TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE February 2021 by jarpin2008

MAGAZINE COVER TOURISM | HOSPITALITY | BUSINESS | DIPLOMACY | CULTURE

FEBRUARY 2021

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SPOTIFY’S WRAPPED CAMPAIGN

EASYPAY’S NEXT DECADE

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FERMA JONË

A RECIPE FROM “FERMA JONË”

46 ALUKÖNIGSTAHL IN ALBANIA

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MARC JOUBERT

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NOVOTEL

MARTINA KASNYIK

MAKING GOLF MORE RELEVANT

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ARTEG

HOTCO

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REVENUE MANAGEMENT RESOURCES

TWO RECIPES FROM AJAY MARKAN

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AgroTimeAL

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102

ALBERGO DIFFUSO

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE EMBASSY OF SWEDEN.

IS Toxic Work Culture and Bad Management Forcing Top Talent to Head to the Exit? BY JOSE PINTO*

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

toxic work

starts from the top with leaders

culture is costly.

missing or ignoring a perpetuating

Employee

toxicity running rampant within a

turnover

company, often ignoring signs of it

is costing

on a daily basis or avoiding listening

companies and

to the “good hearts” as we say.

countries billions of dollars each

It is in the leader’s hands to right the

year. High-performing and skilled

ship and sail forward with the

employees are “jumping ship” at

top talent and right attitude on

an alarming rate. New hires are

board. Straightening out the

ushered in to plug the gaps until,

company culture and eradicating

all too quickly, they quit too. The

toxicity by the root can be the

revolving door keeps on turning. The

difference between success or failure

productivity, efficiency, quality and

of your company.

profits decline at a fast pace, like the

Steering the ship on the correct

tyres on an F-1 car during a race.

course starts with you, the leader, no one else.

Is a toxic work culture, bad

Don’t delegate that issue, DO IT

management, or a ‘one man show’

YOURSELF.

company to blame?

It’s time to take off the blindfold,

According to several surveys

open your eyes and give place and

conducted by different sources

space to a more empowered team

Worldwide, 60% of employees have

with the correct blend of experience

left their jobs, or are considering

and new talent to determine

leaving because of bad bosses or

the course to take under your

poor company culture.

leadership.

While there are too many factors to consider everything that contributes to a toxic work culture, this usually

For that and among many other

E D I TO R ’ S N OT E

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

things I RECOMMEND that you

punishment

investigate and correct the

• Unsupportive leadership

following signs of toxicity within

• No praise for good work,

your company:

• No support for wrong doings or

• Disrespect, accusations, finger

encouragement for doing better

pointing and apportioning blame

next time

• Favoritism, gossiping, internal

• Poor safety, security, hygiene or

politics and drama

working conditions.

• Harassment, aggressive behavior

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

or bullying

It may be hard to admit that your

• Lack of empathy, appreciation or

work culture may be toxic, but…

support

if you were nodding your head and

• Dishonesty

answered yes to any of the above

the company.

• Excessive employee sick days

– your work culture may be a toxic

• They thrive when given autonomy

• An increasing number of work

one.

and authority and the tools to

mistakes and accidents

Empathise, Appreciate, Guide and finally, be with them during the good and bad times. “Culture is more important than vision. Some leaders have great vision, but have created a toxic culture where that vision will never happen.”

“Culture is more important than vision. Some leaders have great vision, but have created a toxic culture where that vision will never happen.”

exceed expectations

• High employee turnover

The thing is:

• Poor communication and unclear

• Your company’s success depends

How do you fix a toxic work

expectations

on how you and your team work

culture?

• Poor relationships and interactions

together.

A toxic culture cannot take root

between management and

• Your employees need to have a

without a fertile ground. Start

employees

psychologically safe workplace.

by examining your company’s

• Constant pressure to accomplish

• They need to feel appreciated,

leadership. Work your way across

more, overworked employees,

heard, understood, respected, and

the organization to the employees.

disrespect for work-life balance or

valued.

Listen. Take note. Plan a repair

unrealistic workloads or deadlines

• They want to have opportunities

strategy. Fix the problem.

• Employees work in a fear-

for self-improvement and

based environment: afraid to give

development.

Change won’t happen overnight.

feedback, afraid to make a mistake,

• They expect honesty, authenticity

But not taking action is something

afraid to speak up, fearful of

and support from their bosses and

you can’t afford not to do.

Show the way: Respect, Trust,

* Founder of JPHOSPITALITY.EU & Trailblazing Magazine

E D I TO R ’ S N OT E

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

OUR CLIENT’S BIGGEST INTEREST IS IN THE TOURISTIC AREAS OF ALBANIA

“ I be l i e ve t h at i n t h e n e x t 5 y e ar s, Ti r ana w ill b e al on g si d e ot h e r Eur ope an c api t al c i t i e s for w hat it w ill pr ovi d e for busi n e sse s an d c i t i ze n s wh o l i ve here,” says Eg l e n t Bi c i , CEO an d Co-foun d e r of Me i Realty (w w w. Me i . Al ), r e al e st at e i n ve st or / sal e s an d motiv ation t r ai n e r i n an e x c l usi ve i n t e r vi e w w ith TRAI LBLAZI N G M AG AZI N E.

ici says that

development projects being built.

there is a

Commercial and residential projects

very enticing

market in

architectural firms in Europe.”

Albania, with opportunities to invest in the

“I believe that the return on investment for investors will be really good.”

new resorts that are being built. “I believe that the return on investment for investors will be really good. The quality of the touristic villages, the administration, the quality of the materials used are to EU standards in most of them and that is something that I am really proud to see happening in my country,” he says. Bici also reveals that there is another group of buyers “who want to invest in Tirana, our capital city, where there are some fantastic

REAL ESTATE

EGLENT BICI:

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

property, to installing a Smart Home

city, where there are some fantastic

system into their homes if needed.

development projects being

This is what we call a “One Stop

built. Commercial and residential

Shop”.

projects designed by some of the best architectural firms in Europe.

IF WE FOCUS SPECIFICALLY ON

They are not cheap but their build

PROPERTIES, WHAT IS ACTUALLY

quality is really impressive. This

LURING PROPERTY BUYERS RIGHT

will impact the whole economy,

NOW TO YOUR AGENCY?

not only of Tirana but of Albania

The clients are very different and

as well because they create the

their requests and needs are diverse

infrastructure for some big firms to

to assist them in making the right

but what has got the biggest

think about having their offices in

choices. I write investment because

interest at www.mei.al, especially

Tirana too. As we speak for example,

IT IS SUCH A GREAT HELP TO

that is how I feel about buying a

from clients coming from abroad, are

most of the big names in the Hotel

KNOW THAT MEI REALTY ACTS

property. I consider it as making an

apartments, villas and investments

Industry have already come to Tirana

AS A “ONE STOP SHOP” FOR

investment and we train our staff to

in the touristic areas, particularly at

or are in negotiations with some

ALL SERVICES RELATED TO REAL

be very aware of that.

our beautiful seaside. There is a very

of these new projects to come to

ESTATE. HOW IS MEI REALTY

Offering the “One Stop Shop”

enticing market, with opportunities

Tirana.

