LUXURY LIVING

VERSTEEG: HAPPY TO HAVE FIRST INTERCONTINENTAL IN ALBANIA

GECI: “THE BEST ALWAYS GOES WITH THE BEST”

HALL: ALBANIA, THE SPOT FOR THE BALKANS NOMAD PARADISE

A GREAT PRESENTATION ABOUT TRAVELERS’ EXPECTATIONS

LEAD FELLOW IN HIS FATHER’S FOOTSTEPS

KITO: “LEAD PROGRAM IS A ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY, EARN IT!”

TRAVEL DMC, AMONG THE BEST DMCS

A LEADER IN WB FOR HALAL TOURISM

MAKING SWEET-SOUR LOAVES AND BLAZED FISH BY THE SEA FOOD FROM WESTERN FINLAND

ART: A CULTURAL EXPRESSION IN GLOBAL DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT

ROADMAP TO SILICON VALLEY OF ALBANIAN STARTUPS

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF ALBANIA

BEES &TREES, THE FIRST ALBANIAN SKINCARE BRAND TO ACHIEVE THE EUROPEAN

CURRI: “I RESPECT THE INGREDIENTS, THE SEASONS AND MOSTLY THOSE I WORKS WITH”

LLOYDS CONFERENCES, A MEETING

FOR PEOPLE BUILDING THE TOMORROW

REXHO: “COME TO OUR CONCERTS TO ENJOY A TRULY MUSICAL AND HUMAN MOMENT”

We cannot expand but we are fanatic of the quality of the products for our clients. We want our clients to be fully satisfied and every product must be out of our hands; they must have our touch. As much as I have caressed the jacket, I did not caress my wife!! So, a work to be beautiful needs attention and love inside.

ATELIER KONOMI: Men, Real Fanatics of Fashion

By Rudina Hoxha

Handmade suits for a week with only one try. This is the most attractive offer of Atelier Konomi for the businesspeople, VIPs and all the people working in high level institutions.

“Minimally, a handmade suit needs one week. We have managed to create our clientele by now. One try is needed for the final product to be delivered by us. Why I underline that? Because time has become precious today,” says Mr. Antonin Konomi, Master of Atelier Konomi in an exclusive interview with TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE.

According to the Master, “this is a great achievement for us because we have come to the help of the client.”

Working with fabrics belonging to two world known brands like Scabal and Holland & Sherry, Atelier Konomi, launched in 1997, is famous for the attention in details and the love they put in such “creations of art”.

Atelier Konomi also is specialized in producing workplace attires. They are the first to introduce this concept embraced by banks, hotels and many other companies and institutions. “Atelier Konomi has gone a long way. We started out with very little collections and tailor-made clothing Today we have managed to take over projects on workwear and corporate wears. We are the first to introduce the line of workwear. Besides the education we have been received, we have been trained in Italy especially for the corporate garments.”

Full interview below:

Can you make a presentation of Atelier Konomi and what are its main trends in the line of men’s suits?

Of course, I would like to make an introduction of the Atelier because I think that one atelier’s values are rooted in the years of its work experience. Never I think that an atelier or a brand, however good they are and how much capital they have, can be good in a product delivery without having the right experience.

Atelier Konomi has been operating since 1997. It remains one of the fist ateliers in Albania. It took a lot of courage to open an

Master of Konomi Atelier - Mr. Antonin Konomi

Mrs. Anila Konomi, the Spouse of Master Antonin Konomi. Both they founded Atelier Konomi in 1997.

atelier because the country was plunged into a real economic crisis in 1997. I work together with my husband, Master, Anton Konomi, in this business. He started out this profession since at a young age. At that time, we thought at least to help our friends as no brands or boutiques existed in Albania back then. In the beginning, we had difficulties in finding the right materials. No fabrics could be found in Albania as even those few surviving factories were closed down. However, we used materials which had come from abroad spontaneously from somebody and used to make out designs with embroidery, accessories or printouts in order to make our Atelier speak out. No matter what, we always thought that the Atelier would be regarded one day as luxury, as part of art, as part of the identity of the person who would put on that outfit, to meet not only his/her needs but even to be compatible with the dignity and character of the person and why not impose personality. Because the person can impose himself or herself through his/her outfits.

Here we are today, after many years of work experience, we have managed to create

our line of clothing, our clientele while being very solid in our business. Now we are at a point of not considering the outfit as a necessity but as part of the luxury.

Atelier Konomi has gone a long way. We started out with very little collections and tailor-made clothing. Today we have managed to take over projects on workwear and corporate wears. We are the first to introduce the line of workwear. Besides the education we have been received, we have been trained in Italy especially for the corporate garments.

It was Anila’s idea to embrace the line of workplace attires because at banks, she would see the employees serving with their own clothes and she considered this not ethical at all. So, we proposed the idea to the American Bank in Albania at that time which was the first bank in Albania. After that, all the other banks embraced our proposal. Since that day, we take care of the image of many institutions esthetically and why not even in respect of the quality. Because doing a workplace attire is not easy. Corporate wears have to impose the clients or the

second or third parties but above all, the fabric of the corporate wear should be of a high quality to resist to washing and ironing and well-thought to suit to all the characters of the employees. Therefore, this needs a well-thought study based on the history of the institution, the logo of the company and so on and so forth. Of course, the colors are limited such as blue, gray, black, mostly found in the business world. In this context, a strong asset of our Atelier is that we work not only for the women but even for the men, this is rarely found in another atelier.

What are the main brands you work with mostly?

In our profession, the raw material is seen as a big necessity. As it is customarily said in our profession, all it starts and ends in the fabric. Given that, we thought to include some world distinguished brands in our Atelier. Among the brands which gave the certificate of authenticity to us, was Scabal and Holland & Sherry. Both these brands date back to 18th century. They are leader in the field of fabrics. They serve to VIPs and they are characterized by a world-known history. Both brands put conditions on us, so

it was not easy as a process. Above all, they asked their fabrics to be sewn by hand. We sent a video to show our way of working. After they saw that their dear material was worked with such a great love, they could not say ‘no’ to our cooperation. This was a great appreciation for us but a big responsibility as well. We are very careful in all the details of this process. For example, a fine detail, which I am sure, all would be interested, would be that the first try is done with another fabric. This way, we save the fabric. Only after, we are 100 % sure that the first try is proper, then we work on the qualitative fabric, brought to us by these two prestigious brands. This shows once again how much work is needed to arrive to the final product of Konomi Atelier. Another interesting detail, which we were not aware, was that to produce the Lana fabric or cashmere, you have to place a cloak over the sheep since it was born to the day its wool is cut in order to protect its wool from the climate conditions.

30 years making suits for the men. How it has been this experience?

After working with the men for 30 years, we have come to the conclusion that the real

fanatics of fashion are the males. They are very fanatic, drawn to the fine details while they know themselves very well. They look for perfection as much as they are precise criticizers. Their eyes are never wrong in judging an outfit properly. And I think if an atelier manages to deliver a handmade suit as it should be, I think it is an atelier that has fulfilled all the expectations and has reached the highest quality. The jacket of a man takes 280 steps (processes) to be done in our Atelier. Minimally, a handmade suit needs one week. We have managed to create our clientele by now. One try is needed for the final product to be delivered by us. Why I underline that? Because time has become precious today. People have

gone away from the services because of the time. The more the business people spend time for their work and increase their incomes, the less time they have for their services. We have come to their help by creating a suit for them in a week. They do not come more than one time for the try. I strongly believe that this is a great achievement for us because we have come to the help of the client.

What would be the invitation of Atelier Konomi for the businessmen, who are among our readers?

If they decide to approach an atelier which fulfil their service for a suit, then, first they need to be introduced with the atelier. What this atelier offers and this interview makes this possible. Secondly, it is very important to know what products these clients produce, what strata they belong and work to. In accordance to their meetings, we create their garderobe. Why is this important? If they are really potential clients and have meetings with other companies, surely, we will keep them in the imposing colors, mostly standard mat color. If they want to have part of their garderobe, even an outfit for a gala event, the mat color is mixed with a percentage of silk to make the fabric shiny and luxurious.

Everything starts from the fabric. We have made many meetings in Italy and the Italians have a habit when they meet you, they pat your shoulder. This touch shows to them what fabric is your suit made of. This shows a lot to them. How much you have spent and how much intellect you have. To choose the best fabric is intellect. The suit is your second skin as they say it. If you want to impose the other, the suit gives makes the impression.

So, this shows once again how important is the suit especially for the businesspeople

who create relations with the other sides.

What are the plans of the Atelier Konomi? Any expansion plans?

We have chosen to be an atelier that delivers only handmade products. The Master and myself hold most of the job. Time has not yet come that others may take over our Atelier. We cannot expand but we are fanatic of the quality of the products for our clients. We want our clients to be fully satisfied and every product must be out of our hands; they must have our touch.

As much as I have caressed the jacket, I did not caress my wife!! So, a work to be beautiful needs attention and love inside. If these two ingredients are lacking, we are convinced that the final product would be cold and not properly delivered to the client. This is very important.

The presence of hotel brands in Albania is increasing. How important is to convey your above stated messages to the people working in hotels or other high-level institutions?

Since 2000, we keep making corporate wears. We strongly believe we are successful in this field because even here all starts from the quality of the fabric. The fabric chosen for the attires of the people working in hotels, banks or other industries are designed to resist frequent use as well as regular washing and ironing. So, this is a very important aspect. In this context, I make a call to the leaders of the companies to get used to put a lot of importance on the workplace attires. The more attention we put on the quality of these workplace attires, the longer they would live. I can mention here the Jews’ saying: I am not rich to buy cheap.”

What I maintain is not to spend a lot on these outfits, but go for an average cost and a strong quality in order to resist time. Above all, this is the image we represent.

QUINTESSENTIALLYTHE VOICE OF LUXURY LIVING

Our plan in Albania and in the region is to spread our services and knowledge.

By Rudina Hoxha*

“Quintessentially, founded in December 2000, has more than 50 offices around the world (with four major owned hubs in the UK, US, Dubai, Hong Kong and Singapore), a 1,000-strong team of expert lifestyle managers, who speak 35 languages, a membership of more than 160,000 clients across its international network, and US$100 million in sales.... We were pioneers in this sector and remain a true authority on luxury and providing the very best in personal service.”

This is how it starts the exclusive interview with the Founder and CEO at Quintessentially SEE, Slovenia, Mrs. Katarina Larisa Ham with TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE.

While she shares happily with our readers that Quintessentially has just recently expanded its Singapore office to become a dedicated hub.

Ham intends to expand her well-known

company in Albania. “Our plan in Albania and in the region is to spread our services and knowledge and main purpose is to make life of HNWI Albanians easier when travelling abroad,” Lara said, adding “Whether they want a football signed by Messi, for themselves or their children, or a reservation at Chiltern Firehouse, Zuma or Hakkasan, currently it’s very hard to get a reservation for there, or to arrange a romantic dinner on the glacier, with a view of the polar lights, we are there to turn it into reality everything that our members can imagine.”

Quintessentially is fortunate enough to have an extremely unique ecosystem which is able to offer expert advice, access and support wherever our clients are in the world. “With specialized divisions in restaurants, travel, art, education, events and real estate, there is little we cannot help our clients with,” Lara said.

1. Please can you make a panorama of your company - Quintessentially - and what is its mission and vision? Where do your clients come from mostly?

It was almost 20 years ago when friends Ben Elliot, Aaron Simpson and Paul Drummond noticed a gap in the market – a need for a quick and efficient service that catered to the ever busy, ambitious and affluent community in London. It was a simple idea: delivering things that people wanted, for those who didn’t have the time, or inclination, to do it themselves.

In December 2000, Quintessentially was born – a new luxury lifestyle management company that promised to facilitate everything from day-to-day nuisances like finding nannies, plumbers or gifts at the last minute, or sourcing concert tickets or

resaurant reservations at the 11th hour, to the elaborate end of the task spectrum; organizing private concerts with popstars or US$20 million marriage proposals in the Egyptian pyramids.

It was, undoubtedly, the right idea at the right time.

Today, the business boasts more than 50 offices around the world (with four major owned hubs in the UK, US, Dubai and Hong Kong), a 1,000-strong team of expert lifestyle managers, who speak 35 languages, a membership of more than 160,000 clients across its international network, and US$100 million in sales.... We were pioneers in this sector and remain a true authority on luxury and providing the very best in personal service.

understand their individual tastes and aspirations ensuring every recommendation is perfectly tailored to the member’s lifestyle.

2. What are the plans of your company in Albania and in the region? What do you look for in a country before you spread your company out?

We are fortunate to have an extremely unique ecosystem, and are able to offer expert advice, access and support wherever our clients are in the world. With specialized divisions in restaurants, travel, art, education, events and real estate, there is little we cannot help our clients with.”

Quintessentially is built on authentic connection and personalization. Each member is assigned their own personal lifestyle manager who is their main point of contact to fulfil every request. Quintessentially’s lifestyle managers are devoted to nurturing and building valued relationships with their members, to best

Our plan in Albania and in the region is to spread our services and knowledge and main purpose is to make life of HNWI Albanians easier when travelling abroad. Whether they want a football signed by Messi, for themselves or their children, or a reservation at Chiltern Firehouse, Zuma or Hakkasan, currently it’s very hard to get a reservation for there, or to arrange a romantic dinner on the glacier, with a view of the polar lights, we are there to turn it into reality everything that our members can imagine. As the voice of luxury living, we are devoted to bringing more joy and meaning to the lives of our members, through the creation of memorable experiences. Our team of lifestyle managers will personalise and plan any package a member desires, be it a private meet-and-greet with a VIP or an A-list celebrity, sports star or top chef, an immersive experience with a seasoned adventurer, or a private party to remember forever.

We wish to help banks in servicing their clients of private banking departments or premium, helping marketing departments with the handling of gifts such as from football or basketball world players, organize meet & greet meetings, ...

Quintessentially’s highest ranking requests, are for restaurants, tickets and access to exclusive events. The business prides itself on creating unforgettable experiences, for both private individuals and the world’s most recognized brands.

3. So, who exactly are our potential clients in Albania?

“Our private members are discerning, curious and extremely busy individuals, and range from CEOs and philanthropists to leading creatives. They are keenly interested in self-improvement and giving back. Quintessentially also offers its services to luxury partners from all sectors. It seems all partners and clients are united by one fundamental desire – to save the most precious commodity they have: time.

4. In your view, how do you serve a more refined and sophisticated client who wants true luxury versus the mass approach to luxury?

At Quintessentially’s most prized and top tier of Membership, Quintessence, members enjoy top priority for Quintessentially services across 50 offices and 1,500 lifestyle staff worldwide. Whether it be finding a tailor in Hong Kong, pairing you with an executive coach and fitting them into your schedule, or if you need travel planning assistance for the perfect escape in the Cook Islands, your Quintessentially lifestyle manager can materialize all of these asks upon request and can offer proactive suggestions based upon years of experience in the hospitality industry. Through our partnership with Quintessentially, we are delighted to secure access for our clients at their exclusive tier, available by invitation or referral only.

Your Quintessence Tier Membership will include:

Access to work with a senior Quintessentially staff in each office, providing global attention

Your lifestyle managers are the most senior account managers in their home office. These lifestyle managers are known globally for their exceptional work and are held at the

highest of standards, resulting in true service excellence and a seamless experience.

In addition to your lifestyle managers, you will be assigned a travel representative with their in-house and award-winning travel agency Quintessentially Travel, part of the Virtuoso Network.

Services available 24/7/365 around the globe.

Enrollment in Quintessentially’s newsletter focusing on events, unique access, benefits, new openings in your geographic area of preference.

