Paestum, November 2, 2025_The participation of AICS Tirana in the BMTA – Mediterranean Exchange for Archaeological Tourism has concluded successfully. This year, the 27th edition of the event opened at the former tobacco factory in Paestum on October 30, continuing for three days, featuring Italian and international exhibitors and a rich program of meetings and events.
At the stand organized by AICS Rome, AICS Tirana promoted the work carried out at the Bylis Archaeological Park (thanks to European and Italian funds), aimed at conservation, improving tourist infrastructure, and job opportunities for the local community of Mallakastra. Brochures, bags, T-shirts, and hats, project sheets, and information for the many visitors interested in discovering an Albanian archaeological tourist destination were provided by the office staff. In particular, the Italian commitment for local economic development have been explained to the visitors, focusing on training for local guides and providing grants to local businesses, main tools for a comprehensive support to the entire region.
AICS Tirana also took this opportunity to strengthen its partnership with the Albanian Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sport (MTKS). A delegation of seven guests—including Deputy Minister Lira Pipa, Director of the Bylis Park Ornela Durmishi, and Director of the Institute of Archaeology Prof. Adem Bunguri—participated in the panel “Protecting and Enhancement of Mediterranean Cultural Heritage: The Commitment of Italian Cooperation“, also attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Edmondo Cirielli and AICS Director Marco Riccardo Rusconi. The panel meeting allowed the Albanian delegation to present to the Italian audience both the ongoing work with AICS Tirana and its commitment to Albania’s cultural and archaeological heritage, during a technical session rich in data and reflections. University of Macerata was also present, with Professor Roberto Perna, technical partner of the Italian interventions at the Antigonea Park.
The partnership with the Albanian MTKS is currently one of the main collaborations for AICS Tirana. In addition to its job in Bylis and Antigonea, AICS Tirana is supporting the Ministry in the multi-stakeholder effort to draft the new National Strategy for Culture, which by the end of the year aims to finalize a shared document and a roadmap of actions to revitalize and better coordinate cultural interventions in the country.