DOING?

service to our customers for their

to invest in the new resorts that are

I believe that in the next 5 years,

I strongly believe that it is a service

Real Estate investments is a must

being built. I believe that the return

Tirana will be alongside other

that we must provide for our

and a necessity because most

on investment for investors will be

European capital cities for what

customers and we as a company

people don’t know what should be

really good.

it will provide for businesses and

don’t consider ourselves as being

done and how much it costs, so it

The quality of the touristic villages,

citizens who live here.

in the Real Estate and Property

is our duty to inform them to the

the administration, the quality of the

business but as being in People’s

best of our knowledge. We assist

materials used are to EU standards

ARE YOU GENERALLY SEEING

business. Buying a house or an

them every step of the way from

in most of them and that is

HIGH DEMAND FOR PRICE

apartment is the biggest investment

finding the property to getting

something that I am really proud to

REDUCTION BECAUSE OF

and purchase that more than 90% of

their property deed, furnishing their

see happening in my country. There

COVID-19?

is another group of buyers who

There have been issues in our

Full interview below:

people will ever do, so we are here

want to invest in Tirana, our capital

REAL ESTATE

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

market because of Covid-19 but

OR PROJECTS THAT YOU WOULD

and I have learned a lot from his

Mei Realty, not only through our

there have not been many problems

SUGGEST TO OUR READERS?

lessons and continue to learn from

page www.mei.al but through other

from it. We have not seen any price

There are lots of new projects

him.

publications that we regularly do,

reduction because of the pandemic

happening in Tirana and our seaside

The best thing that I have got from

focus on our existing clients as

in our market and in general there

and I am including only a few

Tony is that life happens for us and

best we can and as well as trying to

haven’t been any issues regarding

options but if there is interest, we

not to us. It is everyone’s duty to

attract new clients.

the demand except for the March

can assist anyone with making the

continue learning every single day

Mei is committed to providing

and April time when we were in total

right investment.

of our lives and to add value to

the best, most reliable and secure

lockdown. That will mean there will

Tirana, our seaside areas starting

everything that we do in our life.

service that Albanian clients and

probably be a higher demand when

from Shengjin, Gjiri i Lalzit, Plazhi i

Saying that, the biggest influencer in

foreign investors can find.

the market goes in full steam. There

Gjeneralit, Dhermi, Vlora, Saranda,

my entire life in Albania is Vasil Naci;

The training of our staff in our

“There will probably be a higher demand when the market goes in full steam”

Ksamil etc are excellent investment

founder and CEO of Agna Group

industry is an integral part of Mei

opportunities.

who is my mentor and who adds

structures with a focus on increasing

value, not only to the employees of

expertise in the field of real estate

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE

Agna but to all the Albanian citizens

and professionalism in the services

A TOP PROPERTY EXPERT

who take part in his events: Road to

offered by our dedicated agents.

AND ESPECIALLY UNDER THE

Success.

Another differentiating element of

INFLUENCE OF TONY ROBBINS’

Going back to Tony, I have been

Mei in the Albanian market is the

MOTIVATIONAL LESSONS?

blessed to be exposed to such a

continuous innovation that Mei

are always properties that go for sale

Real Estate is one of my passions

mindset and I try to challenge myself

always brings to the market. Two

at a lower price than market value

and there is a lot to learn and grow

everyday to be the best version of

new products will be introduced

but they don’t stay on the market for

there. As I wrote at the beginning,

myself. Tony Robbins, his trainings,

during 2021. These products such as

long if they are ever on it. Most of

I believe that I am in People’s

his books and his podcasts, have

Buy-Sell and development projects

these transactions are done before

business so learning from Tony

helped me tremendously.

are designed to help customers and

going to the market but this has

Robbins\ https://www.tonyrobbins.

always happened and will always

com/ or other top trainers from all

WHAT MAKES MEI REALTY

can get out of any investment they

happen.

the around the world is one of my

DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHERS IN

are wanting to make.

never-ending objectives. Tony has

THE ALBANIAN MARKET? WHAT

We consider the purchase of a

been a great influencer in my life

ARE THE PLANS FOR 2021? ANY

property as an investment and we

EXPANSION?

like to make our clients believe that

WHAT ARE SOME PROPERTIES

investors to get the best service they

they are making an investment too. 14

REAL ESTATE

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP AS A SOCIAL PROGRESS

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

ow do we do this?

1. At the Lake of Shkodra, our

We cooperate with

embassy partner ALTRI Center,

civil society partners,

implemented a successful project.

who have shown

The Center worked with 92 women

persistence, braveness and

to enhance their entrepreneurial

flexibility to ensure that women

skills and business services.

participate economically and

Furthermore, the ALTRI Center

impacting directly the daily life of

worked to formalize their activity

women and girls. We would like to

through the establishment of a

share three examples with you.

social business for the community of Shiroka.

AMBASSADOR OF THE KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS TO ALBANIA, H.E. MRS. GUUSJE KORTHALS ALTES

THE GENDER EQUALITY AGENDA IS IMPORTANT FOR THE NETHERLANDS. THAT IS WHY WE ARE AND WILL REMAIN AN ENGAGED PARTNER IN PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL PROGRESS. ENCOURAGING WOMEN ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION IS ONE WAY WE WORK TO STRENGTHEN THE POSITION OF WOMEN AND GIRLS.

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

These women and girls have not

Rights Fund, the embassy supports

These interventions provide hope

the political, economic and social

only increased their incomes

the SEE Women project, an initiative

and perspective to individuals and

structures, is paramount. In many

through operating in a legally-

of NCCS. This project provides

disadvantaged communities. Local

cases governments, companies and

compliant environment, but they

employment to marginalized low-

power and ownership lead to a

local authorities adopt or adjust

also profit from social security

skilled women, including Roma and

lasting impact and granting justice

laws, regulations or social norms as a

benefits, access to finance

Egyptian, in deprived communities.

and rights.

result of advice or pressure from civil

mechanisms and wider market

The women are offered vocational

society organizations.

opportunities.

courses in embroidery, sewing

This is the core idea of the new

I believe that creating more

or daycare, serves. This not only

project “SHE Leads”. A project

and better jobs addresses the

empowers them and grants them

funded by the embassy and

marginalization of this vulnerable

income, it also serves as a measure

implemented by our CSO partner,

group. It provides them with

to prevent domestic violence and

GADC. There are three objectives

decent work and it reduces the

trafficking in the remote areas.

to this project: building a dialogue

unfair competition. From the social

It has been amazing to see the

platform between women in business

progress perspective, the benefits

ability of these women and girls

and the policy-makers; foster

certainly outweigh the costs of

women entrepreneurship through

formalization.

coaching programs; and promote access to finance by enhancing

Embassy masks produced by SEE Women trainees

2.The Sustainable Development Goals are guiding much of the

the cooperation with the financial institutions.

work the Netherlands is doing at

This project will be launched at the

home and abroad. We strive for

same time this publication.

inclusive development, that leaves

3. The Covid-19 pandemic has

The women in fisheries at the

no one behind. Through our Human

further exposed and accelerated the

Shkodra Lake, the women producing

“We strive for inclusive development, that leaves no one behind.”

prevailing gender inequalities and

the masks and the SHE Leads

injustices; it brings to light a level of

project, show our commitment as

to reinvent themselves and adopt

vulnerability, to which no country is

a partner when it comes to gender

to Covid-19 circumstances. They

fully immune.

equality. These small steps bring the

started producing face masks

COVID-19 has also impacted the

achievement of the UN Sustainable

immediately, initially in a modest

civic space worldwide. Therefore

Development Goals a step closer.

quality and quantity, but gradually

support to raise women’s voices,

During these last three years in

stepping up to better standards and

claim their rights and influence

Albania, I have been very much

higher productivity. 18

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

impressed by the power of women. I

Also close to my heart is the

have seen numerous girls and young

memory of the ‘ women in business’

women that are eager to transform

visit of Albanian women to the

their communities, strong women

Netherlands. Together with five

willing to engage in dialogue on

powerful Dutch ladies and with

issues regarding their education,

my Albanian counterpart in the

economic empowerment, leadership

Netherlands, we set up a program

development, and institutional

for a delegation of Albanian

strengthening.

ministers, entrepreneurs and

Facilitating these girls and young

leaders. Many of the contacts

women to fight against gender

established then are still a base for

injustice and work towards stronger

Albanian-Dutch cooperation.

economic inclusion is part of my work and very near to my heart.