Quintessence lifestyle managers provide personalized updates regarding restaurant openings, event invitations, new benefits, and other areas of interest. This information Is curated in collaboration with their team of specialists in various departments such as wine, aviation, equestrian, restaurants, education, travel, gifting, interior décor, and household staffing. Quintessence Members are given top priority, among their membership pool, whengranted access, tickets, and invites to special events at an exclusive amount.

5. How have the needs of the client been transformed in these changing times? What are the main challenges this industry is facing today?

With almost two decades of unparalleled access and insights into the behaviors and trends of its high-net-worth audience, Quintessentially seems ever-evolving, reflecting the changing demographic of its clients. Over recent years we have witnessed a real shift towards more meaningful experiences. Health and wellness have become major focuses and there has been a significant growth

in philanthropy-led requests. The affluent consumer today demands more than the tangible product; they expecta heightened, immersive experience.”

As a group we launched ‘Bespoke Projects’, a one-stop shop for luxury brands to execute VIP consumer hospitality programs and experiences of any scale, anywhere in the world. “Today, brands are defined by the relationships they build and the experiences they create.

There is so much competition for luxury consumers’ loyalty that brands are investing in this heavily and we are in a position to create multi-faceted experiences.” There is no ask too big for our’s teams to execute, from bespoke guest itineraries, unique

cultural and culinary adventures, to expert host, celebrity guest and on-site concierge services.

6. Given the high competition, what are the key elements that make a client go for a certain luxury concierge company ?

Quintessentially Lifestyle is the only global concierge club in the world and as such there is no competition. We have offices, that provide general support for our clients, in more than 50 countries around the world. We are in direct contact with the entire world for 24 hours during 365 days. We do not give up on perfection, there is no ‘impossible’ situation for us. Recently, even in Croatia, we witnessed the emerge of small local concierge company, but they are not our real competition, because only

we can cover the whole world, and we have the local knowledge and proven suppliers anywhere in the world.

7. How did you get working in the field of luxury? What keeps you in this industry?

When I started the bussines in the region there has been no authority on the lifestyle industry and luxury market, with an unparalleled insight into the behaviours and preferences of the affluent consumer that we serve. Working in the cabinet of the Slovenian prime Minister, later moved to Belgrade with my husband and establish my own company, I was well travelled and had an extensive knowledge of the latest luxury trends and travel experiences, as well as an acute understanding of the evolution of today’s new era of connection - the changing values and desires of Quintessentially Members and luxury brands, and their focus on meaningful relationships and authentic, human experiences.

When you consider that almost half of the luxury market is set to comprise of millennials and generation Z by 2025, my focus is to help adapt the business and increase our offerings to this specific audience while still exceeding the expectations of our current core audience who are already extremely established and in their 40s to 50s.”

My leadership style, is centered on presenting a human face in business. “I want to foster an open environment, where colleagues can be themselves in the workplace, show and share emotion, while still delivering to a world-class level.” My approach I am extending to clients. “We are, after all, a business grounded in high-touch relationships – where being authentic,

personal and true to your values, and those of the business, really counts.”

While the role is exceptionally demanding and requires extensive travel, I relish the time spent exploring new countries and cultures, meeting new people, and bringing some of the world’s most sought after events to members. We are lucky to work with amazing brand partners and influencers.. “Bringing our members together, creating a community and sharing experiences through life-enhancing events is a big part of what we do.

I hope for the future of the business is simple – to continue to be the benchmark of excellent, personal service, while ensuring connectivity, authenticity and philanthropy remain at the core. What keeps me in the bussines is that I love what I do and i am doing it with all my heart.

Rudina Hoxha* is a professional journalist and freelance consultant based in Albania. Rudina was a H.J. Heinz Fellow at the University of Pittsburgh engaged in studies on advanced reporting, public relations and entrepreneurship.

She is the Co-Founder and the Editor of Trailblazing Magazine as well as the Founder of TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE Architecture & Design.

View from the signing ceremony of the first InterContinental Hotel in Albania with the presence of Albanian Prime Minister, Mr. Edi Rama. Photo credit: Tirana International Hotel. Jun. 2022.

HYLKO VERSTEEG

Happy to Have First InterContinental in Albania

Today the travelers want more and more a bit of experimental tourism. What better to experience something that nobody knows yet. So, I am very optimistic of Albania.

By Rudina Hoxha & Jose Pinto

D

uring the signing ceremony of first InterContinental Hotel in Tirana last June, Mr. Hylko Versteeg shared some thoughts with TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE at the sidelines of this amazing event, participated by the Premier of Albania, Mr. Edi Rama, Mayor of Tirana, Mr. Erjon Veliaj, Minister of Tourism and Environment, Mrs. Mirela Kumbaro and many other ministers and state personalities, tourism experts, media and others.

For him, Albania is a land of opportunities.

“I think it is one word – Opportunity. There are very few countries so strategically located from the geographical perspective but it also offers a big variety of tourism from corporate to beautiful leisure, so it is always a bit of unknown to explore,” he said.

The new InterContinental Hotel, located in the Skanderbeg Square, will have around 280 rooms and suites distributed over 32 floors.

This way, International Hotel Group continues the expansion of its luxury & lifestyle growth in Europe with InterContinental Tirana set to open in 2025.

IHG® Hotels & Resorts (IHG®), one of the world’s leading hotel companies signed the Franchise Agreement with Mr. Ram Geci, Owner and President of Geci Group, one of Albania’s leading infrastructure companies, which also specialises in hospitality and tourism. The company has around 20 years’ experience in hospitality, having been a shareholder since 2004 and Sole Owner of Tirana International Hotel, Tirana, Albania, since 2011.

Full interview below:

Please can you make an introduction of yourself and InterContinental Group for the readers of TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE?

My name is Hylko Versteeg and I am responsible for the development in the Southern Europe, so basically I cover the Mediterranean area excluding France and obviously including Albania, Italy, the Balkans, Greece, Portugal, Spain, Gibraltar, Malta, Andorra, Cyprus. I cover the growth of InterContinental IHG Hotels and Resorts in that region. I am based out of Madrid. I am married to a Spanish beautiful lady and have two daughters. Although I am Dutch, I have been living abroad for many years. In

a way, I am an international citizen.

What do you see in the Albanian market so interesting that you don’t see in other countries or regions?

I think it is one word – Opportunity. Obviously, Albania has a lot of catching up to do and a lot of opportunity to be taken in consideration with a lot of caution. Because as we know, with opportunity always comes the risks. This is going to be a big challenge for Albania. But there is a great opportunity. There are very few countries so strategically located from the geographical perspective but it also offers a big variety of tourism from corporate to beautiful leisure, so it is always a bit of unknown to explore. Today the travelers want more and more a bit of experimental tourism. What better to experience something that nobody knows yet. So, I am very optimistic of Albania.

This is your fifth visit in Albania. What are your impressions about our country?

Very positive. I really love the people, the whole atmosphere, the culture. The people are really eager to grow and learn. I see a keenness in them to improve. There are so many intact things here. It is fantastic

that you have a direct flight to Madrid. So, it allows me to fly some days with Wizzair and some other days with Lufthansa. One time I got my wife with when in a business trip. We came on Saturday and we visited Lalez Bay, we walked Tirana from up and down for the whole day. I am very excited to see where Albania goes in the next 10 years.

Let’s talk about the InterContinental Tirana whose signing ceremony was taken place last June. Can you mention some of its major features or innovative concepts?

I cannot say much at this point because a lot of it is still under design. For example, when you talk about the concepting which we have started but we don’t have the final concept done yet because this is part of the next phase.

I can say that it will have 280 rooms and suites distributed over 32 floors. It will have one of the largest ballrooms in Tirana over an 1800 square meters with a capacity of 1.000 people for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) events and weddings. It will have no pillars and this will make it quite spectacular. It will encompass several

restaurants and bars, big spa with indoor swimming pool. On top two floors, we will accommodate club lounge and restaurant /bar which will have the most amazing panoramic view of the whole Albania. The location is another great asset, we are right in the Skanderbeg Square, in the heart of Tirana.

We don’t have the concepting in place yet but we are thinking about ideas. A lot of work still to be done.

How does European Hotel Management Group (EHMG) help you in the identification of the Albanian properties that are of interest to you?

More than anything else, the EHMG help us with the experience of Mr. Milos Cerovic, exGeneral Manager of IHG Hotels and Resorts. He has a lot of in-depth knowledge about our systems, about quality and service level that we deliver. So, they are helping us to make sure that we maintain those. This is obviously when I mentioned before that Albania has still some challenges moving ahead. And there is obviously the service

culture, the hotel sector needs to be more established also from an educational perspective and that’s also where they are helping us out.

In your view, are the Albanian owners more inclined to go towards branded franchise than management in comparison with the rest of the Southern Eastern Europe?

It is very country specific. But I do believe that the value of a big brand is more preferred in Albania. Especially in hotels and probably also in the food and beverages sector. You always have to keep your own identity. But in today’s environment where you get so much out of reservations’ systems, putting independent hotel in Albania, you are going to struggle to obviously get the same level of system delivery as we call it, from call centers, apps, online reservation systems into your hotel. Obviously coming from the history that Albania has little international brand representation, I think it is also something that people thrive and like to go to internationally branded competition in all the aspects, from shopping to restaurants and hotels. So, I think Albania has a big demand for it. In the more established countries, like Spain, they have their own hotel chains. So, they need a little less the big international chains.

Can you tell us more about the signed projects in Albania and what’s in the pipeline?

We have two projects. The one is the InterContinental Tirana, the first ever in Albania. And the second is the Crown Plaza brand which is more upper scaled, more corporate. We have this project signed in Durres city. We are looking to start the constructions in the last quarter of this year. We need 24 months to complete

the project, so around the end of 2024, beginning of 2025, which will be pretty much the same time for the opening of InterContinental Tirana.

These are the only two projects we have signed so far. We are looking very carefully. We want to make sure that we first open these hotels and we make sure that they function well. We don’t want to grow for the growth’s sake of these popping hotels everywhere. We must make sure that they deliver the correct service.

Let’s talk a bit about the concept “Fit for All” which is a standard concept, almost copy paste that you see often in Albania. How does InterContinental see this? Do you support this standard format or you encourage the owners to be more creative and think in a long term?

It is a bit of two ways of looking at it. On one hand, especially for InterContinental brand, we don’t want to go too crazy. Because this is not what the luxurious clients are looking for. Also, you should not forget that if you invest in a big hotel with 280 rooms (it is a significant investment), you need to make sure that the whole concept has a duration, so people, after 3-4 years, do not get tired of the concept and the design and so, you need to change it again.

We are not the most daring in the concept and design but we think on the return on investments and what really makes sense for a long term where people will continue to come. Also, we will continue to work hard to create concepts that are not present in Albania. We will do a lot of competitive analysis, so we cannot do the same food and beverage, bar and restaurant concept.

We have one of the advantages that there would be a lot of food and beverage

facilities in the new InterContinental tower but also we would have a fantastic food and beverage offerings on the 32nd floor where people will see not only the view of Tirana but pretty much half of Albania. It will be pretty much amazing.

The InterContinental Group have the minimal standards when it comes to hotels. How important are they when you define a property?

They are important because obviously we have globally over 140 million loyally members. They want to go to an InterContinental and know what they get. They can be very different properties, like the classical property - the InterContinental in Cannes, the InterContinental in Ljubljana which is more a modern tower. We are building an InterContinental resort in Montenegro, in Algarve or in Crete. So, they are all very different but the standards are very different. There is a set of standards we need to incorporate from service to quality expectation, room size and facilities. So, you have to have all of it in but then we also allow for some liberty around it.

View from the signing ceremony of the first InterContinental Hotel in Albania by Mr. Rame Geci (R) and Mr. Hylko Versteeg, Head of Development Southern Europe at InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®).

Photo credit: Tirana International Hotel

Ram Geci “The Best Always Goes with the Best”

The Owner and President of Geci Group, Mr. Ram Geci shared with TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE his journey from the beginning to the moment of signing the agreement with InterContinental Hotels Group.

“The interweaving of InterContinental’s experiences around the world for 75 years and ours, domestically, for more than a decade will serve and give its effects in the best possible treatment of customers,” Mr. Geci told exclusively to TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE

He highly appreciates the cooperation with InterContinental Hotels Group. “We have no doubts that it will be an excellent cooperation,” he said, underlining that “Hotel Tirana International, as an Icon for our city and country, will continue to function as it is, as a 4-star Hotel, with specific target groups, completely independent from InterContinental Tirana.”

Regarding the talks with InterContinental Hotels Group, Mr. Geci said that they had contacts and discussions with many prestigious world Brands. “In the end we decided on the best. Of course, the beginning was not easy for both parties, but here we are today, because the best always goes with the best.”

Full interview below:

1. Recently you signed the agreement with InterContinental Hotels Group. How would you assess this cooperation with this prestigious Group and what are your expectations?

The interweaving of InterContinental’s experiences around the world for 75 years and ours, domestically, for more than a decade will serve and give its effects in the best possible treatment of customers. We highly appreciate the cooperation with InterContinental Hotels Group and of course the expectations are at high levels, we have no doubts that it will be an excellent cooperation.

2. How did you select the InterContinental Hotels Group among many others that want to be present in our country, especially in the city center as you are for so many years?

We were very clear from the beginning about our selections for big Brands, and of course InterContinental is one of the Hotel Giants that should definitely be present in our country, in the center of the Capital. We had contacts and discussions with many prestigious world Brands and in the end, we decided on the best. Of course, the beginning was not easy for both parties, but here we are today, because the best always goes with the best.

3. With the signing of this important agreement, what are the plans ahead for the iconic Tirana International Hotel?

Hotel Tirana International, as an Icon for our city and country, will continue to function as it is, as a 4-star Hotel, with specific target groups, completely independent from InterContinental Tirana.

4. What is your view about the actual situation of tourism and hospitality in the country with the upcoming of many international hotel chains? In your view, what Tirana needs to have more in order to make the tourists stay longer?

I think that the situation has improved significantly, and will continue to improve with the addition of these hotel groups, and this is thanks to their decades of experience and good government policies in improving the country’s image with fiscal facilities. A good way to become attractive for tourists is: Applying as much as possible the traditional elements of the country, such as hospitality. To increase the quality and professionalism of hotel standard service provision and focus on food & beverage.

GONCALO HALL:

Albania, the Spot for the Balkans Nomad Paradise

By Rudina Hoxha & Jose Pinto

“Gonçalo Hall is the CEO at NomadX, one of the biggest nomad communities in the world with physical communities in Madeira, Cabo Verde and Lisbon. Also he launched projects like the Remote Work Movement, Future of Work Conferences, Remote Portugal and Remote Europe in order to help the movement grow and spread. In Gonçalo’s opinion “Remote work is the best tool to improve the world we live” so he spends his time helping individuals, companies and countries to understand how to adjust to the opportunities and challenges of this new world. “

Nomadism and remote working have recently become the buzzword in today’s reality and Albania has been mentioned a lot lately in this regard.

TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE talked with Gonçalo Hall, CEO at NomadX. Creator of the Digital Nomad Village in Ponta do Sol, Madeira and Cape Verde Remote Work Program to share his lessons with other initiators, so they can avoid the falls or mistakes done by other countries.

“Albania is one of the places with most potential in Europe in my opinion, a beautiful country, amazing coastline, good food and amazing people. It definitely has the ingredients to become a huge success if well implemented and connected with the national and local governments,” Hall said adding “I would love to work with Albania on a mid-term project to push it to the top on nomad and remote work destinations.”

For Hall, when we talk about nomads and expats, it’s all about community integration. “Community is the key for the success of any nomad destination. Nomads travel between communities. A strong community focused project will always succeed,” Hall said.

Full interview below:

Can you share with us your nomad story? What triggered you to take this direction and why in Ponta do Sol Madeira Island?

