PROJECT- Round-Table on Tourism Needs: Introducing the ‘Business – FFL’ Digital Platform to Bridge Academia and Industry

Today on November 22nd, 2023, at 10:00, in the premises of the Faculty of Foreign Languages of the University of Tirana, a round –table was held on the topic: “The Tourism Industry in Albania and its needs for professionals”.

Entrepreneurs and representatives of important touristic operators in the country participated, such as:

Ecotour Albania Agency

Zemra Travel Agency

Elite Travel Agency

Ideal Travel and Tours Agency LLC

My Albania Nature Explorer Agency

Discover Albania agency

Vas Group Agency

Outdoor Albania Agency

Select tours Albania agency

AdvenTour Albania Agency

Vea Travel Agency

Medical Tourism in Albania

Experts in the field of tourism

Apollonia and Byllis Archaeological Parks Institution

Cosmos Translations & Events Company LLC

The activity was conceived and led by Prof. Dr. Esmeralda KROMIDHA, Dean of the FFL and Dr. Drita RIRA, Vice-Dean of the FFL , simultaneously coordinator of the winning project “Study and analysis on the coherence and expected standards of language specialists in the field of tourism in the Albanian context” of the UT program -Research, Excellence, Innovation.

The purpose of this meeting was to build a dialogue between university actors (lecturers and students) with the labor market in the tourism industry (entrepreneurs of the tourism industry operating both in the country and region), discussing problems and asking questions related to this sector as follows:

Are there enough professionals in the field of tourism considering the growing flow of foreign visitors in Albania? Which professions are most needed and is there any standardization? Which are the needs of this sector for foreign language professionals especially with the development of artificial intelligence?

Discussions focused on companies’ presentations on their activities and the relevant needs for foreign language professionals in the tourism industry, among which success stories of FFL Alumni and continued with the expectations of businesses towards professionals of foreign languages and cultures, on the specifics of their formation and training, the role of professional practice as a motivation tool in the professional career.

At the end of the discussion panels, the Draft Digital Platform “Business – FFL” was presented by Mr. Dejan KUSHTA, IT- specialist at the FFL, an innovative idea on setting up an interactive platform, as an ambitious project that can bring many advantages to the business community in cooperation and interaction with our Faculty.

This activity will turn into a tradition, where the conception of a joint annual action agenda is foreseen where other regulatory institutions will be invited and will be followed by trainings, discussions, products, open lectures, also within the framework of the operation of the platform designed by FFL “Business – FFL. Also, the professional career development of our students in cooperation with these actors, it will continue with the ongoing formations (trainings) that will be coordinated by the Training and Innovation Office and Information Technology Office at the FFL.

This activity aroused special interest not only for students and lecturers of the FFL, tourist operators but also for local media (TVSH, TOP CHANNEL, MCN TV) whose contribution entails giving voice to this important activity with aim to increase the standards of touristic services that we aspire to achieve.