The embassy will continue to

The civil society organizations, but

actively pursue women and girls

also the women in government

empowerment. By working in

institutions or politicians have

partnerships, we can make an

shown a great commitment to the

impact where it matters. And making

advancement of women. We cherish

a difference is what will bring us the

these partnerships.

just, equal and inclusive society we all want for our daughters.

“We cherish these partnerships.” 20

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

Ideal if the Balkans Develop and Unify Their Hotel Star Rating Standards

BY RUDINA HOXHA & JOSE PINTO

“For hotel standards continuity throughout the Balkans coastal regions, it would be ideal if the various countries in this very unique region develops and unifies its own unique and more localized version of hotel star rating standards, requirements,” Graeme Alexander Anderson told TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE in an exclusive interview offering his services as an international interior design consultant. The British expert of interior design visited Albania almost 30 years ago when he was involved with what was going to be the Intercontinental hotel, later Sheraton Hotel and currently owned, operated and named MAK ALBANIA HOTEL. 22

INTERIOR DESIGN BY GRAEME ALEXANDER ANDERSON

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

“It was obvious then that Albania

- IDStudio which embodies a

had the potential to be a fantastic

hospitality experience of 50 years.

tourist destination. Having over

Anderson and his Studio is

the years explored the Balkans and

ready to come to your needs.

indeed the world and now living

IDStudio (https://idstudio.net/)

in Athens, it’s even more clear the

is an international interior design

huge potential the Balkans coastal

consultant highly specializes in

areas and indeed Albania have for

hospitality and leisure industry,

developing tourism,” he says in this

which includes hotels, resorts,

exclusive interview.

conference centers, food & beverage outlets and spas. It is opening

In 2006, Anderson alongside Adlin

offices in Jeddah and Athens in

Saidon created the company

2021.

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

FULL INTERVIEW BELOW:

a unique set of circumstances, Please can you make an

introduction of the ID Studio for

our readers and what makes it so

therefore we truly don’t have a favourite completed hotel, they are all our favourites for numerous

particular?

and varying reasons. We’ve been

International Design Studio

involved with 4 and 5 star hotels,

(IDStudio) - Established by Graeme

boutique hotels, new build

and Adlin in 2006 (combined

refurbishment, brand conversion,

hospitality experience of 50 years).

conversions etc, individual F&B

A hospitality interior architecture

outlets, f&B chains and developed

consultancy developing a synergy

various interior styles including,

between creativity & common sense. As ‘design-

ICR RAK - Lounge Bar

F&B outlets are designed with

a-holics’ our concepts are guided by a comprehensive understanding of

“ Albania has the potential to be a fantastic tourist destination”

transitional, traditional, warehouse, industrial and mid-century … Do you see

Albania and

the region in

any given brief either locally or internationally.

contemporary,

general in terms of your interest

Developing interiors for 4 &

and projects?

5 star hotels and indeed f&b

I first visited Albania almost 30 years

outlets whether its new build,

ago when I was involved with what

refurbishment, brand conversion

was going to be the Intercontinental

and or building conversion.

hotel, currently the Sheraton Hotel. It was obvious then that Albania

What are some of your favorite

completed projects and what is in

had the potential to be a fantastic tourist destination. Having over the

the pipeline?

years explored the Balkans

Each of our completed hotels and

and indeed the world and now living

INTERIOR DESIGN BY GRAEME ALEXANDER ANDERSON

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

unfortunately its quite the opposite.

huge potential the Balkans coastal

through a major refurbishment every 10 years.

areas and indeed Albania have

However we are fortunate to have

Therefore its important when

for developing tourism. For hotel

existing projects that have carried

you’re considering the style of

standards continuity throughout the

us through the last year. In relation

your interiors you don’t develop

Balkans coastal regions, it would be

to actual business development

a ‘fashionable’ interior that dates

ideal if the various countries in this

there has been very few rfp’s, the

within years of opening. Equally

very unique region develops and

lowest number since we started 16

as interior architects we are

unifies its own unique and more

years ago. The start of 2021 will

becoming increasingly aware

localized version of hotel star rating

hopefully see the start of the upturn

of the carbon foot print interior

standards, requirements .

to normality, normality being the

refurbishments have. It will be

summer season of 22.

increasingly important to ensure

How has your business evolved in lieu of the

pandemic and is any aspect that

has changed for the better?

Over the last year our business has not developed

that the consultant you employ

“ The start of 2021 will hopefully see the start of the upturn”

at all, indeed and

What are you

doing in Greece

right now? What are you working

repurposes parts of the existing interiors and or indeed utilises carbon free materials.

Based on your long and colorful

experience, when interior design is “good”? -

1. The planning is operational efficient and meets the various local and indeed international statutory requirements. 2. Both the hotel operator and client are happy that the designer has met their brief/budget. (Design consultant are contracted to follow the brief and not their own personal taste)

on the moment? In 2021 we’re

3. Whilst utilising cost-

opening an

effective materials,

office in Jeddah

the interior creates an

and indeed Athens. These Studio

impression that the

opening have been at least delayed

budget was much higher

6 months due to

than it actual was.

Covid-19 and the various lockdowns in

4. In the near future

different countries.

- that the carbon

On the positive note,

footprint for the

all hotel interiors are now 1 year older and even closer to requiring

interior fitout met the appropriate requirements .

a refurbishment. The majority of hotels go

A good interior –

INTERIOR DESIGN BY GRAEME ALEXANDER ANDERSON

in Athens, it’s even more clear the

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

THE 2020 GLOBAL RESULTS OF SPOTIFY’S WRAPPED CAMPAIGN 2020 was a year to remember — being physically apart for so long, yet somehow finding ways to come together as a resilient community. Before the end of this year, Spotify celebrated the creators behind the music and podcasts of 2020. And Spotify’s 2020 Wrapped is here to do just that.

S P OT I F Y

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

MUSIC (GLOBAL)

potify is unveiling the top artists, albums, songs, playlists and podcasts that defined how more than 320 million people around the world listened and discovered audio. Whether it was to stay informed, sing along or simply tune it all out, people kept

listening and creators never missed a beat.