I found about digital nomads 10 years ago, through a blog article. Since then, it became my obsession to become one.

I value the freedom above all, the experiences, the culture connection and the

ability to know the real places where locals go to eat, have fun and connect.

Some 5 years ago, I actually started my nomad journey, flying straight to Bali, but the truth is that I spent 5 years studying it from every angle, not just digital nomadism but remote work and how it can change the world.

I got inspired by projects like Grow Remote in Ireland, a rural co-living named Sende in Galicia (Spain), the Bali nomad community and kinda connected all when I wrote a project during an Erasmus+ Programme in a small village in Italy called Pannabilli.

The idea was “How to use digital nomadism to repopulate the villages in Italy” and even though Italy never implemented it, I strongly believed in the hypothesis of the project and how community would be key on a repopulation program.

During a visit to organize a conference in Madeira, I ended up speaking with the

Secretary of Economy, Rui Barreto, about my project and he showed interest right away. On the next day, I was meeting the president of Madeira, talking about my project and the reaction was very positive.

Two months later I was landing in Madeira to launch it in Ponta do Sol.

Why Ponta do Sol? Well... Why a village?

Villages were built around community, with a central plaza around the church, central streets and such a strong community feeling. Ponta do Sol happens to be the warmest place in Madeira, a beautiful village and has incredible food options, almost too good to be true. We also had a lot of local support from local businesses that were key to the success of the project. Madeira government had the vision, the work capacity and the will to make it work, they listened and implemented every single thing I said and ask for, a lot of the

success of the project came from this perfect connection between the vision and implementation in Ponta do Sol.

Can you relate a bit on the projects you are currently involved in? Can Albania be one of them?

Right now, I am involved in 4 projects.

Madeira with 4 communities, Caparica (south bay of Lisbon), Cabo Verde and opening Brazil in November.

Albania is one of the places with most potential in Europe in my opinion, a beautiful country, amazing coastline, good food and amazing people. It definitely has the ingredients to become a huge success if well implemented and connected with the national and local governments. I would love to work with Albania on a mid-term project to push it to the top on nomad and remote work destinations.

Do you see Albania becoming the center of nomadism in the Balkans? What do you recommend?

Yes if... Albania has a lot of good decisions to make, but in my opinion no country in the Balkans is working properly so the spot for the Balkans nomad paradise is there to take.

I would create 3 communities around the country, supported by the government, with a local coworking space and a strong community manager.

Then I would create a national program to support nomads who want to go to Albania, a website with all the information, a person to contact, a connection to the local startups and someone to lead the country efforts and push the integration of all the communities.

What lessons can you share with other initiators, so they avoid the falls or mistakes done by other countries?

It’s not about a nomad visa, it’s about the community.

It’s not about a fancy video, or amazing pictures, it’s about the community.

It’s not about creating a bubble of nomads and expats, it’s about community integration.

Community is the key for the success of any nomad destination. Nomads travel between communities. A strong community focused project will always succeed.

Then it’s about solving the nomad challenges like housing, working spaces, events, knowledge exchange, giving back to the local community and creating a safe space for everyone to connect at a deep level.

I would create a program for nomads and remote workers to relocate, an investment program, a residency for remote workers and all the possibilities to attract remote workers to stay without much effort. Having conferences there is great, having travel groups is great, but to become the centre of nomadism in the Balkans Albania needs to step up and do more than the neighbours, specially because they started 2 years ago.

I foresee an investment of 50k-70k euros a year to make it happen with quality with potential returns of 30 Million euros in the first year, up to 100 million euros a year in 5 years in direct economic impact.

How far has Portugal gone in the aspect of being a nomad destination and what are the reasons for that? How do you see its future?

Portugal was lucky to have several community leaders working on its potential for 5-6 years now. DNX conference moving

there on the early days as incredible, having the first Selina in Europe, having a community leader like Rossana in Lisbon and NomadX all creating events, gathering the community and making things happen was key for Lisbon to become the capital of digital nomadism in the world.

The quality of life is great, the food and wine are really good, everyone speaks English, but without the community work that would never be enough.

Now we see the community spreading around the country and Ericeira, Madeira and Porto became nomad hotspots as well.

The D7 visa and NHR allows people to move to Portugal quite easily, so in terms of policy, the easiness and low salary requirements to move to Portugal were key as well.

What are the biggest struggles you still

have right now and what the prospect nomad people should know?

The biggest struggle is accommodation. Tourism is having a record year and nomads use the tourism infrastructure for accommodation. That is raising the prices a lot.

We at NomadX are working on creating the whole nomad economy, with “nomad only” accommodation, working spaces that are flexible, travel with our community to different countries together to explore and working with governments to create strong happy communities for our global nomad community.

Until today we were a very small community but digital nomadism is becoming mainstream, so we need affordable options to keep the community growing with positive local impact.

The Rotary eClub Tirana Cosmopolitan is the best choice for busy people with business and family commitments always on the move yet ready to give something back and change the lives of thousands less fortunate than ourselves

The Rotary eClub Tirana Cosmopolitan is a very good opportunity for new members, offering the club in addition to Traditional meetings, the e Meetings, which will facilitate the needs of a certain category of members with a very busy agenda or who travel a lot, who under normal conditions would not have this possibility.

The Rotary eClub Tirana Cosmopolitan, is a very good opportunity also for members living in the other parts of Albania or even abroad (the Balkan region, and/or diaspora)

Last but not least the Rotary eClub Tirana Cosmopolitan will also serve as a think tank on our country/region and international development issues. It will also serve as a fusion point for sinergy in collaboration with Diaspora for various projects.

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T O G E T H E R , W E S E E A W O R L D W H E R E P E O P L E U N I T E A N D T A

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"Join, Inspire, Act"

2022 A GREAT PRESENTATION ABOUT TRAVELERS’ EXPECTATIONS

Marina Franolic, Managing Director of IDEEA (www.ideea-forum.com), shares with TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE all about IDEEA Hospitality Investment Forum 2022 agenda, the distinguished speakers and the advantages of this forum which will be held on 26-27 of September in Athens, Greece.

This Forum is all about the hospitality trends and development in SEE and networking as well.

As considering Greece a developed market with amazing hospitality offerings, asked about the possibility of organizing the IDEEA Forum in Albania in the future, she said that “2024 could be the year for IDEEA in Tirana. Many partners have asked this question and it seems Albania is becoming hot spot of the region.”

As a new and changing tourism and hospitality landscape emerges, which areas of the travel industry will be most covered by IDEEA?

It is true that Covid accelerated some changes that have already been happening in the hospitality industry. This year, at IDEEA, we will set the scene with a great presentation about travelers’ expectations. That is the foundation for all future development and investments.

Other topics will include What Are New KPIs for Investors, What Is Now the Future of Luxury?, what is the way to attract FDI, Future of City Tourism, Is the alternative accommodation sector a safer way for investors to get exposure to the hospitality sector?.

Also, as last year, we will focus on sustainability with sessions on both sustainable real estate development and hotel operations.

On the eve of this great event, what can you reveal about it for the readers of

TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE, your media partner? What speakers, topics and trends will be immersed in these discussions this time around?

I am happy to say that every year we look for speakers that can bring a bit different and new perspective to the discussion.

From more than 60 speakers I cannot choose one or two favorite ones, but I can mention some that will be showcasing amazing new developments. One of them is Ivaylo Lefterov, Development Director of SVART Hotel. Svart Hotel is planned to be opened in 2024 in Norway and it will be the first energy-positive (net-positive) hotel. In a time when sustainability means survival, this is such a great example, and I am proud we will be showcasing and talking about it at IDEEA 2022. Yet, as said before, we have so many amazing speakers! Azora, the largest

independent investment manager of real estate in Spain and one of the largest in real assets, that just bought 5-star Sheraton Rhodes Resort in Greece, will also be joining.

I am looking to hearing their plans for further investment in the region.

Why did you choose Athens as the location of this conference?

In 2020 we launched IDEEA, as a platform for hospitality investments in CEE. Due to Covid, we had to postpone it yet still organized AHF both in 2020 and 2021. In 2022 we decided we will make a step towards expanding AHF market by adding Bulgaria, Romania, and Greece, and Athens came as a great opportunity to continue to move the event around the region. Greece is a developed market with amazing hospitality offerings.

It is in focus to international investors and it feels like a nice opportunity to discuss the

possibilities in the region from a place like Athens.

Why has IDEEA been so successful over the years? What makes it unique among the other platforms?

I would say it is because of the strong market, good timing, and hard work. Our communication with the market has been very direct throughout the years and people know us and know how dedicated we are to bringing new trends, and valuable speakers and to creating value of being at the event. My greatest satisfaction is when after the event people come back to me saying they met a new business partner or started a great deal. The entire idea of IDEEA (formerly AHF) is for delegates to go back to their companies with some new findings and ideas and valuable business contacts.

When will Albania become the center of your well-known conference given the

many key areas for hotel development?

I hope soon. In order to have the conference in Albania, we need to have rather easy air access. Because when it takes delegates half a day just for the flight, it is simply too long. But it is correct that many developments are happening in Albania and maybe, just maybe 2024 could be the year for iDEEA in Tirana…you never know.

What has your research shown in relation to the success and impact of such conferences on tourism of respective countries?

Well, we haven’t done a direct study for AHF/ IDEEA but the bench has done research on the impact of their AHIF event on the region. And numbers are impressive:

Direct contribution of AHIF to local economies projected at $6.9 million

An additional $9.9 million generated

through indirect and induced impact, i.e., boosting local suppliers, increasing local spending power

Projected total of $1.1 million paid in taxes in various host countries

A projected total of 5,462 jobs – temporary or permanent – created or sustained

Delegate survey indicates a total deal value of $124 million, an average of $4.6 million per deal – translated for all AHIF events between 2011 and 2016, deals total an estimated $4.4 billion.

Even without having numbers to show for IDEEA, I would still say we can take some credit for the developments in the region. The place for networking is very important; we can see that by comparing business travel and conferences. Numbers for business travel are still lower than

pre-covid while attendees at events are higher. We are at the moment seeing a 25% increase in delegate numbers at our event in Dubai, taking place on Sep 1921. It means our investment conferences bring value to both attendees and countries where they are held.

A LEAD Fellow in His Father’s Footsteps

By Rudina Hoxha

“I

am most grateful to the Lead Albania Program and the AADF for offering me the opportunity to sit for one year as an Advisor in the Cabinet of the Chief Negotiator and consequently being able to witness first-hand the opening of accession negotiations with the European Union.”

That’s how the conversation with Donjet Gjoka, one of the 11 Fellows of Class 2022 of LEAD Albania Program, starts with TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE.

This is one of the many benefits of this program for Donjet who, this way, had the chance to contribute to one of the biggest aspirations of the Albanian people – the EU Integration Process. Along with his other co-fellows from LEAD Albania Class 2022, led by the Project Manager of LEAD Albania Program, Mrs. Elvana Kurti, Gjoka had a study visit to some of the EU institutions in Brussels. “Each of our fellows were deeply involved in all issues of interests, by asking questions, sharing views and opinions with the EU officials on Albania’s membership to

the European Union. I think the study visit in Brussels was a great success. We all got to know the EU and its institutions much more,” Donjet said.

Impacted since a young boy by the profession of his father, a diplomat of career, Donjet reassures today that LEAD Albania Program is a life-changing experience. “I think that whoever decides to apply for the LEAD Albania Program must make full use of this endeavour. It is one year full of life experiences and possibilities.”

Full interview below:

1. Thanks to being a Lead Albania Fellow, you experienced the most historical moment of Albania: the opening of accession negotiations. How did it feel to sit as negotiator on some of the chapters for your country?

It truly is a historical milestone for our country. June has been exceptionally intensive since we were all eyes and ears in Brussels, Sofia and Skopje. As I

recall, the events which occurred in end of June – beginning of July, I can easily say that we felt like we were sitting in a rollercoaster, until we actually sat down at the First Intergovernmental Conference on July 19th. Initially, our team was quite optimistic regarding a positive decision from EU Member States by the end of June in the margins of the EU - Western Balkan’s

summit. However, after the government of Bulgaria faced a non-confidence vote, our hopes seemed to vanish. It could happen that the next “possible” date would be by the end of Czech Presidency. However, in the meantime, we were getting some positive signals regarding an updated version of the so called “French proposal”. As we later witnessed the negotiations turned out to be very successful and what happened afterwards, it is history.

I remember I couldn’t refrain my enthusiasm, with my family members, my colleagues and friends. The Albanian citizens have been waiting for this moment for such a long time and I knew very well the weight of this event. Even-though there was good reason to celebrate, we are all aware that the workload ahead of us is even more challenging to what we have experienced so far. Until the end of next year, we will undergo the screening phase for all chapters. A very demanding process which will set the pace of the accession negotiations.

I am most grateful to the Lead Albania Program and the AADF for offering me the opportunity to sit for one year as an Advisor in the Cabinet of the Chief Negotiator and consequently being able to witness firsthand the opening of accession negotiations with the European Union. Along the way I have learned tremendously as well as I have been able to fully contribute to one of the biggest aspirations of the Albanian people – the EU Integration process.

Additionally, I would like to sincerely thank the former Chief Negotiator, Mr. Zef Mazi for his unwavering support in the 10 months’ time I had the privilege to working with him. For the record, we were able to organize a meeting with him and the LEAD Albania

fellows at the premises of the Prime Minister’s Office where we conducted an open discussion regarding the EU integration process and Albania’s prospects in this direction.

2. Before this big news came for Albania, you and your colleagues from LEAD Albania Class 2022, led by the Project Manager of LEAD Albania Program, Mrs. Elvana Kurti, had a study visit to some of the EU institutions in Brussels. Can you tell us more about the meetings you had there and the experience you shared? How have the fellows reacted to these visits?

In mid-June our group travelled to Brussels where we conducted a series of meetings with EU officials: at the Commission, in various DG’s, the EU Parliament and the Albanian Mission to EU. As the visit took place in June you can imagine our very high expectations for the First IGC. I recall this issue emerged in each and every interaction we had. At most of the meetings, we met officials who were covering the Western Balkans or Albania directly. A good number of reports on Albania we address to the EU Commission are actually processed by the EU Commission representatives we met during our stay in Brussels. This is a very important basis since they knew our country very well within their field of expertise and mostly, they had been covering Albania or Western Balkan’s for a long time. Our conversations were very open and professionally oriented, which created a warm environment of discussion. Our group met their interests withing their field of expertise in order to make full use of the study visit. We conducted a fruitful meeting with the Albanian Ambassador to EU, Ms. Suela Janina, with whom we had a very interesting exchange regarding the work of the Albanian Mission to EU on the

integration path.

Each of our fellows were deeply involved in all issues of interests, by asking questions, sharing views and opinions with the EU officials on Albania’s membership to the European Union. I think the study visit in Brussels was a great success. We all got to know the EU and its institutions much more.

3. What was the most valuable takeaway from this experience and how did it impact you in particular for your actual position as Advisor to the Chief Negotiator’s Office?

I believe it is highly important to sign your identity behind an e-mail address. Most of our communications and exchanges are done via e-mail. I believe the study visit to Brussels contributed in establishing direct contacts with fellow EU officials. We obtained several first-hand

recommendations from them and how they perceived our progress made so far. On the other hand, our conversations weren’t a one-way direction. The Fellows had the chance to share the latest developments from the respective institutions and discussed possible ways of collaboration in various projects or initiatives with the EU Commission.

My biggest take-away from our study visit in the Commission and in the EU Parliament was that they were convinced on the Albania’s reforms towards EU’s integration, and that Albania has fierce supporters in the EU institutions regarding this process. I believe that this is a very important fact, since usually these are the people who review our progress and draft the recommendations. And what is important, we will work very closely with the Commission experts for the next year throughout the screening process for all chapters.

4. Tell us about the experience as advisor to the Chief Negotiator for Albania

Accession to EU. How can you describe this experience and how accountable do you feel in this position? What are you most excited about in this new role?

Officially, the Lead Albania Program kicked off on November 1st 2021. This is the day when all fellows initiated their journey in their respective institutions. Working in the public administration is not a new experience for me. I have previously held several positions at the Ministry of Interior as well as in the Coordination Center for Countering Violent Extremism. In both these positions among others, I have been dealing with Chapters 24 and 31 in different capacities. I have been part of the Interinstitutional Working Groups for European Integration which are considered as the backbone of the integration process.

The EU Integration process stretches over all areas of life, divided into 33 Chapters and 2 Criteria. This implies that the number of institutions and public officials involved is vast. I must admit that coordinating and monitoring this process is quite challenging. The Cabinet of the Chief

Negotiator has been involved in-depth with the respective chapters. Among my daily duties is the monitoring and reporting on the achievements of 6 specific chapters of the acquis, which are: chapter 10 (Information Society and Media), 13 (Fisheries), 23 (Judiciary and Fundamental Rights), 24 (Justice, Freedom and Security), 30 (External Relations), 31 (Foreign, Security and Defence Policy). I have had a very fruitful cooperation and coordination with all lead institutions responsible for the aforementioned chapters.

Throughout my 10-month tenure at the Chief Negotiator’s Office I have benefited from the full support of my colleagues. Without their backing, mentorship and collaboration it would have been very difficult for me to integrate myself into the new work environment and what is important, to perform.

5. Being the son of a career diplomat, how much has been helpful for you to make this assignment professionally and efficiently? My father is a career diplomat at the

Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania and has served as Ambassador to 9 countries of Europe, as in the Republic of Poland, in the Baltics, Russian Federation, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, but resident in Warsaw and later on in Moscow. I remember I have visited the MFA several times when I was still 5-7 years old, and was always fascinated by the work my father used to make as a diplomat, which later was amplified especially in Warsaw and Moscow. I could percept myself the real diplomacy in action through various kind of receptions, gatherings and activities promoting Albania. This is the main reason why I chose to pursue my studies in international relations and diplomacy.

There is also a saying which goes that the diplomats are the last living nomads. During my young age I had to change more than 12 schools and learn new languages, cultures, methodologies etc. Needless to say, that it was quite challenging however the benefits were numerous, at personal and professional level, as well. Even-though I am not a diplomat by profession, my first

go-to dossier or where I always feel more comfortable is external relations. I think it is a trait that I have cultivated consciously and unconsciously. I am truly grateful I had the possibility to spend my childhood and youth in these countries as part of the diplomatic corps. I think these experiences have shaped me to what I am today. I consider myself quite fortunate to have had the possibility to learn under the guidance of a career diplomat throughout my life.

6. What was your motivation to apply to the LEAD Albania Program? Can you provide an overview of engagements/ works you have done in the context of the LEAD Albania Program?

To be honest I had been following closely and attentively the LEAD Albania Program since 2018. I have had the opportunity to meet some of the LEAD Alumni along the years and was always fascinated by their positive impressions of the program. After some researches I made at the time, I was convinced that it truly is the most elite leadership program in Albania.

The LEAD Albania Program besides providing us with the possibility to influence and contribute at the top policy-making levels of our country, it also builds the much-needed leadership skills we all must be equipped with. The individual progress of each fellow, is at the heart of the Program. We have undergone a proper leadership school from the Centre for Creative Leadership (CCL) with a distinctive personality and trainer in this field Ms. Rebecca Fanger. Thanks to the mild Covid restrictions our group was able to physically attend the two courses of the Harvard Kennedy School in Boston, US. Myself and 5 other fellows attended the course on Negotiations Strategies. A toplevel course carefully designed by some of

the best professors in this field.

Apart from the work at the host institution and the capacity building component I believe that the true power of the LEAD Albania Program remains in the bonds we create with each-other as fellows and our community as a whole. Next year LEAD Albania Program will reach to about around 100 Alumni. But it doesn’t end here. Right this year, the LEAD Albania Program will finally reach 100 alumni. In order to answer straight to your question, I think it is high time to establish a LEAD Alumni Network. I am part of a working group with some other Alumniinitiators for this initiative and hopefully we will be able to put this gem in the wall of this historic year. We all are beyond excited by this initiative which will serve as a powerful tool to engage, contribute, for the Alumni by the Alumni.

7. In closing, please provide a message to the current and prospect LEAD Albania Fellows.

It is a life-changing experience. I think that whoever decides to apply for the LEAD Albania Program must make full use of this endeavour. It is one year full of life experiences and possibilities.

8. If some spare time remains for you, what fills that in?

For some time now my life is split between Albania and France since a part of my family lives and works abroad. Therefore, traveling is an activity I practice frequently but also enjoy. I like to fill my spare time by reading interesting and relaxing books, too. Lately I have pushed myself into the world of gardening. Still as an amateur though, however with patience and determination, I shall have my own garden soon and, of course, its produce.

Hello, my name is Hebi and I am a student at TUMO Tirana TUMO is my comfort space and the coaches around are very friendly

TUMO Tirana has a different educational perspective from school It is the only place where I come to learn by my own will. I am looking forward to all surprises that I know TUMO Tirana has in store for me

For more information about TUMO Tirana, you can contact us at 044524065.

Illustrator Leo Antolini came to Tirana all the way from Copenhagen to hold a Learning Lab with the aim of creating and illustrating an iconic Albanian character inspired by elements of our culture

Leo is a character illustrator and art director with over 15 years of professional experience

He has worked as a designer for various animation studios, as well as illustrated children s books for well known publishers

He has also created series for Nickelodeon and Amazon Studios

Sidriti created an entire city lost in the desert in the discipline of 3D Modeling.

TUMO Tirana accomplished its very first Learning Lab!

Short Bio:

Bruxhilda Kito, is a former Commando of the Armed Forces awarded with a Medal for “Special Services”. She has graduated from the Engineering Faculty and holds an Advanced Master Degree on International Relations from University of Tirana.

Mrs. Kito holds numerous trainings from the Department of Defense on “Defense Human Resources Management”, the Hague Academy in the Netherlands and the Brussels Center for Creative Leadership” CCL. She started her career as the Chief Administrator with the Office of the Commando Chief Commander where she served for 5 years holding also the Rank of Special Forces/Commando. Her career has advanced in various positions within the Ministry of Defense, at the NATO Registry Office in which she was specialized and certified for the procedures on NATO classified information. Following this important position, she was promoted to the position of Chief Protocol of Chief of Defense of the Armed Forces of Albania. In 2009, she was in the position of the Counselor of the Head of Tax Department. In 2015 she joined LEAD Albania through which she was positioned to serve as the Advisor for Parliament Relations, Protocol and Diplomatic Coordination of the Minister of Interior, a role she was also offered by the institution after the program and that she held until 2019. From 2020 to date, she serves as Chief of Risk and Analysis at the State Technical Secretariat – Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy.

BRUXHILDA KITO

“LEAD Program is a Once in a Lifetime Opportunity, Earn it!”

By Rudina Hoxha

Bruxhilda Kito of LEAD Program Albania Cohort 3 comes to TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE with a detailed explanation of her journey full of achievements, challenges, ambitions and happiness. She has worked from one ministry to the other growing herself and preparing her for many challenges to come. For her, LEAD Albania Program is a School of Life. “LEAD Albania has been a Lighthouse for me,

and without any shadow of doubt it has been the best choice to certify the professionalism, talent and the experience in this direction,” she says in this exclusive interview, adding “It is an opportunity which is gained based on merit, to work in high instances of state institutions giving a unique chance to directly contribute in the institutional history of my country.”

Full interview below:

12 years of experience dealing with security, diplomatic and economic procedures. Could you explain your role in the governmental structures at length? Security, diplomacy and economy are three words, which in a separated fashion, convey simple mechanical chain of work but when interlinked into processes together, they are more than that. They are an intrinsic unique concept and approach of work where each of the elements is naturally linked with the other. It is a symbiosis which puts in motion complex processes with a huge administrative and civic impact.

My experience started with the Armed Forces, one of the most impactful “academies of life” where I learned discipline, hierarchy, diligence and challenges in the complex decisionmaking processes.

The Years 2006-2009 were the years during which Albania finalized its NATO Membership steps. Following Albania’s pledge in the counterterrorism Alliance and its contribution with troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, Special Forces and Commando Forces were an ultimate priority of the NATO membership action plan. During these intensive years of my professional work, I dealt with 12 plus international peacekeeping missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Chad, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo.

That was a period of high activity in terms of operational and diplomatic nature, an unforgettable period of time in which I absorbed, learned and witnessed history in the making and was happy to be part of the process.

It is very simple when one sees great ceremonies or speeches happening. But the backstage is way more complicated. What happens in public if mistakes are

made in preparation? What is the impact of a non-voluntary faux pas? What I want to emphasize with these questions is the pride and diligence that work offered to me. Surely I was valued with various certificates of excellence as “Elite Commando 08” by

Following this amazing experience, my career path continued with the Ministry of Defense, at the NATO Registry Office, an office managing classified information. I was selected, trained and certified to administer and safeguarding of classified information

Following this important step, I was promoted at the Protocol Office, International Relations Directorate, Ministry of Defense in which I was in charge of the Diplomatic Protocol of the Ministry of Defense and Chief of Defense, a task which rounded the decade at the political-military realm (2005-2015)

And then after a decade, what happened? One might ask. Well, I am quoting here Gerald R. Ford “Never be satisfied with less than your very best effort. If you strive for the top and miss, you’ll still ‘beat the

the US Team “General DYNAMICS” of the US Special Forces.

pack” which has always accompanied me throughout my path. This is how I always have the inner urge to start anew, a more stable path than the one already established, something beyond the old routine that keeps one in limbo. The path I traversed so far was not entirely what I wanted. I wanted to challenge myself.

By chance I read the AADF call on Lead Albania and I gave it a long thought, this is why I put forward my application in the last hours, after being convinced that this was the path I was looking forward for new professional impulses. I put my step forward and I won the first challenge of being selected. In 2015 I was selected to participate in the programme by joining the Ministry of Interior in the position of the Advisor for Protocol and Diplomatic Coordination

The State and Diplomatic Protocol pertains to the most organizes discipline when it comes to rules of legal, ethical and also philosophical nature in the works of the State. This is the nutshell of what I learned

throughout this important time of my professional path. As an Advisor for Protocol, I was in charge of the vast protocol of the Minister, official ceremonial, diplomatic relations of the Minister’s Cabinet and the foreign representation of the Ministry of Interior abroad. This intensive experience of such an official profile was a battle, and I am not exaggerating here. Every day one explores unknown waters but with the proper discipline and power of will one take the ship in its harbor.

I am proud we have impacted positively the organization and the political processes happening at the time, along with the huge structures of the MoI such as the Albanian State Police, the National Guard and so further. The important reforms started then are now giving results and I am very happy to see it happening and tell to myself “I was there, I contributed”

Following this important station of my career I was called to contribute in the Cabinet of the General Director of Taxes as an Advisor on Investigative Oversight. It was a position naturally linked to my previous position although this position was more focused on the work on the ground by overseeing the structures.

For the time being I am working for the Risk Analysis Section at the State Technical and Industrial Inspectorate, a subordinate structure of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy. It is a type of work dealing with more concrete

state institutions giving a unique chance to directly contribute in the institutional history of my country. This programme has served as a bridge of trust between my administrative experience and natural talent to be efficient and achieving success in the highest ranks of work.

matters, something closer to my engineering studies, professionally satisfying.

2. So how did you get on these projects? Were you able to select the projects or were you assigned to them? How pivotal was the LEAD Albania Program in this aspect?

This was my path throughout which I walked through in the professional realm. The experience and engagement from one profile to the other is not a spontaneous one. I believe that all what came through was the result of my professional completion which is combined with the passion for Diplomacy and International Relations.

LEAD Albania has been a Lighthouse for me, and without any shadow of doubt it has been the best choice to certify the professionalism, talent and the experience in this direction. It is an opportunity which is gained based on merit, to work in high instances of

How much did the LEAD Albania Program help you in streamlining knowledge for the implementing international relations, principles and standards as well as developing your relevant skills and knowhow?

The programme has been a strong pinnacle not only on the academic aspect but also in strengthening my professionalism adding here the defining role at the personal aspect. The programme has important training components delivered in Albania and abroad out of which I distinguish the trainings delivered by the “Center for Creative Leadership” in Brussels which taught me many things about my own self, I realized that human behavior elements and those little details of the work routine and staff management require refined skills. The best experience of this programme is the alternation of theory and practice, concrete meetings with high level dignitaries, officials and diplomatic staff, Ministers and important figures of the public life.

Topics delivered in seminars such as EU integration, public policies, decision making, foreign policy, security policy, development of social competencies

and leadership skills have been very important in improving my overall knowledge on the International Relations realm.

4. What do you remember most from this Program and why do you think you were a fit?

I cannot actually forget any of the moment of this programme and it would need a book to tell everything. I remember vividly the days we were having “never enough’ of the experience, talks and exchanges with my fellow students of Lead 3, a colorful group of people just like the perfect but different pieces of the puzzle, but with one common aim, Leading the Future, the final picture, a picture that always creates pride and emotion.

As much as it is difficult to put together young professionals of different ambitions, power of will, when it comes to put the energies into the leading future of Albania, the job is very easy. This is why I am convinced that this programme is a gem which gathers all this energy and assets and puts them to work with maximum seriousness. I am certain that I heard the bells ringing in the right moment and never afraid of the challenges I never put preliminary limits to my path; I can proudly say that I am honored to have engraved this great experience in my biography and professional path.

5. How well did the LEAD Albania Program merge theory with practice in your job?

The essence of this programme is to improve the efficiency of the way a

fellowship/a one year opportunity can turn into a sustainable contribution for the country. It’s a unique platform for personal advancement through learning the best practices on skills development and increasing the capacities through activities, presentations by also enhancing the potential of information analysis and thus combining theory and practice.

Experience is of course the key element of this opportunity, experiencing the new, experiencing the teamwork, new realms; it also gives the possibility to make a clear distinction between the possibilities stemming from practice and theory. The self-actualization which comes as a result of this process from bottom to the upper levels of understanding is crucial because it gives a sense of understanding the dynamics in the exact moments that they are happening.

Thence, the harmonization of practical work with theory was not only necessary to improve my work efficiency but also had a positive impact on my self-esteem and being more able to promote my work and personal exploration.

6. What would you tell other students if they were considering applying for the LEAD Albania Program? Why is trying worth it?

This program is a “School of Life.” If you are thinking about embarking into an exciting new experience, then you should put this step forward and apply. It is a great investment both on the personal and professional level. If you aspire to be part of the professional network of the Albanian youth, you will

have the opportunity to create bridges of communication and will walk through new paths which you didn’t have the chance to explore so far.

It is a once in a lifetime opportunity, earn it! I had the chance to tell my story to the next generation of Lead Albania, with actions throughout the work with the administration by combining theory and practice. I was their trainer on three modules pertaining to Official Protocol, Diplomatic Protocol, Official Ethics.

7. Beyond your work, what do you do that would be of interest to our readers?

A process which is now a lifestyle for me is cultivation of knowledge. It has to do with earned experiences and the ones needed to be earned in order to increase performance. In simple words, the neverending process of learning, of absorbing the best elements in a work experience but not only there. It is also important in the social, cultural sphere as well. Throughout this process we meet Luck. And do you know what I call luck? It is that very crossroad in which the power of will meets the passion.