• With more than 8.3 billion streams this year, Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny is our most-streamed artist of 2020. Check out Bad Bunny’s reaction when he first learned the news HERE. Following Bad Bunny is Drake and

So, what artists and podcasters defined a year unlike any other? Below you

the third most-streamed artist of the year is J Balvin, followed by the late

will find Spotify’s full 2020 Wrapped results.

rapper Juice WRLD and The Weeknd. • Billie Eilish continues her reign as Spotify’s most-streamed female artist for the second year in a row, followed by Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande in the second and third spots. Coming in as the fourth and fifth moststreamed female artists are Dua Lipa and Halsey. • The most-streamed song of 2020 is The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” with almost 1.6 billion streams this year. In the second and third spots respectively, are Tones And I’s “Dance Monkey” and Roddy Ricch’s “The Box.” The fourth most-streamed song of the year is “Roses - Imanbek Remix” by Imanbek and SAINt JHN, followed by Dua Lipa’s “Don’t Start Now.” • The most-streamed album globally of 2020 is Bad Bunny’s YHLQMDLG with over 3.3 billion streams, followed by The Weeknd’s After Hours and Post Malone’s Hollywood’s Bleeding. Rounding out the list of top albums are Harry Styles’ Fine Line and Dua Lipa’s Future Nostalgia.

S P OT I F Y

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

• The year’s most popular Spotify editorial playlist is Today’s Top Hits, which

For even more, check out Spotify’s blog For the Record and the latest

has more than 27M followers.

episode of our Spotify: For the Record podcast to hear Bad Bunny’s reaction to the news (check out the video here) as most streamed artist of the year, dive even deeper into the streaming trends of 2020 and learn how

PODCASTS (GLOBAL) • The Joe Rogan Experience takes the number one slot for most popular podcast of the year globally. Coming in second and third are TED Talks Daily and The Daily, showing that listeners were staying in the know as usual. The fourth most popular podcast is The Michelle Obama Podcast, followed by the comedy/advice show Call Her Daddy. • And the podcast genres people were most drawn to in 2020? Coming in at number one is Society & Culture, followed by Comedy. Spots three and four were Lifestyle & Health and Arts & Entertainment, respectively. Filling in the fifth spot on our top global genres list is Education.

Wrapped evolved this year. Hi-res images to include in your story here. Breakdown of top global results are also included below.

SPOTIFY 2020 WRAPPED GLOBAL TOP LISTS: Most Streamed Artists Globally 1.

Bad Bunny

Drake

J Balvin

Juice WRLD

The Weeknd

S P OT I F Y

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

Most Streamed Female Artists

Billie Eilish

4. “Roses - Imanbek Remix” by Imanbek and SAINt JHN

Taylor Swift

Ariana Grande

Dua Lipa

Most Popular Podcast Genres Globally

Future Nostalgia, Dua Lipa

“The Box” by Roddy Ricch “Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa

Society & Culture

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S P OT I F Y

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EASYPAY’S NEXT DECADE, WHAT COMES NEXT?

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URING THE PAST

hard is building it, finding the right

DECADE, THE START-

partners and the right team, getting

UP ‘ECOSYSTEM’

the product design right, all of the

IN ALBANIA HAS

marketing and commercial activities,

WITNESSED PLENTY

etc.

OF BUSINESSES GROWING AND BECOMING SUCCESSFUL. NOW, AS WE CONSIDER ONE OF THE

I have always been and still am very

BIGGEST NAMES IN THIS ECOSYSTEM,

involved in the company.

WE COME ACROSS THE NAME

Creating and scaling up a business,

OF EASYPAY AND ITS CEO AND

apart from everything else, is very

FOUNDER, LINDA SHOMO.

challenging, especially if you are the first company in the FinTech

A decade in the Albanian market,

industry in Albania. Being the first

10 million

mover in the market means that you

transactions, 460

are responsible for transforming

agents and 36

consumer purchasing behaviour

services. Can you

through services for merchants in the

tell us what it was like and what sensations did you experience? The last 10 years have been really busy! It feels like yesterday when it all started! Launching a new company in the market is easy, what is really

“payment as a service” market. EasyPay is now the leading FinTech institution in Albania and has proven to be efficient and easily adaptable to the frequent changes that occur in a market such as Albania. In its beginnings, the company started with a product very different from today, and over the years managed to pivot and improve, responding to market needs, standing out from other competitors, and turning

TECHNOLOGY

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all the challenges that came from

today has turned into a successful

the tireless work from the team of

with one of the three largest money

the business environment, into

reality.

developers, the number of agents in

transfer operators in the world,

opportunities.

EasyPay started its activity in

the country has increased. In a short

Ria Money Transfer, that affirmed

The history of EasyPay started as an

2010 as an online distributor for

time we reached 195 physical points

EasyPay as a successful operator in

inevitable need of the country and

two of the largest companies in

throughout Albania and we began

the remittance market. In addition

the Albanian financial system for

the market, Digitalb and Plus

to offer our service even to those

to this market development, the

a comprehensive digital payment

Communication. Just one year after,

who do not have access to bank

range of services in the mobile app

platform. It was the time when the

EasyPay managed to expand its

services. In 2014, EasyPay introduced

and the number of physical points

term “online payment” was almost

geographical coverage, enabling

its first online payment application,

in the country, continued to grow.

unknown to the local population.

the Albanian diaspora to purchase

complementing the range of services

At the same time, the youthful

That was when I decided to take

subscriptions online, thanks to its

offered with water-bill payments and

and energetic team working on

the first steps towards a dream that

integration with PayPal. Thanks to

police fines. That year, EasyPay was

behalf of EasyPay, provided the

introduced as a

app with the QR code reader,

payment platform

fingerprint authentication, and

for merchants and

push notifications, the first such

at the same time,

developments in the market!

the number of

Time passed and the local market

agents continued

developed rapidly. The year of

to increase,

2017 brought an improvement

numbering 250

in the social life of local youth

EasyPay PoS

by significantly increasing the

throughout the

number of activities / events in the

country.

country. Concerts, charity events,

By 2016, we’d

performances by international

brought much

and national artists increased

innovation and

significantly. To be as close as

development

possible to the local consumer

to the company

demands and the technological

and it was the

and market developments, EasyPay

collaboration

introduced to the market their

TECHNOLOGY

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and develop most of E-Ticket platform, which offered the

expanded to 2 locations in the Bllok

the services in house:

purchase of online tickets via Easypay

area which are very comfortable

platforms, marketing,

or via cards.

with most of our offices having a lot

communication, etc.

During these 10 years, EasyPay has

of light. They are warm, informal,

• Great communication

become an important reseller in the

full of energy and a lot of intensive

and organisation

market, meeting the needs of all

discussion. There are many young

• Market analysis and

generations who have or don’t have

people behind EasyPay’s success!

careful analysis of

bank accounts to make their payments.

customers’ needs.

2020 marked the tenth anniversary of

Throughout the years, small

EasyPay in the market. It coincided

and medium enterprises (SME),

with a difficult year with the pandemic

online merchants, and consumers

and turned out to be one full of

have gradually become part of

challenges and opportunities for the

our platform and now we are

digital platforms!

proudly counting over 10 million transactions, 460 agents and 36+

Where do the great products of

services. More offices, services,

Easy Pay come from?

merchants, agents, and clients are definitely positive outcomes that

The history of EasyPay isn’t a long

show the hard work of our team

one, but there are plenty of flows

members, who have developed

and tipping points spread across the

everything in house, and our loyal

digital payment company’s 10 year

user base, which should expand as

history.

younger consumers embrace the digital-payment platform.