What I now do with passion is focusing the energies towards politics and giving technical expertise in organizational matters. I do this with Qemal Stafa Foundation in which I am in charge for the Political Academy, targeting youth with distinct civic engagements in order to prepare them for future leaders.

Communication, training and ambition are the basic pillars and criteria upon which the candidates are selected and trained. The Foundation has a strong international support and I apply there all the leadership skills learned previously with Lead Albania.

Prolingua Travel DMC, Among the Best DMCs and a leader in WB for HALAL TOURISM

Ivana Karanikic, Luxury Travel Advisor for Western Balkans at Croatiabased Prolingua Travel DMC sits with TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE to talk about her company, target audience and new markets. Having the high-end clients and luxury travel as core business, Karanikic is expanding her business towards the halal tourism.

“Albania, being mostly Muslim country is definitely one of the pillars of our sales strategy and a country that was the most demanded in the last 2 years with a tendency of growth,” Karanikic told Trailblazing Magazine.

This year, Prolingua Travel DMC signed contracts with the major UAE and Saudi Arabia tour operators whose fruits will be visible in 2023 while it will visit USA in December 2022 to better positioning the Balkans Luxury Concierge.

Full interview below:

1. Can you share with our readers the business model of your company? How did the idea of Balkans Luxury Concierge come about?

I started as part-time translator in 1996 and after 9 years decided to become a full-time translator. In 2005, I established Prolingua Translation agency where the majority of clients were from the tourism sector (hotels, travel agencies, tourism boards…). Traveling was my passion since ever so translating for clients from tourism sector was almost like traveling. I have been discovering Croatia through texts and stories we’ve translated. Soon I realized that there are numerous travel agencies in the market but very few of them were genuine DMCs promoting the rich Croatian heritage and history, natural beauties and gastronomy.

That was a trigger to establish Prolingua Travel DMC in 2012. At the beginning we were covering my hometown, Rijeka and its surrounding area and we did it well. So, in 2013,

we were declared the best DMC in the county. But I knew that it has no sense to constraint ourselves on such a small area since I had extended knowledge of the former Yugoslavia and Albania’s regions and knew how particular they are, to be packed together and offered to the clients. That was a logical sequence since my mother is Croatian and my father Montenegrin with roots of his grandfather in Durres.

During that period, I became the licensed tourist guide for several Croatian counties. In 2018, I became a Europe Certified Interpretive Guides Trainer and in November, I will attend the 2-week train-the-trainer course organized by World Federation of Tourist Guides so

hopefully, by the end of this year I will be a WFTGA’s National Trainer. In 2019, the company became the Expo2020 Dubai Authorized Ticket Reseller that additionally opened us the door to both GCC and international travel market and in March 2022 the halal certified travel agency. In both of the cases we were the only one in the Western Balkans. In accordance with our development policy, in March 2022 we become the Balkans Luxury Concierge as our core business are high-end clients and luxury travel but left Prolingua Travel DMC as a brand under which we will promote all other offer not covered by BLC. Shortly after we merged Vetus Itinera, the Game of Thrones specialist about which also Fortune Magazine has written. I can proudly say that today we are among the best DMCs and the leading DMC in the Western

Balkans region for halal tourism.

2. What are your major clients and markets and what makes the Western Balkans in general and Albania in particular very attractive to you and your company?

We started with English-speaking countries (USA, UK, Australia and Canada), FITs and small groups which is even today, together with MICE, our core business. In 2017, I realized the potential of the GCC market and started working on it. It is a demanding market but definitely worth of working on it. So we managed to open it just before the pandemic started. And then everything stopped. As the medal has two sides, good side of the pandemic was that we had time to arrange the business and tactics on working on the GCC market so we

welcomed the reopening soon. This year we signed contracts with the major UAE and Saudi Arabia tour operators whose fruits will be visible in 2023 while we have planned in December 2022 to organize an inspection trip to the USA with the aim to better positioning the Balkans Luxury Concierge.

Western Balkans is a particular region for many reasons of which I will highlight still natural food, a rich history and culture and stunning nature. In the world where everything is artificial, being natural is definitely a trigger.

These markets still know a little about our destinations but we are trying to make as bigger promotion as possible, not only toward end clients but also educating our B2B partners and teaching them how to sell

those destinations to their clients.

3. You are triggered by Halal and sustainable tourism. What are your plans in this respect and will Albania be one of your top targets to develop that kind of tourism?

I am and have to admit that before 2017 my knowledge about Muslim travellers and halal was scarce but as someone passionate with the East, I started to learn and research a lot about it. Then I got the opportunity to learn from the best – Islamic Community of Croatia and as a consequence I got my agency halal certified. Our plans regarding halal tourism development are big and we have started with Croatia. I am honoured to be invited as a speaker on the upcoming International Halal Business Forum that will take place

in Zagreb from 4-5 October, 2022. There I will present the paper “Perspectives of Positioning Croatia as a Halal Tourism Destination” which will be somehow a basis for developing the region in this direction. A week after, I will participate in Kingdom Business and Luxury Travel Congress in Riyadh with the aim of attracting the highend travellers from Saudi Arabia.

Albania, being mostly Muslim country is definitely one of the pillars of our sales strategy and a country that was required the most in the last 2 years with a tendency of growth.

4. What offers Balkans Luxury Concierge different from your competitors to attract the upper class clients?

Upper class clients are looking for luxury but it is important to emphasize that the definition of luxury in past years has been changed. Today luxury is more experience than the golden pipes in hotels and you can provide experience only if you have a deep knowledge of the destination you

offer. There are only a few players on the market that honestly, I consider as competitors but quality competition is always good as it pushes you forward and constraint you to be better. What

I see as our competitive advantage is undoubtedly my personal experience and personal contacts on the spot. Being familiar with almost every single corner of former Yugoslavia and Albania enables us to, in a very short time, create tailor-made itineraries that almost always multiple exceed our clients’ expectations.

5. What would you recommend to other women hesitant in launching start-ups like yours?

Although we were a start-up twelve years ago, some things never change.

One of them is passion and love for what you are doing. And women have better developed their emotional intelligence, so much needed in travel and tourism industry. The process of gaining trust by your future clients can be tough and there were millions of situations where I asked myself why does it take so long, am I doing something wrong, why people I counted on just resigned…but to quit was never my option.

There is a beautiful quote: “Find a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life” and I cannot agree more with it. Numerous situations in business are like being between Scylla and Charybdis, but if you accept them as a lesson, you will go out as a winner. If you have a dream, go chasing it.

6. Can you tell us how many countries you have visited? Which countries impressed you the most and why?

To be honest, I don’t know (hahaha).

Around 30 if I am not wrong. Well, each country is particular and I always find

something to be impressed with. To be honest, former Yugoslavia and Albania are still impressing me more than any other country in the world and the truth is that I am deeply in love with them.

But, if I need to point out some of them than it should definitely be the United Arab Emirates for what they created in 30 years from literally a scratch and a plenty of sand. The word impossible there doesn’t exist but exists vision and dedication of the Maktoum family which made them one of the favourite places to live. If we just take a small part of the vision and dedication, we can create miracles in our beautiful Western Balkan countries.

The second one is definitely Greece –love the fact that they have been able to protect and preserve the millenniums old heritage, love their authenticity and way of life but the most their open mind and mentality. And the third one, the eternal Italy in which I lived and passed some of the most beautiful years of my life.

Making sweet-sour loaves and blazed fish by the sea FOOD FROM WESTERN FINLAND

It’s unusual to see a recipe that calls for a wooden plank and pegs. But those are some of the things you need for loimu, the Finnish word for “blaze” which refers to cooking a fish slowly next to a fire, not in or over the flames. It creates a unique taste and texture. The technique is in use all over Finland, but it fits perfectly in the west, by the long Baltic Sea coastline. There’s also a recipe for gravlax here, a type of cured salmon that is popular all over the Nordic countries. Our version uses sea buckthorn berries, not lemon slices, to provide a fresh hint of sourness.

The western Finnish region of Ostrobothnia is well-known as potato country, and potato pancakes are a delicacy that goes with the territory. Tasty setsuuri bread, a loaf that derives its name from the Swedish words söt (sweet) and sur (sour), is slightly sweet and a tiny bit sour – try it and you’ll see what we mean.

Recipes and descriptions supplied by Timo Lepistö for This Is Finland.

POTATO PANCAKES (PERUNALETUT)

These delicious potato pancakes come from the western coast of Finland and are counterparts to eastern Finnish blinis (see our list of recipes from eastern Finland)

Mashed potatoes:

• 500 g starchy potatoes

• 3 dl whole milk

• 25 g butter

Peel the potatoes and cut each into four pieces. Boil or steam them, drain the water away and mash them. Add hot milk and butter and whisk vigorously until very smooth.

Pancakes:

• 5 dl mashed potatoes

• 3 dl whole milk

• 2 dl all-purpose flour

• 2 or 3 eggs

• 2 tsp salt

• Grated nutmeg and ground pepper

In a bowl add the milk to the warm mashed potatoes and whisk. Add the eggs one by one, add the spices and whisk until smooth. Adjust thickness with all-purpose flour until it resembles thick pancake batter and mix until fully blended.

Place a pancake pan or a blini pan over medium-high heat and heat the pan thoroughly. Add a thin layer of butter or cooking oil at the bottom of the pan and pour the batter, about 1/2 dl for each pancake. Cook for about one minute or until surface is set, then turn. Add a bit of clarified butter or oil and cook for one minute. Serve with a dollop of salmon roe and crème fraiche with chives.

A farmer in western Finland has just pulled up a potato plant. Well, you didn’t really think that potatoes grew in a grocery store, did you?

Geography and culture are reflected in these recipes from western Finland, where sea buckthorn grows along the Baltic Sea coast and the Ostrobothnia region is known for its potato farming tradition.

Western Finland is a region with numerous potato farms. Try the potato pancake recipe in this article. Photo: Roni Rekomaa/Lehtikuva

Photo: Roni Lehti/ Lehtikuva

SETSUURI BREAD

This recipe comes from the southwestern coastal city of Turku and derives its unusual taste from the seasonings. Its name reflects the Swedish words söt (sweet) and sur (sour). (Finnish and Swedish are both official languages in Finland, and many Swedish-speaking Finns live along the west and south coasts of the country.)

Around holidays, it is customary to add a few handfuls of raisins or other dried fruit to the dough, along with some dried bitterorange peel.

• 5 dl buttermilk

• 50 g fresh yeast

• 7 dl all-purpose flour

• 7 dl sifted rye flour

• 350 g golden syrup

• 2 tsp ground anise seeds

• 2 tsp ground caraway seeds

• 1 tsp dried bitter-orange peel (optional)

Dissolve the yeast in warm buttermilk along with 250 grams of the syrup, and add the spices. Add the both kinds of flour and blend. Work the dough with a hook attachment for 15 minutes in a stand mixer, or by hand for around 20 minutes, until the

dough is smooth and shiny. Cover the bowl and let it rise for 45 minutes.

Divide the dough into two pieces and shape into loaves on a flour-dusted counter. Cover again and leave to rise for another 45 minutes or until doubled in size.

Mix the remaining syrup with 1 dl of water to make a wash for brushing the loaves during baking.

Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius.

Bake the loaves in the oven for one hour. After around 20 minutes, brush the loaves with the syrup wash. Brush them every 15 minutes, and one last time after you take the loaves out of the oven. Let cool completely before serving.

CURED SALMON (GRAVLAX) WITH SEA BUCKTHORN

Salmon prepared as gravlax (this Swedish term is also used in English) or graavilohi (in Finnish) is a staple in Nordic celebrations and one of the region’s best-known delicacies. You can also use other suitable fish, such as whitefish. This version from the southwestern Finnish archipelago uses sea buckthorn berries, so there is no need for lemon wedges.

• 700 g salmon fillet, deboned

• 2 tbsp salt

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1 tsp white pepper, crushed (optional)

• 1/2 dl cold-pressed sea buckthorn juice

• fresh dill

centimetres apart, for the pegs that will hold the fish fillet. Remember to add a hole for the tail in the middle of the other end. Season the fish and attach the fillet firmly into the plank using wooden pegs. Don’t use regular nails, because the fish around the nails would cook too quickly.

It looks much like any other bread, but setsuuri has a uniquely delicious taste.Photo: Markku Ulander/ Lehtikuva

Cut the salmon fillet into two equal pieces. Mix salt, sugar and pepper. Pat the fillets dry, spread the spice mix on top and put the fillets into a clean plastic bag. Put the bag onto a tray and set a plate or two on top as a weight.

On an island near the west-coast town of Rauma, sea buckthorn berries turn orange as they ripen on shrubs with pointy leaves and thorns. In the background is Kylmäpihlaja Lighthouse, now a restaurant and hotel.

Photo: Martti Kainulainen/Lehtikuva

Cure for 24 hours in the fridge, wash the salt and sugar mix off and place the fillets into the bag again. Pour the sea buckthorn juice into the bag, seal and cure for another 24 hours. Cut the fish into thin slices and add fresh dill and few sea buckthorn berries.

BLAZED WHITEFISH (LOIMUSIIKA)

Loimu, a Finnish word for “blaze” or “flame,” designates a technique for cooking a fillet of fatty fish, rather than a recipe for a plated course. Cooking a fish slowly next to a campfire (or in a fireplace – see note below) creates a unique taste and texture, and contributes to the atmosphere. You need to prepare a few things ahead of time, but otherwise this is a relatively easy process. The recipe calls for whitefish, but people also cook salmon this way.

• 1 large whitefish fillet, deboned

• 1 tbsp salt per kg of fish

• crushed juniper berries or black pepper (optional)

• a plank of alder or other broad-leaved tree

• wooden pegs

Drill holes into the plank about 15

Estimate the right distance from the fire by using your hand – you should be able to keep your hand in the heat for a moment. Place the plank vertically, tail-side up, at a slight angle, so that the thicker side of the fillet is closer to fire. This way the fillet will cook evenly. Wait until it is cooked but not overdone. Enjoy with archipelago bread (from our list of Finnish baked-goods recipes (coming soon)) and akvavit (distilled spirits, usually flavoured with caraway).

Note: It is possible to cook loimu fish in an indoor fireplace, depending on the size of the fireplace. You have to clear a space for it, usually leaning the plank against one side and making the fire on the other side. You also need to ensure that any smoke from the fish will go up the chimney, and that you have a way to remove the plank from the fireplace when the fish is ready. If in doubt, stick to outdoor venues.

To “blaze” a fish, you attach a filet to a board using wooden pegs and place it just close enough to the fire. (This picture shows salmon, not whitefish.) Photo: Visit Finland

VISUAL ART A Cultural Expression in Global Diaspora Engagement

By Theresa R. Fianko Founder and Managing Editor, Diaspora Digital News

Art is a measure of expression; present in one form or another in spaces we find ourselves. Its usefulness can impact economies and global communities for good- depending on how it is perceived.

In diasporas around the world, cultural identity is one feature which serves as a distinguishing factor. Understanding who and what constitutes a diaspora, is only a first step in identifying their objectives, strategizing for growth, being sustainable, and making a positive impact individually or as a grouping.

This is why diaspora engagement is a viable and important action; currently being undertaken by relevant stakeholders globally.

The influence cultural identities have on

art cannot be denied; as most finished work of art is inspired by history, facts and perception. When people migrate to one part of the world to another, they carry their identity with them, no matter the level of socialization they are exposed to, or the generation they are labelled as.

Benefit of Arts

Whether via painting, sculpting or any other expression, visual art is core in shaping human experiences. It brings meaning to understanding how we live, relate to others and our planet, in addition to improving the quality of life. It is not only about aesthetics but storytelling as well. Art has always been a vital tool of expressing emotions, showcasing culture and heritage, voicing out opinions, and proffering solutions to challenges communities and the world at

Attribution:

large faces.

In putting all these in context, art presents opportunities for economic, environmental, and socio-cultural growth. Strategically, tourism and hospitality sectors for instance are further boosted by local and international interest in art which drives the needed traffic essential for growth within the sector. Art is also a great tool of communication for activism and advocacy. The evolution of digital art presents unlimited possibilities in creating, showcasing and distributing art works.

Arts and Diaspora Engagement

Realizing the untapped potential in global

art Diaspora Digital News has been placing a measure of focus on the craft by highlighting the work of artists and artisans, and bringing out the purpose and inspiration behind the expressions through features, dialogues and media partnerships.

Art brings meaning to how diaspora communities, among others connect to their identities, heal, interact, shape narratives, and promote cultures. As a measure of expression, diasporas use it as a medium of tracing history, communicating needs, and a great way of telling stories which are often left untold.

There have been various instances where displaced communities have used art to tell

their stories, while advocating for their basic human rights, and soliciting for support.

The African diaspora have also invested a lot in adding value to contemporary art by showcasing their cultural roots through history, to their way of life in modern settings.

People can easily give attention to what they see, and so art is an open door for easy engagement which diasporas need to take advantage of.

Conclusion

Art can unite or divide; a reason why it is important to critically evaluate its use for the greater good. Diasporas must be encouraged to promote the use of art to express who they are, what they represent, and how they can make meaningful contributions to their homelands and countries of residence. Through forums like exhibitions, networking events, community activities and digital media interactions solely dedicated to the craft, diasporas can engage through expression, while gaining the full benefits that art provides.

Attribution: Tricia Bethel

Attribution: Anni Roenkae, Pexels Gallery

The Roadmap to Silicon Valley of Albanian Startups

Silicon Valley is the dream environment for every entrepreneur, as ‘the place’ to build and grow your startup. SV still remains a champion on ‘producing’ unicorns, large deals and unique innovation.

All in all, it remains an inspiration worldwide for smaller and developing startup & innovation ecosystems. At the end of the day, they made the ‘startup culture’ become known everywhere.

Silicon Valley also represents a role model/benchmark for other ecosystems. But it does not guarantee a formula for success. During the development path, other ecosystems understood well the importance of local culture and infrastructure to build a SV ecosystem like, in their countries. By always keeping their eyes towards this model, entrepreneurs worldwide were inspired to find different ways to get a glimpse of the SV experience.

Even though considered still a ‘young and nascent ‘ecosystem, a handful of actors have invested heavily on raising awareness, inspiration and entrepreneurial skills on the Albanian ecosystem. By making

the most out of the best experiences and approaches of more developed ecosystems, Silicon Valley being the compass, Junior Achievement of Albania and Techspace partnered with PROTIK and through the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF) support launched in late 2019 the ‘Roadmap to Silicon Valley’ Program. This program would ‘walk the talk’ as a sprint of incubation and acceleration workshops, with international class experts and mentors. The grand finale would be a Demo Day in front of a professional and well respect holistic jury, to evaluate the most promising startups that would have a trip in Silicon Valley, to expose them selves in front of potential investors.

Over 60 ideas and teams applied to be part of the Program with the hope to be the one selected for the SV experience. For the managing team of the program, it was a very inspiring to see a variety of solutions and ideas, scalable and niche ones compete and ready to take the next step. Unfortunately, not all of them could be accommodated on the program, so the jury decided the 25 ideas that were

more promising one to continue on the acceleration series of workshops and mentoring from March 2020.

That was the moment when everyone and everything moved online due to Covid-19 and so happened with the program as well.

Despite this challenge on the way, experts and startups continued to adapt and work hard on testing, developing and learning how to carry on the best possible way. Due to the fact that over 90% of ideas were technology related, the ‘online mode’ was also an opportunity for them to reach out to potential clients, that were online more than ever. All the batch was facing real time challenges, assisted by the program experts and mentors.

These challenges showed who wanted it more and those who were ready to adapt them selves on rapid shifting situations, at the end that’s what real startups are about. This was also helpful for the jury to understand who to invite on the Demo Day held on May 30, 2021.

Demo Day might be considered the end for

some but a beginning for some others. For startups it is the moment to shine, give their best efforts in front of the jury and go for the biggest prize. If you add the ‘online’ factor it makes it even more tense and challenging. The jury was composed of the best experts in the field and successful people in the field of startups and new ventures: Mrs. Mirlinda Karçanaj, Director of NAIS; Mr. Dorin Rama, CEO of the Crimson Finance Fund; Mr. Igor Madzov, SwissEP Investment Facilitator WB; Mrs. Irene Dorsman, CEO and Angel Forum Vancouver; Mr. Kushtrim Xhakli, Director of Connected Inventions; Mr. Max Gurvits, Head of Vitosha Partners & Ventures; Director – Mr. Praveen Varshney, Director of Varshney Capital Corp. and Mr. Kieth Ippel, CEO of Spring.

At the end of Demo Day, the respected jury and investors selected 9 startups with the promise that as soon as it was possible and safe to travel, the selected startups could conduct their physical visit to Silicon Valley.

Fast forward 12 months later in early June 2022, a group of 6 out of 9 startups selected on the Demo Day, physically experienced a one week visit on the startup ecosystem in

1CoGo, a phone app that will help people socialize and interact with those closest to them physically.

Silicon Valley.

During the 6-day visit, startups participated in 2 conferences aimed at technology and development of digital marketing, as well as in 1 international startup fair:

TechspoSV Conference (focused on technology and startups),

DiGiMarCo Conference (focused on digital marketing and startups),

SUGAR Expo 2022 (international startup fair).

By the participation in these events, Albanian startups and their representatives had the opportunity to be closely introduced to various ecosystem actors in Silicon Valley and beyond San Francisco as investors, startups of various industries, corporate representatives and representatives of international companies such as Logitech, Verizon, Atlassian, Salesforce, Airbnb, The New York Times, etc.

The startups that participated in this visit to Silicon Valley were:

2

Swipin, think of a whole network of individuals and businesses exchanging goods and money with each other in the easiest way possible by communicating like on a social network.

3

Markozz, the B2B solution for e-commerce businesses, including CRM and managing social networks, all in one place. By analyzing customer behaviors, Markozz generates data and information in order to create customized packages, services and products for customers based on their purchasing behaviors.

4

Gazoo, the platform that brings job seekers together with Human Resource Managers brings a new form of recruitment and interactivity to this relationship.

5

Fomobot.ai, is completely autonomous automation of cryptocurrency portfolio management as if you had your own dedicated agent 24 hours a day.

6

E-Agric, brings a digitalization solution for the entire value chain in the agricultural sector in order to reduce risk and maximize all resources and processes.

As they stated upon landing back in Tirana, this was a dream come true for these young entrepreneurs. They touched firsthand the experience of SV, getting inspired and having a clearer vision on what they need to do to be investable, scalable and a real international startup.

Junior Achievement of Albania

National Fair and Competition of JAA’s Students’ Companies 2022

In this changing world, financial literacy and entrepreneurship education are life skills needed for children and young adults in Albania, thus they are considered a key priority for Junior Achievement of Albania. Financial and entrepreneurship education is a long-term process. Making them part of school curricula from an early age allows children to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to build responsible financial behavior throughout each stage of their education. JA modules, already integrated into the school curricula, are an important prerequisite to meet this objective.

Since many years now the JA Company Program implemented by JA of Albania in partnership with the Ministry of Education of

Albania has created the necessary space and opportunity for young students to develop their entrepreneurial competencies and create their business ventures. The program has strengthened its participants’ capacities and competencies, making young adults more autonomous and facilitating the creation of their new businesses.

The National Student Companies Fair and Competition is part of the ongoing commitment of Junior Achievement and the “Albanian-American Development Fund” to support the financial education of young people in Albania. It crowns one year long commitment of higher secondary education schools in Albania that at the beginning of the academic year select

and develop the JA module “Students’ Company” in the educational program, as well as the support that JA of Albania constantly gives to students and teachers for fulfilling their expected objectives in terms of knowledge and training of young people as entrepreneurs.

Three thousand four hundred and thirty students of public and non-public secondary schools in Albania during the 2021-2022 academic year received knowledge about entrepreneurship through elective modules of the JA “Students’ Copany”. The support of JA of Albania through the training of 91 teachers and 277 students during this school year encouraged the establishment of 59 student companies that developed their business ideas and succeeded in selling their products. Three Regional Fairs organised by JA of Albania gave students of established companies the opportunity to demonstrate and apply the knowledge and skills they developed for entrepreneurship to the local and business community.

The JAA 2022 National Student Company Fair and Competition was the final stop of a year-long endeavor to prepare young

entrepreneurs. Twenty-four companies set up by 125 students from 22 public and nonpublic high schools in Albania, the top quality ones among the 49 companies that applied, competed with the ideas and products of their businesses in this Fair.

An established National Jury, consisting of six members from the business community, interviewed and evaluated the competing Companies based on the criteria of: innovation and entrepreneurship, product and customer focus, financial performance, planning and administration of the company, as well as the ability to demonstrate learning achievements. The jury awarded six best companies such as: “The best entrepreneurial company of 2022”, “The best marketing & sales plan”, “The most customer-oriented company”, “The most innovative business idea”, “The Company Ready for Work” and “Social Entrepreneurship”.

“Nexus” The National Award Winning Company will represent Albania at the European Entrepreneurship Festival to be held on July 12-15, 2022, in Tallinn, Estonia. We’ll keep Trailblazer updated!

STARTUPS

Bees &Trees, the first Albanian Skincare Brand to Achieve the European Standards

By Rudina Hoxha

Rona Nushi, Founder of Bees&Trees, is a winner of EU Challenge Fund, which finances innovative companies at an early stage of development. She talks with TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE about her journey from the creation of this skincare line to present when her company is expanding its presence with more shops. Bees & Trees was first established and designed in Kosovo, developed in Albania, and is now produced and certified in Italy. All Bees & Trees products are organic and they are tested, produced and certified in Italy, based on the EU laws of cosmetics.

“We have started everything out of the need to take care of our skin while enjoying nature and we respect nature, the source of our products, on everything we do. When you use Bees & Trees you can truly feel the energy of nature on your skin,” Nushi said.

Full interview below:

1. How did Bees & Trees start and what triggered you to create your product line despite the fact that the market was polluted with many other cosmetics brands?

Bees & Trees started very spontaneously, back in 2011 when I was studying for Pharmacy I created a sunscreen at the lab of the University, because I needed it when I went rock climbing on the mountains on weekends. I didn’t intend to create a skincare brand, but when my friends at the University requested to make that sunscreen for them too, and then their friends requested it because they liked it, I started thinking it through. It was something I enjoyed doing and people were liking what I was creating.

In 2016 the market for organic skincare in Albania was very poor, but also there was

A set of Bees & Trees Organic Products

Bees & Trees full set of products

a lack of information for the importance of natural and organic skincare. I started a blog where I posted educational articles about natural skincare and then created the whole skincare line and registered as a business in 2016.

2. How did the EU Challenge Fund help you to transform your interests into a career? How would you recommend others to apply for it?

Eventually growing the sales and having more customers, Bees & Trees transformed the production in Italy in 2018 and registered the product based on the EU Regulation. We were officially the first Albanian Skincare Brand to achieve the European standard and register our products in EU.

Developing new products and producing them based on the strictest EU skincare standards is a very expensive and hardworking procedure. Until now we have invested our profits gradually and grown into a line with 10 formulations made in Italy. EU Challenge Fund has been a truly appreciated help, where we had the possibility to create four new formulations and invest on our production at a much faster speed that we could do on our own.

I have suggested it to my friends in the entrepreneurship field as a very appreciated and supported program.

3. What makes a difference between Bees & Trees and other natural skin products? Why should people go for Bees &Trees?

Bees & Trees has started as a brand out of passion and has grown from the love and respect of our customers for our products. It didn’t start with the intention to create a profitable business, and this has made a great difference on the roads we choose on everything we do.

What we are most proud of are the quality of each ingredient on our products. Also comparing to other international brands, we see our brand very competitive on that behalf. Most of our products or +97% natural and +20% organic, which is a truly hard task to accomplish in cosmetics (based on EU Regulations and with documentation, not just as a word of mouth). All of our ingredients are on the Green checklist (marked 1,2 or 3) on any skincare INCI ingredient you check.

Despite the quality of our ingredients and innovative formulations, we are proud of our philosophy and why we do what we do. We have started everything out of the need to

take care of our skin while enjoying nature (during rock climbing) and we respect nature, the source of our products, on everything we do.

When you use Bees & Trees you can truly feel the energy of nature on your skin.

4. Can you give a brief background of your main products? Which are the ones designed for the teenagers?

Our skincare line is completed with all the steps you need to take care of your skin and the products differ based on skincare type. The complete set is made out of eight products and the philosophy is:

1) You select the Precleanser (all skin types), 2) Choose the Cleansing Foam (different, based on skin type), 3) Choose the Facial Tonic (different, based on skin type), 4) Select the Regenerating Serum (all skin types), 5) Select the Eye Contour Cream (all skin types), 6) Choose Moisturizer, 7) Choose Exfoliator and 8) Select Mask.

We have created this system to make it much easier for anyone to choose all the necessary products based on their skin needs and skin type. We explain the use and benefit of each product for their skin.

For teenagers we have a very delicate Cleansing Foam, the floral facial tonics, the calming mask, exfoliator, sunscreen and if the have active acne or acne scars, also the regenerating serum.

5. What is your favorite product? Will there be new products your clients should look forward for the rest of 2022 I’ve invested so much time and commitment on every product and all of them have a great value for me and to the lovely customers who use them, but from the ones we have launched, the one I’m most proud of is the absolutely Regenerating Serum. It is a bombing cocktail of antioxidants, it has a calming effect, it is innovative (it contains BioRetinol, a natural solution to Retinol, without any irritating or toxic side effects) and it truly does miracles to your skin.

6. Do you intend to become a mentor for someone who might like what you are doing?

I have learned a lot from other mentors during this journey at Bees & Trees and I’m always willing to give, too. If there’s someone who can profit from my experience, I’ll be here to help :)

Bees & Trees testers from the trip to Italy / Laboratory New Product: Organic Rich Moisturizing Cream

Ardit Curri

At 13, he was working as a waiter in various restaurants in Albania. When 16, the Albanian chef, Ardit Curri, left Albania for Italy for a better living and the rest is a history full of chapters of studies and work in different restaurants in the neighboring country.

“Once in Italy, I went to a culinary arts school, Scuola Alberghiero di Arezzo. Afterwards I worked in many restaurants in Italy and France, including Michelin Star ones,” Curri said in an exclusive interview with TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE.

His fame struck when he started to work at Perucà San Gimignano restaurant in Italy. “Working at Perucà was a very important step in my career. It was in that restaurant that I really got to know the Italian kitchen,” he said.

Asked what makes him special among the crowd, he would simply say “I believe what distinguishes me as a chef is my respect for the ingredients, the seasons and mostly for those I work with. With my cooking I try to evoke emotions and memories.”

Full interview below:

What drew you to a career as a chef and why did you decide to pursue a career in the culinary arts abroad?

What initially drew me to this career was the concept of the kitchen and cooking that I grew up with, such as: cook to fight hunger. Over time this passion of mine grew more because of curiosity. I wanted to create new and innovative food, and because the biggest satisfaction is seeing the joy and pleasure on the faces of those who try it. I moved to Italy in search of a better living. The economic situation in Albania was poor. When I arrived to Italy, I had to choose between a career in law or culinary arts. I chose the arts because I had already been working in the kitchen from the age of thirteen, so it felt right and I had dreams.

2. Can you describe your education and the training you have had?

Once in Italy, I went to a culinary arts school, Scuola Alberghiero di Arezzo. Afterwards

“I Respect the Ingredients, the Seasons and Mostly Those I Works With”

I worked in many restaurants in Italy and France, including Michelin Star ones.