10 years ago, EasyPay was founded

EasyPay will continue TO SUMMARISE, EASYPAY’S SUCCESS CAN BE PUT DOWN TO A NUMBER OF REASONS: • Clear vision and objectives of where we want to go and a very detailed action plan to achieve those objectives. • Focus on human capital: At EasyPay we pay special attention to our human capital. We give the opportunity for everyone to perform at his/her best, and we support that with continuous training and development programmes.

and started its activity in one

• In House activities: All team

apartment in the Bllok area in Tirana, by offering effortless digital payments for consumers and businesses.

members work with dedication and enthusiasm for every new and existing project. We create

Nowadays, EasyPay’s offices have

growing and innovating the digital payment space in Albania as even more competition rises to grab a share of the boom of ecommerce payments - one of the most lucrative markets in an expanding consumer and business technology market. Let’s go back to the process of creating these products. How different was it back in 2010 when you and your team were developing and introducing the first products? A product development process at EasyPay has always been a very delicate process in which we involve all departments of the company: IT,

TECHNOLOGY

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Sales, Finance and Marketing. Each

the IT team is in charge of

in the processes, which means

learning / online, and local resellers

new project moves sequentially

conceptualisation and modelling;

more creativity, work and intense

are building online platforms or

from phase to phase: concept

the Finance department are in

discussions.

adding digital payment methods.

development, feasibility testing,

charge of all financial related issues;

product design, development

and the Sales team are responsible

How did the COVID 19 pandemic

places with limited capacity, should

process, pilot production, and final

for making it accessible to the

influence EasyPay activity?

definitely support their business

production. Under this method,

market.

The global health crisis caused

in taxi (delivery) service formats.

by Covid-19 speeded up in a few

Likewise, food or other product

all departments / functions are

Furthermore, restaurants and

specialised and segmented: the

Nothing has changed in this

months what EasyPay has been

delivery operators should use digital

marketing team examine the

process since then! But nowadays

doing in the last 9 years in the

payment formats to eliminate as

customer needs and perceptions

the departments are bigger,

Albanian market: accelerating the

much physical money as possible.

in developing product concepts;

and more people are involved

adoption of digital payments by

Compatibility and versatility are

consumers and

the two competitive advantages

businesses. In the

of the FinTech industry, so this

first quarter of the

gives EasyPay the opportunity to

year, the number

be proactive during the pandemic.

of new customers

Thanks to the partnership and

on the EasyPay

support of Risi Albania, EasyPay

platform doubled,

carefully studied the payment sector

while the number

of the market and developed and

of transactions in

launched several digital service

the app more than

packages during the first half of

tripled.

“The number of new customers on the EasyPay platform doubled”

Medical institutions are running their telemedicine businesses, schools are taking steps towards distance 42

TECHNOLOGY

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2020 aimed at increasing sales

b) QR Code-payments

In 2021, EasyPay will continue

payment sector, providing consumer

through e-commerce and online

Digitalisation has long been identified

its focus on the small domestic

protection, enabling the expansion

payments. This led to investments

as an essential part of a country’s

merchants (POS payments),

of the banking services across the

and to increased employment (a

economy. The current crisis we’re

especially in the agro and tourism

country, etc. More competition

common goal of this partnership).

going through has accelerated

sectors, trying to better serve their

means more opportunities and

E-commerce provides great

the transition of customers using

payment needs. During 2020, we

room to grow. Of course, successful

opportunities to local businesses

traditional financial services to the

spent a lot of time researching

implementation of the law requires

to increase sales, investment and

FinTech sector, giving this sector an

these segments and have identified

collaboration between the market

employment. Electronic payments

extraordinary opportunity to instantly

several financial gaps that we will

players, and we are happy to be part

enable companies to generate faster

increase its services, geographic

aim to fulfil in the near future.

of this open-banking revolution.

revenues, increase customers, and

coverage and public image.

As previously mentioned, during

We feel very positive to collaborate

strengthen business relationships.

2020 we developed and presented

and better serve the individuals and

Digital payment solutions will

in the market the Peer to Peer

businesses in the payment sector.

contribute toward the local and rural

How will you expand the product

and QR payment services to

Last but not least in our future plans

economy, while it is estimated that

portfolio of Easy Pay for 2021 and

simplify everyday transactions.

is the market across our borders. The

60% of the population are outside

on?

In the coming years, EasyPay will

disruption happening now in Europe

continue to explore opportunities

is not far away from our region. With

the banking system. With the support of Risi Albania, the following

The rules of the game in new

that will improve these segment

more than 67 FinTechs operating

services are now live in the Albanian

product development are changing.

requirements by continuing to seek

in the whole region, the potential

market:

Many banks and companies have

ways to expand both its product

is great. Therefore, we will seek

discovered that it takes more than

and service portfolio and market

and explore the region and identify

Real-time electronic money transfer

the accepted basics of high quality,

segments.

potential partnerships that will allow

services via mobile, EasyTransfer

low cost and differentiation to excel

An important development in

our company to provide / expand

service, enabling individuals and

in today’s competitive market. It

the payment sector in Albania

our payment services abroad.

businesses fast and secure money

also takes speed and flexibility! This

at the beginning of 2021, is the

transfer services and giving them the

new emphasis calls for a different

implementation of the PSD2 law.

opportunity to choose where and

approach for managing new product

This implementation is expected to

when they want to receive money,

development, especially if you are

bring a positive impact and foster

compared to the equivalent service

a company working in the FinTech

the Fintech sector in the country by

of physical money.

sector.

stimulating the competition in the

Peer to Peer payments

TECHNOLOGY

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ALUKÖNIGSTAHL:

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luKönigStahl does not stop a minute, it did not even during 2020 despite the pandemic. Driven by technology and innovation, this company of 150 years of partnership

Excellent, beautiful and sustainable solutions for Tirana’s towers and Albania’s construction projects. Safe and high quality.

In an exclusive interview with TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE, Alexander Riemer,

BY RUDINA HOXHA & JOSE PINTO

Head of Product Management Schüco at AluKönigStahl describes how this

and quality, kept invented products that fit in various types of projects, thus enlarging the portfolio of products and its clients worldwide.

company travelled throughout 2020 and the new products it introduced to its clients. “AluKönigStahl started the “AKS Online Workshop Days” in the summer. Over the course of 24 online seminars, each about 1 to 1,5 hours, we reported on new products and on technical topics. This included questions on building physics, information on sun protection, our software solutions and, of course, we also exhibited new products,” Riemer told TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE. He is happy the Albanian market is ‘devouring’ Schüco and Jansen products. “As for new projects, I can say that we are in the bidding phase in almost all the towers that are under construction in Tirana,” Riemer says, adding “There is also increased interest from private owners to install Schüco Brand Systems in their individual luxury villas!”

CONSTRUCTION

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Read the full interview below: How was 2020 for AluKönigStahl

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meant cancelling planned events

motorised.

Particularly unusual shapes can

and transferring our activities

Panorama means that aluminium

be realised, such as diagonally

online.

frames are invisibly built into the wall mounted cross profiles, and it is also

and how much did technology/

and the central hooking areas are

easy to shift panels sideways.

innovation come to your aid?

AluKönigStahl started the “AKS

extremely slim.

The company started 2020 full

Online Workshop Days” in the

Many types can be built, according

In the window sector, we presented

of enthusiasm and ideas. Like

summer. Over the course of 24

to the taste and wishes of the client:

the Schüco AWS 75 PD.SI series,

everywhere else in the world,

online seminars, each about 1 to

straight solutions, over-corner

a solution with particularly narrow

information about Covid reached

1,5 hours, we reported on new

solutions, 1-rail, 2-rail and 3-rail

frame profiles, for which

us around February and action was

products and on technical topics.

installations up to 18 m wide.

taken in all organisations. First and

This included questions on building

Particularly attractive are

foremost, this

physics, information on sun

the “InWall” solutions,

protection, our software solutions

where the sliding doors

and, of course, we also exhibited

retract sideways into the

new products. The 24 topics were

wall when opened and are

presented in both German and

then invisible.