3. How would you assess your experience as Chef at Perucà San Gimignano restaurant in Italy? In your view, what makes you a distinguished chef?

Working at Perucà was a very important step in my career. It was in that restaurant that I really got to know the Italian kitchen. I believe what distinguishes me as a chef is my respect for the ingredients, the seasons and mostly for those I work with. With my cooking I try to evoke emotions and memories.

4. What are your favorite specialties?

What would you add to the menu if you could? Do you follow the farm to fork movement for your restaurant?

I don’t have a specific specialty. I enjoy creating first dishes but my priority are the

flavors deriving from local and worldwide ingredients incorporated in every dish. I can’t think of something specific to add to the menu. With time we come up with many ideas and when it is fitting, we try to add new dishes. But we take into consideration the territory, the season and many other things. We try to source the majority of our ingredients from the local territory but to add an edge to them we add foreign delicacies.

5. What steps do you take to ensure that the food you serve to customers is of high quality?

The two most important steps in my opinion are: the selection of reliable sources and people for the products we need and buy; the meticulous attention to the quality of what we receive. If we are not satisfied, we will tell the clients the dish is not available, to ensure that high quality.

6. How do you stay energized and motivated to produce quality and creative dishes throughout the time? What are your influences?

A big motivation for us is the satisfaction on our guests faces, the joy we see keeps us inspired to never stop creating. The influences are not necessarily places or people, it could be something as simple as a colour, something I see in the streets, everything can be an influence or inspiration.

7. Do you plan to bring your experience in Albania in some ways? What is next for you?

Right now, I would not know what to bring back to Albania, but never say never, maybe in the future. I don’t know exactly what is next, I just hope to continue growing, to be inspired.

Allan Lloyds Conferences, a Meeting Place for People Building the Tomorrow

By Rudina Hoxha

Ilvi Dedaj, Senior Business Development Manager at Allan Lloyds, is another example of a successful young talent which TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE hunts to highlight. In this interview, Dedaj makes a clear picture of his responsibilities and priorities of work while reveals that a pure “accident” put him in touch with the prestigious world conference organizer.

With a focus on the young people, Allan Lloyds has currently two offices, in Shkodra and Tirana, and its aim is to get further expanded in Tirana. “The management would like to prioritize the office in Tirana and give it boost to the business and they see huge potential within the Albanian youngsters,” Dedaj tells in this exclusive interview with TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE.

“Generally, we are considered a company with a relatively young age of employees and I think this is one of the most important and vital aspects of the company,” he adds.

Dedaj has had the opportunity to travel around most important capitals of Europe where Allan Lloyds’ summits take place and he has met

high-profile representatives from many outstanding world companies such as Microsoft, Radisson Hotel Group, Pfizer, Astra Zeneca, Lloyds Banking Group, Citi Banking Group, Adidas, Samsung, Google, Air France, Deustche Telekom, Orange, L’Oreal, ING, Amazon, BT, Danone, SKY, Swisscom, Swaroski, Heineken, Philip Morris. TUI, Munich RE and many more, fostering and facilitating business relationships between the major players in the industry.

Ilvi Dedaj is a member of the US Embassy Youth Council Albania in Tirana.

Full interview below:

1. Let’s talk about Allan Lloyds and your role in this prestigious global conference provider.

Allan Lloyds Group is the world’s leading provider of niche business conferences across the Banking, Pharma, Telecom, Retail and Energy industries. We believe in quality over quantity, and our conferences are tailor-made to fill the holes in the market. In our business knowing our clients’ needs is paramount. Through extensive research with, and direction from, Fortune 500 companies we strive to ensure that our clients are provided with the business intelligence to drive their companies forward. Allan Lloyds operates unique conferences that serve as independent discussion platforms with senior level industry executives. and these interactive meetings give participants the excellent opportunity to learn useful insights for the current business.

When it comes to my role the focus nowadays is divided in two working spheres:

1. Generating new business for the company, where as a Senior Business

Development Manager our objectives are to drive revenue through sponsorship and exhibition stand sales by gaining extensive insights into the B2B world, dealing directly with high level executives from a variety of solution providers where it benefits it a way of understanding the industry that you are involved with and what is going on with latest developments on the market. I have had the opportunity to travel around most important capitals of Europe where our summits take place and meet C level managers from Microsoft, Radisson Hotel Group, Pfizer, Astra Zeneca, Lloyds Banking Group, Citi Banking Group, Adidas, Samsung, Google, Air France, Deustche Telekom, Orange, L’Oreal, ING, Amazon, BT, Danone, SKY, Swisscom, Swaroski, Heineken, Philip Morris. TUI, Munich RE and many more, fostering and facilitating business relationships between the major players in the industry.

2. The second part of what I do that goes in parallel is also managing my team in order to help the businesses by developing, facilitating and supervising training programs for employees. By assessing the needs of a business, facilitating a continuous wide variety of training programs and implementing development plans, in order to enhance the effectiveness of the workforce within the organization. I’m also working along with our HR team interviewing, screening, overseeing the selection and hiring of new talent. My main goal is to ensure that the candidate with the best qualifications and characteristics is selected and hired within the Business Development department.

2. What makes Allan Lloyds so unique in your view? Can you mention the valueadding solutions your clientele benefits from?

I will try to be as cold and objective as possible as I truly believe that Allan Lloyds conferences are a meeting place for people building the tomorrow. We are committed to achieving new standards of excellence by providing conference formats that encourage interaction, networking and high-class knowledge sharing. Allan Lloyds works autonomously to produce conferences for global public in different sectors. With almost two decades of experience of producing events, we’ve established a reputation for our ability to deliver conferences which provide tangible case studies and peerled discussions. These interactive meetings give participants the excellent opportunity to learn useful insights for the current business.

Participating as a sponsor at our summits takes them straight to their target audience. It helps the sponsors (vendors) demonstrate their business advantage in this competitive market and increase their profile with potential clients and provide a good presence for their existing ones. Our summits are highly visible platform to

showcase their products and services, which is measured by the successes of last annuals where there was reflected in record high attendances and use their company leadership and pioneering initiatives to achieve the greatest marketing impact possible. By doing this, our sponsors can create a competitive advantage in the areas that matters to their business by positioning their company as a thought leader and source of trusted information. Our summits will offer the opportunity to reach out to a variety of individuals with your message, share your expertise and drive people to your business.

At the end of the day, what it matters in a B2B world is building up human and business relationships and companies looking to develop deep relationships face-to-face with influential marketers and executives, our events are a great fit. Conference schedule allows maximum personal interaction between exhibitors and delegates. Networking coffee breaks and cocktail receptions provides them with an opportunity to discuss their solutions and services with delegates, speakers and potential partners in a relaxed atmosphere.

3.What are some of the new ideas you would implement in this position?

Well, last time I checked there is a couple of road maps that can lead to what you can achieve and how you can do better, even when you are doing well. But my business principles remain the same from day one:

1. Know your competition.

2. Add value & build trust.

by accident in life.. and that is exactly what happened to me. I was just a fresh graduate, looking for some job, where one day I stopped looking and a brochure of Allan Lloyds job advertisement showed in front of my feet.

I contacted the email and they agreed to interview me. I was not confident that I will be accepted, but things turn to be good.

3. Offer a solution to their business obstacle

4. Use testimonials wisely

5. Keep an eye on online reviews

6. Ask for the business & offer consultations

7. Pay attention to your website

8. Don’t let relationships go cold

9. Beat your competitors to the punch.

10. Prioritize networking

1to1 Meetings

Meeting your next customer is our MOTO. Through a sponsorship package acquired from the sponsor, it can deliver increased awareness, brand building and propensity to purchase in their target market. It’s a cost-effective way how to create visibility and traffic for their organization. We provide multiple opportunities to build your client base through unparalleled networking opportunities, maximize your brand impact and reach more delegates all in one package.

4. How did you get hired by Allan Lloyds? How would you assess this work experience and a career at Allan Lloyds?

There is a saying that good things happen

I started working with Allan Lloyds on January 2019 as a Business Development Specialist. The job was completely new for me and I get to learn even to today. Due to the outstanding results, I got the 1st promotions and later on after two years of work, in the midst of Covid-19 Pandemic situation January 2021, I got to get my 2nd promotion as a Senior, so they I could also build the team from scratch. In retrospective, things were not easy taking into the consideration the pandemic situation, we had to move 100% to online events, working half remotely-half from the office, but we managed to go successfully through it.

For sure, it would not have been possible If I did not have the full support from the management, my director who is also my mentor, my colleagues from the BD department and well the rest of the company. I still strongly believe there is a lot in me to give for the business so that we can strengthen our position in the market where back in time Allan Lloyds was then considered one of the most successful startups in Slovakia.

I can’t say enough thank you to the owners and directors, since they have always showed great virtues and support and leading by example.

5. Allan Lloyds employs dynamic young staff who are provided with ample opportunities to travel, to build business contacts with senior figures from Fortune 500 companies and to develop in a multitude of ways. Have you already touched these aspects during your work? Can you share your experience?

Generally, we are considered a company with a relatively young age of employees and I think this is one of the most important and vital aspects of the company. You are not given everyday chances to lead on your own a conference, visit these conferences where world leading companies send their highest representatives, getting the opportunity to meet with them in person and build relationship with them.

Allan Lloyds does provide to each of his employees this opportunity, so they can really taste the benefits of working with such high-profile companies and people with a special expertise in their domain.

Our summits take place in Vienna, Amsterdam, Barcelona, London, Berlin and Dubai and when it comes to my personal experience it has been a fantastic one, as I’ve been lucky enough to be part of such events within these locations.

6.Allan Lloyds is opening a new office in Tirana. What are the objectives and the projects to come?

Allan Lloyds has a strong focus into young people so that it can be entwined with their experience and bring a good result out of it. Albania has a very young population and we currently have two offices, in Shkodra and Tirana. Currently the focus is to go bigger with the Tirana office and we are looking for future candidates, so that the ones that are reading this interview can reach me directly through my working channels. The management would like to

prioritize the office in Tirana and give it boost to the business and they see huge potential within the Albanian youngsters.

Albania is beautiful, and it is tucked away in the southeast of Europe, making it a great destination to invest in. The investment opportunities in Albania exist here for the common man and venture capitalist. Actually, doing business in Albania is very easy, and it can even have very few employees because they made it easy for direct and foreign investment.

My country has a high score in terms of environmental performance, living standard, and happiness indexes. Albania is now attractive to bug businesses. Albania has now a young and educated workforce, open trade zones, wage is lower compared to other countries in Europe. The foreign ownership of a company can be 100%. The government protection of companies has no cap on the profit, and tax benefits. There have been a lot of start-up ventures in Albania that have been successful, and they continue to grow over the years, so that we are following the best practices.

Larger businesses show good profits in different sectors which include fintech, IT, financial services, banking, service, and construction industries. The law guarantees that foreigners who invest in Albania do not need prior authorization from the government, and they can invest in any sector.

In recent years, Albania has made great strides in promoting trade and opening a variety of sectors to foreign investment. Despite its challenges, Albania’s emerging economy represents significant opportunities for E.U and U.S. located companies across a wide range of sectors.

Kledis Rexho

“Come to Our Concerts to Enjoy a Truly Musical and Human Moment”

By Rudina Hoxha & Jose Pinto

Kledis Rexho (L) meeting with the Tirana Mayor, Mr. Erion Veliaj

S

eptember 20, 21 & 22 will be the days when concerts with the participation of Albanian and international musicians, who perform on the most wellknown world stages, will be held in Durres at Hotel Adriatik and in Tirana in the cultural Center – complex of Orthodox Cathedral and in “Tonin Harapi” Hall, property of Artistic Lyceum. They are all part of “Life and Music Concept”, a project perceived by the Albanian musician, Kledis Rexho living and performing in France for many years, and supported by many institutions and a big team.

The concerts aim to promote and support the Albanian young talents.

Kledis Rexho tells to Trailblazing Magazine about the preparations and the program while the proceeds from the tickets at the concert in Durres at Hotel Adriatic will go towards the purchase of materials for some of the most motivated Albanian students.

At what point are you with the preparations for the concerts in Albania and how satisfied are you with your collaborators and partners?

Hello Rudina and thank you for the attention you give to new artistic initiatives in Albania in TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE!

Concert preparations are now in the final stage. The “Violin of Peace” Festival is taking its first steps of a long journey. Other partners have been added to the festival and I am so happy about it. I take the opportunity to thank all of them from the bottom of my heart. Many institutions, such as the municipality of Tirana and the Tirana Mayor, Mr. Veliaj, who offered all his help in finding the halls for the rehearsals of the orchestra when I told him that the project, besides bringing a new artistic spirit in Albania, aims to help the most motivated young talents in Albania. Moreover, he showed his admiration for such

projects which aim to boost the new generation of the musicians. Of course, to be back in my own country and take a positive assessment for this project from the first citizen of Tirana, is a special privilege for me. The Ministry of Culture which was the first to entrust us. But even

the young supporters such as University “Marin Barleti” or other art lovers.

We have the valuable help of Mrs. Nevila Dudaj of Hotel Adriatik Durres, who has supported us since the beginning of this idea. Entrepreneurs, artisans and other artists such as Maestro Liutaio Erli Gurra and Studio Domi Durres are giving a very important help for the development of the newest festival in Albania.

Together with the help of Ami Flammer and Bujar Sykja, coordinator and professor of the project, who have a valuable international experience in teaching, and with the help of some of the best Albanian music students, we are advancing step by step in the development of the pedagogical program of “Life and Music Concept.” Recently it became possible that the most motivated violinist students of the program could benefit master classes from the best musicians of France and further. Sarah Nemtanu, who is a super soloist of National Orchestra of France, or Johnatan Sturm who is a professor from the University of Iowa in the United States gave very useful advices for two very promising Albanian violinists: Vesa, 10 and Pamela, 16. The pedagogical program is also supported by the Municipality of Tirana. Taking use of the preparations for the festival, I had the special pleasure to play my violin in the house of the elderly people in Tirana. I can say that my heart had never beaten more than in other concert in front of such a special audience…

Can you give us more details about the concerts like the exact dates, how people can book their tickets etc?

Ticket booking for the September 20 concert at Hotel Adriatik Durres at: +355 6970 75784

As for the other concerts in Tirana ( at “Tonin Arapi Hall”) on September 21 at 7p.m. and in the cultural center of Orthodox Cathedral on September 22 at 7.30 p.m., the entrance will be free.

All proceeds from the concert ticket sales in Durres at Hotel Adriatic will go towards the purchase of materials for some of the most motivated Albanian students. Really very necessary materials for them..

Every concert will be like a kind of music festival, and of course the violin instrument will be in the place of honor.

The concert in Durres on September 20 at 7:30 p.m. will bring to the improvised stage of Hotel Adriatik in Durres, musicians who during the year perform in the world’s most prestigious stages.

The program is designed to be enjoyable not only for an audience accustomed to classical music concert halls.

The pieces that will be performed, especially in the concert in Durres on September 20, but also in the concerts in Tirana on September 21 and 22, although played by professional musicians of international classical music, are pieces that describe our nature, such as the seasons of Vivaldi where in the fast passages of the Solo Violin we feel the wind blowing furiously and it seems as if we see and feel all the other elements that surround us in turn. In the sounds of the third season of autumn, we hear the animals running in a hunting scene in the forests of Italy or France. As for the Yiddish music that Ami Flammer will play, accompanied by Bujar Sykja and myself on the violin, I can say that it seems to us that we are listening to the whole life stories,

At the premises of the house of elderly people in Tirana

sometimes happy and sometimes sad, and sometimes both together.