English. In the field of façades, we In the case of sliding doors particularly, we expanded our product range to so-called

introduced the new Schüco Unitized Dynamic Construction UDC 80 unitised façade series

Panorama Design variants. These

as of the end of 2020.

can be operated manually or

Prefabricated façades consist of sub-elements that are prepared entirely in the workshop. The frames, which can weigh up to 1.5 t, can be quickly assembled on site one after the other and lined up one above the other so installation takes place in a short space of time.

CONSTRUCTION

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ordering processes between our

special handle design is also

Asonic.

available. As with the sliding doors,

During light activity, a person

In connection to our online

a point has been reached at which

breathes 20l of CO2 and 35g of

webinars, we should also mention

very elegant solutions can be built.

water into the room per hour, and

the fundamentally enormous push

How successful has AluKönigStahl

quantities are quickly produced that

in the field of digitalisation. For

been in the Albanian market so

Most products can be electrified.

reduce the ability to concentrate.

example, we have been offering our

far and can you mention any new

Either one only checks by a

In summer, windows can be opened,

customers and partners our entire

projects for 2021 and beyond?

magnetic switch whether the

but in the transitional months and

documentation online for many

The Albanian market is quite unique

elements are open or closed. For

in winter, such ventilation is very

years - subdivided into information

and complex for doing business.

windows and sliding doors, there

pleasant and beneficial.

for architects and planners as well as

AluKönigStahl has managed to

for metal construction companies.

be very successful in different

are completely concealed motor

customers and us.

referential projects.

solutions and for door systems,

The decisive factor for planners,

elegant access controls are possible

architects and clients is that the

Schüco and Jansen offer calculation

with the Schüco DCS Door Control

elements look good when they are

programs that can also control

I could mention a few iconic towers

System.

installed and that you see as much

machines and thus enable the

in the centre of Tirana, which have

to the outside with as few frames as

processing of profiles, thus

been developed using Schüco

We also presented ventilation units

possible.

improving the production quality.

Brand Systems. The redesign of the

for room ventilation such as the

For metal construction companies,

Schüco VentoTherm Twist or the

the most important thing is that the

This software is also the basis for the

the National Theatre and Assembly,

particularly sound-insulated Schüco

constructions are easy to work with

Schüco SPC product configurator.

the Rainbow Center and the new

VentoFrame

and easy to install.

Panorama sliding doors and

offices of the

National Stadium, reconstruction of

entrance doors can be configured The webinars were used by our partners and it was a surprise for us that so many employees from

in a similar way to how online configurators from the car industry work.

companies in all the countries we serve, took part. Because of that, we will continue that service.

Other digital tools include BIM, i.e., the digital preparation of building projects. And the next steps will be EDI systems, which means direct

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Albanian Football Association. Also,

bidding phase in almost all the

challenging subjects in the countries

been created in this way, which

Tirana Forever Green, for which I’d

towers that are under construction in

mentioned.

planners already use extensively.

like to give my special thanks to

Tirana.

Investor Mr. Xhaferi for entrusting

We already started implementation

What are the most significant

The most important requirement,

us and our local Partner “Teha

of our systems in the Orion Business

market challenges in the steel and

however, is that in addition to the

Construction”, to accomplish this

Center.

aluminium industry at present, and

now much-used online meetings, we

wonderful project!

There is also increased interest from

how is AluKönigStahl addressing

continue to have personal contact

private owners to install Schüco

them?

with our clients and partners. This

As for new projects, I can say that

Brand Systems in their individual

One of the special challenges of

promotes a good

we are in the

luxury villas!

today is ‘resource-friendly’ material management. This means

Is AluKönigStahl planning to

that components that

venture into any new markets in

are dismantled should be

the near future?

returned to the material

AluKönigStahl is the license partner

cycle. Aluminium is a

of Schüco and Jansen in the systems

particularly valuable material

sector.

here because it can easily

For Schüco, we currently serve the markets of Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Austria, Serbia, Bosnia

be reused. Several Cradle to Cradle - C2C certificates exist for our series.

Hercegovina, Albania, Northern Macedonia, Kosovo, Moldova and Montenegro, Slovenia and Croatia.

Another important topic is building certificates. Certificates are issued according to specific

For Jansen, there is also Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. We always like to look beyond

criteria on ecology, economy and human use, which provide a buyer with information on how carefully

the borders, but there are

a project was developed and which

plenty of interesting and

materials were used. Corresponding certificates and web platforms have

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

climate for discussion and the health

This includes fire protection, blast

of all of us is maintained so we can

and burglary protection, bullet

return to a regular business life after

resistance, lightning protection and

the end of the Covid period.

solutions for connection to building management systems.

Over more than a decade, what improvements have AluKönigStahl

If a solution outside of the

made to their existing products to

existing catalogues is needed,

achieve such high-quality products

our employees in the technical

that can fit any type of project?

departments come on the scene.

The special feature of Schüco and

They deal with special solutions and

Jansen products - as also in the steel

project-specific elaborations. This

trade - is that, with all due respect to

can result in 30 -50 special profiles

our competitors, our product range

or items for just one particular

is far wider than that of any other

project, secured and co-confirmed

supplier.

by Schüco and Jansen.

You can obtain all products you

Only high-quality products offer

need in the building envelope

a long service life, good function

from us along with the appropriate

and are also a beautiful design

advice and counselling support,

with minimal or no requirement for

organisationally, technically and in

maintenance. That is our credo.

terms of calculation and design. Our team deals with solutions for high-rise buildings, renovation solutions, private buildings, commercial buildings and solutions for schools, universities and hospitals.

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

FERMA JONË Promoting Albanian Traditional Local Products from North to South BY RUDINA HOXHA

SWEDEN’S EU CHALLENGE FUND WAS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO US. IT GIVES US THE POSSIBILITY TO SOLVE ONE OF OUR CHALLEGES: REDUCE THE WASTE AT MAXIMUM.

onjela Borova, Co-

chains of the food production.

Founder of Ferma

This will not only make us increase

Jonë sits with

profits (reducing the waste) but will

TRAILBLAZING

diversify our business operation as

MAGAZINE to depict

well, Borova says in this interview.

the journey of her

They did not win EU Challenge Fund

business which after two years now,

with their first application.

has made it to promote Albanian

“We earned the EU Challenge Fund

local produces throughout the

this year, but this was not our first

country.

year to apply there. We kept trying

This year, with the support of

,” Borova says.

Swedish EU Challenge Fund, Ferma

Jonë has started to implement

She believes that Innovation and

its project to go agroprocessing.

Creative Ideas make Ferma Jonë

“In this way we complite all the

stands out in the market.

S TA R T U P/ E U C H A L L E N G E F U N D

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FULL INTERVIEW BELOW: Thank you for being with

Trailblazing Magazine. Could you

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products, what Albania can offer etc,

local products, organic agriculture

everywhere in Albanian families and

especially this was more important

and small farmers of Albania from

promote our brand. However, what

to all of us, when our families were

North to South.

is most important besides marketing tools, is the QUALITY. The quality

growing with children. We decided

please give us a short overview

to make something concrete, to

about how you became an

have a small farm in Baldushk

entrepreneur as well as why you

village in Tirana and start producing

In your opinion what makes Ferma Jonë stand out from the rest?

How do you manage to ensure

founded Ferma Jonë?

organic vegetables, salads for our

healthy and high-quality food for

First of all we would like to thank you

families. Then we start with a sellling

your clientele?

for giving us the opportunity of this

point in Tirana offering to others

We believe Innovation and Creative

interview. As you may know, Ferma

our products and our experience.

Ideas, have distinguished us from

Jonë is a business created by two

Then step by step, we continued

other competitors. Ferma Jonë

families, friends with each other. We

creating a network of Albanian

had from the beginning an online

were always discussing about the food

local producers, wonderful and

presence, a website, social media

quality, organic agriculture, traditional

hardworking people of rural Albania

pages and gave importance

who needed

to the promotion, marketing,

to find a way

communication etc. Especially after

to promote

the Covid 19 crisis, we were able

what they

through our online initiative to go

is something we do not negotiate. We make frequent analyses to our products, take advice from the best agronomists in the market, have

were doing and reach the consumers. After two years now, Ferma Jonë is the business and the platform that supports and promotes traditional

“We believe Innovation and Creative Ideas, have distinguished us from other competitors.”

a very good collaboration with genetic bank of Albania in order to cultivate autoktonus Albanian products etc. The same requirements we

S TA R T U P/ E U C H A L L E N G E F U N D

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are asking from our network of

another strong point of Ferma Jonë.

consulting with experts and try to

team and we have divided our works

collaborators as well. We advice

Recently we have implemented

finance these ideas through different

in order to sucessfully implement on

them through our experts on how to

online a code of colors for our

projects.

time the new idea financed by the

produce in order to have qualitative

products toward our customers.

EU Challenge Fund was a great

EU Challenge Fund.

products.

With each color we use for a specific

opportunity to us. It gives us the

Communication with customers in

product we are giving to our

possibility to solve one of our

“Communication with customers in another strong point of Ferma Jonë.”

customers information regarding the

challeges: reduce the waste at

product origin. Transparency and

maximum.

their own agtech company?

communication with them regarding

We will have the opportunity

We believe that the agriculture in

all the questions they might have

through this fund to start

Albania has a lot of opportunities

we believe has influenced their

agroprocessing. In this way we

especially for the young people.

confidence to our business too.

complite all the chains of the food

Innovation and creative ideas always

production . This will not only make

find their way. Agriculture is an open

us increase profits (reducing the

field for innovation. Of course there

waste) but will diversify our business

might be dificulties but dont be

operation as well.

afraid to fail, keep trying.

How crucial was the awarding

of EU Challenge Fund to Ferma Jonë? How did it influence its further

development

as a company?

What is your advice to young

entrepreneurs looking to kick off

We earned the EU challenge fund this year, but this was not our first What are your future plans with

year to apply there. We kept trying.

Ferma Jonë is

the EU Challenge capital?

always under

We have just started to implement

the pressure

the project. We are searching

to improve

for a location where our

itself. Thus

agroprocessing point and selling

we are always

point will be located. Meanwhile

discussing and

we have selected the necesary

generating

new euipments needed for

ideas among

the agroprocessing point. Staff

us, taking

interviewes are taking place as well.

surveys with

There are a lot of activities to be

“We believe that the agriculture in Albania has a lot of opportunities .”

customers,

implemented, but we function as a

S TA R T U P/ E U C H A L L E N G E F U N D

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

A Recipe from “Ferma Jonë” “Fasule Korçe” Beans from Korça Ingredients (3 - 4 persons) • 300 g beans • green pepper • carrots • onion • 150 g tomato sauce • parsley • salt • red pepper • laurel leaf

Beans are a traditional plate of Albanian families. In Korça, say, people eat beans each Friday:) The recipe is very easy. We clean the beans and put them in water, one day before. Next day, we remove the water from previous day and we put the beans in hot water. We add carrots, onion, green pepper and boil them for 30 minutes.Then, we prepare the sauce: tomato sauce, onion, a pinch of salt, pepper, parsley, laurel leaf and olive oil. Then we mix the beans with the sauce and leave them to boil for some minutes. Beans are ready. We can eat them with olives or pickles 62

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Photo credit: Salamon Photography

ALBANIA IS UNIQUE BECAUSE IT’S A VERY CREATIVE, INTERNATIONAL AND OPEN-MINDED SOCIETY THAT IS DEVELOPING QUICKLY. WE WANT TO HELP BY CONTRIBUTING IDEAS NOW AND DEVELOPING PROPOSALS THAT WILL MAKE ALBANIA AN EVEN BETTER PLACE IN THE FUTURE, FOR ALBANIANS AND VISITORS.

MARC JOUBERT:

arc Joubert is

on many projects including being

proud of all of

invited to enter the competition

his projects so far

for the new Municipality of Tirana

but even more

as well as ‘Parklife’ project in the

of Lake Views

south of Tirana, which has started

Residences because “it will be a

construction.

unique part of the city with its own identity, while very well connected

Full interview below:

to its surroundings.” Everyone who takes a stroll or

If People are Asked Where They Live, Saying ‘Lake Views’ Will be Enough!

For Lake Views, Joubert said that they were inspired by Mediterranean hotel architecture. “We imagined a hotel atmosphere, where

BY RUDINA HOXHA & JOSE PINTO

a run at Park of Tirana wonders

about Lake Views and Residences design. How did you come to this

particular architecture that fits so

people can feel like they’re on a

well in this part of Tirana city?

vacation when they come home,

When we were asked to produce a

while having all the facilities and

proposal for the Lake Views location,

advantages of living in the city,” he

we already had some experience in

said in an exclusive interview with

Tirana and knew the location well.

TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE.

With this unique location so close to

Joubert’s architecture studio - JA

the city centre and on the edge of

Joubert Architecture, is working

the lake and park, we wanted to take

Marc Joubert

ARCHITECTURE

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

In your opinion, what ways does

Lake Views make headlines? Can you share some interesting facts about it?

It will be a unique part of the city with its own identity, while

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

is clear that you have previous

sometimes we have to wait before

experience in Albania and the

making them public…!

here? Is Albania already a pot of

In 1996, you went to Netherlands

there any other project coming

international projects. How

Balkans. What attracts you

imagination and creativity? Are

to get involved in different

important was this period of time

very well connected to its

soon?

surroundings. If people are

We work all over, in France,

on your career as an architect?

asked where they live, saying ‘Lake

Netherlands, Germany, South Africa

I have always worked worldwide

Views’ will be enough!

and others as well as Albania.

since I started my career. With

We were inspired by Mediterranean

Albania is unique because it’s a

my origins in South Africa and

them as well as the views to the

hotel architecture. We imagined a

very creative, international and

Germany and our company JA

mountains and hills surrounding

hotel atmosphere, where people

open-minded society that is

Joubert Architecture founded in

Tirana.

can feel like they’re on a vacation

developing quickly. We want to

The Netherlands, it was natural to

We wanted to maximise views

when they come home, while having

help by contributing ideas now and

work worldwide. Since the mid 90’s,

for all the buildings’ inhabitants,

all the facilities and advantages of

developing proposals that will make

I have worked on every continent in

not just the top floors. If they

living in the city.