Pjeter Gaci’s music played by Albi Binjaku and Armand Broshka is like a tableau of Albanian shepherds, but also the part of the composer Bazevitch that will be played by Rebecca Bogdanoff and Gabriela Opacka Boccadero is like a movie scene from the last century of a beautiful Polish dance.

To continue with the program, one of the most beautiful sonatas from the Violin and Piano repertoire by Cesar Franck will be played by Ami Flammer on the violin and Ionel Streba on the piano. I believe that it is truly a musical and human moment that will be spread by the notes of these extraordinary artists that should not be missed.

Next, we will travel to the great north and the mountainous landscapes of Germany with Brahms Trio for Violin, Piano and Horn with Ilir Kodhima in Korno, who is one of the best Balkan masters of this instrument.

Franco-American soprano Emilie Rose Bry, equipped with an international career, will sing Albanian, English and French pieces by Gershwin, Kurt Veil, Albanian pieces…

We invite you to take part in the concerts of the festival “Violin of Peace”, in this celebration of the music to reveal all the program and the musicians.

What is your message to the concert participants? What should they expect? Only music.. and also (as we say from our side) and.. « good hearts » (« Zemrat e Mira »)

Ami Flammer

Asa professor at the Conservatoire National Supérieur De Musique et De Danse De Paris (CNSMDP) since 1985, what can you say about the contacts you have forged over the years with Albanian musicians?

When I had just started the class at the CNSMDP, with Pierre Amoyal, a very gifted young violinist came to us in the class, his name is Tedi Papavrami. At that time there were curiously rich cultural relations between the Albania and France. More precisely, it is thanks to the flutist Alain Marion who went to Albania for master classes and who had spotted the young violinist Tedi Papavrami. Then he introduced him to Pierre and then Tedi’s adventure began in France. Very quickly the young Albanian violinist passed the entrance exam to the conservatory, which he passed very easily. Tedi then spent several years in the class that I shared with Pierre Amoyal. We presented him on French television and his career began..

knew a little about the political situation in Albania at that time, and the meeting with Tedi and his mom allowed me to understand better.

A few years later, I was playing as a soloist with the Mediterranean Youth Orchestra and we had a tour that also went through Albania.

During rehearsals I met Bujar Sykja. We immediately had a great complicity and friendship that allowed us to continue working with several other Albanian students who I taught in my class over the years.

As one of the main supporters of “Life and

Music Concept” and “Violin of Peace” Festival, can you tell us what impressed you the most about this project? How would you describe your cooperation with Kledis? Among these students was Kledis Rexho. A very interesting student and soon enough we talked about music but not only. Also social issues in the world. I think that maybe at this moment, a desire to act is installed in the head of Kledis.

Over time, the project became ever clearer and at that time, he really told me about the project with all the details he had thought of. A project that is in my opinion as much human, social and creative. As these are concerns that I share and in addition sympathy for your beautiful country, Albania, I wanted to support this project. We succeeded with Kledis and Bujar in a partnership between CNSMDP and the University of Arts of Tirana.

Then we exchanged online master classes between my class and that of Bujar in Albania. Master classes which were very helpful to students from both institutions.

Now we are trying to extend this support with the Kledis project “Life and Music Concept” and the festival “Violina e Paqes”.

Kledis Rexho holding a master class in the framework of Violin of Peace pedagogical program

Bujar Sykja

What is the importance for Albania of organizing concerts such as “Life and Music Concept” and the “Violin of Peace” Festival?

I would like to express my gratitude and a very warm congratulation for your magazine. I’ve read some of your numbers and I’m really impressed.

From the beginning of the Kledis’project, I was really enthusiastic about the benefits that this project could bring to the cultural life in Albania. This project, we hope, will help Albanian students and young professionals to a new approach with the profession of orchestra, pedagogy, and in general with music.

As this project aims, among other things, to remove obstacles in the way of young musicians in Albania, what do you think about this aspect?

The musical life in Western countries is different from the musical life in our country. We are a small population and we only have 2 professional orchestras. In Western countries, there are many conservatories, universities and many professional orchestras that allow students to have choices.

A student in countries such as France, Italy, Germany and elsewhere, has the opportunity to work with famous conductors, teachers and soloists of international renown.

Life and music Concept and this festival make possible these services mentioned above, free of charge, for Albanian students.

This project will even offer material assistance to students who will be part of the educational program

You were Kledis’s teacher at the Albanian Academy of Fine Arts. What do you think of his career and achievements?

Kledis is very talented. When he was working with me, he studied hard and improved a lot. Once he auditioned for the Mediterranean Youth Orchestra in France, he decided to move to France. He struggled a lot to integrate into musical life in France, which is not easy.

Emilie Rose Bry

COpera in Barcelona, Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires and Tchaikovsky Concert Hall in Moscow are strong memories! I have sung quite a lot of baroque repertoires as well as Mozart and French opera! I also absolutely love to crossover into jazz and musical theatre like Gershwin, Bernstein, Weill and

fabulous Inva Mula to sing at her MIK festival in Korça this summer so it is not my first time in beautiful Albania! I am thrilled to be able to come back and dive deeper into your wonderful culture! It will be the first time singing in Tirana and I am very excited!

Armand Broshka

Youwill bring in the concert a symphony from an Arbereshi composer. What can you say about this ‘surprise’?

My interests beyond the violin, for which have a diploma, are composition, arrangement, and the study of the history of Albanian music. This includes research on past musicians of Albanian descent.

In April 2022, with the support of the Ministry of Culture, I was able to connect through my project, 16 consecutive centuries of Albanian music, from the 5th century to the present day, with 16 works by different composers of Albanian origin and arranged by me for a trio (violin, cello, piano).

Among these composers, I managed to highlight two authors: Antonio Egidio Albanese and Llukë Sorga. Two composers who lived in Italy and Croatia. Kledis, asked me if we could bring something special to the public for the first edition of the festival, and I thought that the most special thing would be the adaptation of Symphony No. 7 by Llukë Sorga. It is the first time that a symphony by this composer of Albanian origin will be performed in his country of origin, 250 years later. I hope the audience will appreciate the baroque-classical sounds of their compatriot.

You are a scholar of Albanian music and remain so passionate about this field. In your view, what are the difficulties or the challenges an Albanian professional musician faces nowadays?

We are a small country in our region and in Europe but with an isopolyphony that is protected by UNESCO as part of human heritage. Lahuta which is also becoming

the inability to maintain a high-quality instrument due to finances. In addition, to really advance the cultural world in Albania, it is important the creation of comfortable and practical environments for the musicians, and finally, the construction of concert halls in each city and schools.

This would trigger a chain of events that would eventually ensure a higher standard of education for subsequent generations to come, which would influence a much more personal understanding of art in general and music in particular. It is precisely this gradual long-term investment that would create a larger and more cultured audience in the future, which also serves as a source of spiritual and economic support for the art.

Anyway, we must be grateful for the continued support of the Ministry of Culture regarding art and culture, through the approval of multiple projects, similar to the one we are presenting today. I have participated in many of these projects, which have been invaluable in sharing the values of art with the public.

Rebecca Bogdanoff

Howdoes it feel to work with legendary orchestras such as Orchestre philharmonique de Radio France and what did it take for you to come to that point?

First of all I’ve always loved playing in orchestras, the repertoire played, the movement of the entire group playing together, the applause of the audience at the end, everything.

And of course playing with orchestras such as the “Orchestre National de France” and the “Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France” emphasize all of those feelings. It’s a continuing learning. It took a humongous work, lots of auditions to be there.

How is it for you working side by side with Kledis over the management of “Life and Music Concept” and the Festival “Violin of Peace”?

It’s very nice working with Kledis and I hope that I help him the best of ways. Together we try to do our best to bring from France not only a new artistic movement but also a true help for young Albanian musicians. It’s a beautiful project, that I wish to have a great future. And an amazing first year of course.

Gabriela Opacka -Boccadoro

Yourepresent a very high artistic talent. Can you tell us more about your artistic highlights? Who or what are the most significant influences on your musical life and career as a violinist soprano, composer and conductor?

First and foremost, I am a violinist. I started playing the violin at 5 years old and never stopped since then. Apart from playing regularly with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, I take part in solo and chamber projects. I perform in a duo with harpist Oliver Wass, with whom I recently recorded a selection of works by Ravel adapted for the harp and violin. Nevertheless, in fact, in my case being a musician touched upon other musical fields as well. I sing with the London Contemporary Voices and take part in recording sessions. I wouldn’t call myself a composer and a conductor though. Not yet!

What are the special challenges/ pleasures of working over the project of Kledis?

I am very much looking forward to our project in September. It will be a great and abundant time surrounded by amazing people and excellent music!

Ilir Kodhima

Yourrepertoire in orchestra is so rich since you have played thousands of concerts while you are the organizer of the International Albanian Brass Festival. How will you contribute to “Life and Music Concept” and the Festival “Violin of Peace” with your experience as a musician and organizers of festivals?

I am honored to be invited from your wellknown magazine and to share my ideas and experience for a larger audience.

Me and Kledis have been studying together at the University of Arts in Albania and we always shared with each other our common ideas on how to develop a very healthy generations of artists, to give them the opportunity to have lessons for free from some of the most famous artists from

French and also to create new bridges of collaboration between French and Albanian artists.

This is a very important project since the collaboration between Albanian and French artists are really in a low level and I hope this will be a point and a reason to change. One of the aims and priorities of this Festival, is to unify and profit as much as we can from the French methods of studying and interpretation.

I am very lucky to give my help to this project not only like musician on the stage where me and Kledis will play the famous Brahms trio, but also supporting this activity from the logistic side and promoting it also for a large audience from the local media/press.

Albi Binjaku

Backto the Albanian stage after a long pause involved with numerous concerts in France. What sensations does this return bring to you?

To return to the Albanian scene after more than a decade is truly a beautiful and special emotion, which cannot be easily described in words. An emotion that interweaves memories of people, friends, colleagues, classroom walls, concert halls, and artistic moments experienced during the years of study in Albania.

What memories do you have from your studies in the Artistic Lyceum and the Academy of Fine Arts in Albania?

The memories I keep from the artistic high

school “Jordan Misja” and the University of Arts in Tirana are countless, but the most positive ones are of course the hours spent studying, the long conversations we had with friends, colleagues, professors, about everything. For different composers and instrumentalists, for the way each of them conceived a performance or piece of music. The passion for music, the exchange of ideas and experiences is a very valuable and necessary treasure for every artist.

How important is it for you and your career to be part of “Life and Music Concept” and the Festival “Violin of peace”?

It is very important for me that with over 10 years of experience as the first solo violin of the Limoges orchestra (France), and participation in various chamber music formations in France, Spain, Italy... to contribute to the conduct of an initiative and new spirit, both in pedagogical assistance for young students, and in Albanian artistic life with the “Violin of Peace” festival that Kledis is building. I am convinced that “Life and Music Concept” and the “Violin of Peace” festival is a bridge of cooperation and cultural, pedagogical and social development for the future, between Albania, France and beyond.

What do you think about Kledis’ project - “Life and Music Concept” and the Festival “Violin’s Peace”?

I am deeply delighted to be part of this magnificent project that Kledis has set up with great courage and effort! Kledis is a wonderful musician whom I deeply appreciate. It is an absolutely wonderful project because it allows you to bring music to your country dear to your heart through different artists of different nationalities! In fact, this project allows the music to resonate.

Can you reveal something more about your

performances in the concerts in Albania?

I am very happy to play during this festival a varied repertoire that touches on different eras. And that with wonderful artists. I will play Schumann and Chopin solo as well as in duet with the marvelous violinist Ami Flammer Sonate de Cesar FRANCK. Deeply happy to play with my wonderful friend and musician Kledis, KHATCHATOURIAN and different other works. That’s not all! Many surprises await you! A wonderful festival is coming! And once again a big congratulations to Kledis for what he is doing.

ELVINA GURRA

You are a very talented violinist who comes from a large family related to the music of Tirana. How do you deem such concerts and how important are such new initiatives for Albania?

Thank you for the invitation and the interview, since I come from a big family of artists, concerts are very important to me, I grew up between concerts and competitions and I was applauded by the audience from a young age, the relationship between an artist and the audience is extraordinary. and for me it will remain the greatest emotion. as far as such events are concerned, it is very important for Albanian students to take lessons from professors who come from abroad, it is an exchange of experiences and necessary for every student, the collection of funds for coming to help for Albanian students and all this thanks to my talented friend Kledis Rexho.

Luca Dupont-Spirio

Kledis Rexho and “Life and Music Concept”, a smart, generous approach to Albanian-French cooperation

BY RUDINA HOXHA

Luca Dupont-Spirio, responsible for the external relations and international relations at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris (CNSMDP) talks with TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE about the partnership the Albanian musician, Kledis Rexho has stirred between (CNSMDP) with the University of Arts in Tirana. Thanks to this partnership, the students are benefiting from the connection on both sides. “Discussions started in an enthusiastic, friendly atmosphere, but also with the wish to create strong ties between the Albanian and French music scenes, and contribute to the wider strategic bond between the Balkans and the EU,” Dupont-Spirio says in this exclusive interview. The University of the Arts and the Conservatoire have signed a Memorandum of Understanding allowing a wide range of projects.

On the other hand, he highly appreciates Rexho’s “Life and Music Concept.”

“Work methods sometimes differ between Albania and France, contacts don’t always speak a common language, and personal connections help a lot. LMC does a great job bridging these gaps; thanks to them we

have also been able to host a wonderful masterclass by Albanian opera star, Inva Mula,” he says.

The Conservatoire National Supérieur

de Musique et de Danse de Paris is in a partnership with the University of Arts in Tirana. How did this idea emerge?

Kledis Rexho reached out to us when he was starting the Life and Music Concept. He suggested a collaboration between the violin classes of Bujar Sykja in Tirana and Ami Flammer in Paris. Our Director, Émilie Delorme, knew Bujar from previous activities, and so did Ami; Kledis had studied with both and was great in connecting everyone. Discussions started in an enthusiastic, friendly atmosphere, but also with the wish to create strong ties between the Albanian and French music scenes, and contribute to the wider strategic bond between the Balkans and the EU. For that purpose, the University of the Arts and the Conservatoire signed a Memorandum of Understanding allowing a wide range of projects, which we are developing one step at a time. We started with online violin classes when the pandemic still prevented travel, and we look forward to physical mobility of students and teachers.

Which are the ambitions of the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris for the next years regarding future projects in Albania and in the Balkans?

Albania holds a great pool of classical music talents and a great wealth of traditional music. We want students to benefit from the connection on both sides, with shared artistic experiences and new paths for education and careers across borders. Our goal is to have long-term exchanges between specific classes, as well as intensive short projects for workshops and concerts. We are approaching this gradually, to ensure a sustainable cooperation both financially and effort-wise. With connected teams, shared processes and hopefully support from institutional partners at the European

and national level, we will have a good foundation to build upon.

The project “Life and Music Concept”, founded and run by Mr. Kledis Rexho is also in partnership with the Conservatory as well. What do you think about his initiatives and the academy festival - “The Violin of Peace” - he will be holding this year in Albania?

Kledis and “Life and Music Concept” (LMC) provide a smart, generous approach to Albanian-French cooperation. They are opening access for Albanian students to educational and professional opportunities in Western Europe, while helping institutional dialogue. Work methods sometimes differ between Albania and France, contacts don’t always speak a common language, and personal connections help a lot. LMC does a great job bridging these gaps; thanks to them we have also been able to host a wonderful masterclass by Albanian opera star, Inva Mula. I am sure the Violin of Peace festival will be a fitting showcase for their work.

Courtesy of ©Ferrante-Ferranti

Courtesy of CNSMDP (2019-20)

Façade of CNSMDP. Courtesy of CNSMDP