Albania an even better place in the

the world, but I learnt that quality,

future, for Albanians and visitors.

originality and attention to detail is

full advantage of its connections to

are in apartments, offices or the How has it been for you working

hotel, they deserve the best views

with Gener 2 professional staff

possible. So we knew from the

and team? Can you share any

beginning we didn’t want the same height blocks or towers next to each

moments you remember from this

universal! We are working on several projects in our offices including being invited to enter the competition for the new

other. If you look carefully you can

experience?

Municipality of Tirana. We are also

see we undulated the buildings

The speed of the design process

working on our ‘Parklife’ project

vertically to create green terraces

was impressive. When we had our

in the south of Tirana, which has

with views on the edges and twisted

first proposals, working in our

started construction. In Rotterdam,

the buildings so that vistas are

offices in Rotterdam, we invited

we are building a new sports facility

never blocked. Every building has

them for a collaboration meeting.

and on Cyprus we are working on a

maximum views while still being

They booked a flight and were in

new resort and marina. There are

connected to the neighborhood!

our office the next morning!

several interesting projects under development but as you know,

Going through your portfolio, it 66

ARCHITECTURE

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

Novotel to Grow by Seventy Hotels BY JULIANA HAHN

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

Interestingly, 27 are in various

offer throughout the day, as well as

phases of construction at the

the lobby lounge with a cafeteria

moment, while another 32 are still in

corner and the 24-hour room service.

the planning phase.

The hotel will be located on Olaya

Novotel’s main growth regions

Street, in the north of the Saudi

APAC will be the region with the

capital, just 35 km from King Khaled

most openings, with twenty projects

International Airport.

and 5,870 rooms. Europe is close

For its part, the Novotel Doha West

behind, with 16 projects and 3,066

Bay, located in one of the most

new rooms.

privileged areas of Doha, will be

The Middle East is in third place,

part of Al Baker Hotel Towers. The

with thirteen new hotels and 4,958

53-story hotel will feature 396 rooms

rooms, and Africa is close behind

and suites, as well as a variety of

with twelve projects and 2,014

restaurants and leisure facilities.

The TOPHOTELPROJECTS

rooms. South America is next with

Albaker Architects and interior

construction database shows that

six launches and 832 rooms, and

designers from Bluu Qatar give this

Novotel plans to open seventy hotels

North America concludes the list

property a dynamic look ahead of

worldwide in the coming years.

with a project of three hotels and

its planned launch in the second

358 rooms.

quarter of 2021.

Novotel has 70 hotels with 17,098

When it comes to growing domestic

Finally, Novotel Mexico City

rooms in its project portfolio,

markets, Saudi Arabia tops the list

Insurgentes will be located in front

according to our researchers. We

with eight ongoing projects and

of the World Trade Center of Mexico

tell you when and where these new

3,847 rooms. China and Germany

City, one of the most important

establishments will be launched.

follow with four hotels each and

business centers in the country.

Novotel hotel openings per year

1,635 and 722 rooms respectively.

The 106-room hotel will feature a

In total, 28 launches with 5,534

New Novotel properties to highlight

signature GourmetBar and Meet N

rooms are planned for 2021, of which

First, Novotel Riyadh Olaya will

Work space, which promises to be

six are already in the pre-opening

feature 215 cozy rooms designed

ideal for work and remote meetings.

phase.

by PLUStudios and will offer

The opening date was set for the

Another eleven openings with 2,596

meeting spaces, a fitness center,

second quarter of 2021.

rooms are planned for 2022, while

wellness facilities and a swimming

only four are currently in plans for

pool with sun terrace. Guests will

2023. By 2024 and beyond, another

be able to enjoy the gastronomic

Courtesy of TOPHOTELNEWS

27 are already underway. 68

TO U R I S M

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MARTINA Kasnyik:

Albania - Love at First Sight. Stay the Way You Are! BY RUDINA HOXHA & JOSE PINTO

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

fter serving for 6 years as Economic and Trade Attaché, the Hungarian diplomat, Martina Kasnyik bid farewell to Albania last December. In an exclusive interview with TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE, she

makes a wrap-up of her work and life in Albania which made her a Happy Mom as well. “I am actually very proud that I was involved or I realized some projects in the last years. First, I am glad that Wizz Air not only re-launched the BudapestTirana direct flight in 2017 but in 2020 they opened a base there too. The second result is OTP Bank entering into the Albanian financial market in 2019,” Kasnyik said. According to her, Hungarian companies, especially those operating in the water management, agriculture and renewable energy sectors, have identified Albania as a target country. “At this point I would like to highlight the stable and constructive cooperation between Budapest Waterworks Plc. and Tirana Water Utility. The renewed Memorandum of Understanding shows a strong commitment to implement further projects based on common interests and values,” she said.

“At this point I would like to highlight the stable and constructive cooperation between Budapest Waterworks Plc. and Tirana Water Utility” 70

D I P L O M AC Y

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

After the current pandemic

in Montenegro. There were ongoing

for business too.

are, how hard they work to maintain

situation, she underlines, Hungarian

projects but a push to enhance trust

I am glad I had a chance to organize

traditions. I love that all business

businesses will be looking for closer

in Hungarian companies to open

forums, business meetings,

meetings begin with a coffee and all

markets like Albania. “I believe

business relations with Albania and

conferences and study trips for

deals end with a coffee or a raki.

sectors such as food, industry,

strengthen economic ties between

companies. It was a great asset to

Sure, traffic is shocking sometimes

agriculture, water management

our countries was beneficial.

gain a place and stabilize Hungary in

but it is part of the special

the market.

atmosphere that you have to get

and energy will be in focus and

used to.

when air borders will be opened

Establishing a trade and economic

again, Wizz Air might become a

attaché position at the Embassy of

What impressed you most in

strong market factor. I also see the

Hungary in Tirana was crucial. It was

our country? Can you share any

In your view, how would you

Hungarian companies, which have an

a challenge to research the market,

stories?

define the economic relations

extensive network and experience

to position Hungarian products

Hard to answer. My very first visit

between the two countries

in EU integration process, as a great

and services and to find and create

to Albania was back in 2012 when I

and what is needed to develop

opportunity for market penetration.”

a network of contacts in both the

worked for the Hungarian Investment

further?

private and public sectors. As a

and Trade Agency. I remember it

The coronavirus has caused a

newly appointed diplomat, you need

was May, unbelievably hot. Parking

worldwide crisis like no other,

some time to get familiar with the

was allowed at Nena Tereza square

shutting shops and schools, closing

How would you describe the years

host country’s political and economic

and Rruga Elbassanit was under

borders and putting a significant

you worked and lived in Albania

developments, both at a national

construction.

part of the population under some

and in what ways do you think you

and regional level. You need to focus

influenced them the most?

on three to five strategic projects,

When I came back after 2012 I was

I was appointed as trade and

build up a core list of products and

shocked by how much the country

commercial attaché at the Embassy

companies and continue lobbying.

had developed. Although we’ve

of Hungary in Tirana in 2015.

The importance of good personal

been living here for almost six years,

Before arriving in Albania, trade

relations for achieving effective

I am still discovering new things on

and economic related issues were

partnerships cannot be over-

a daily basis.

covered at a regional level, centered

emphasized. During my work I had

“It was a challenge to research the market”

to be creative and able to cultivate

What probably amazes me the

the demand for certain products and

most is the Albanian mentality, how

services, which needs some sense

friendly they are, how helpful they

FULL INTERVIEW BELOW:

D I P L O M AC Y

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

form of lockdown since the spring

Government launched new aid

Two key players are present in

Hungary and which sectors will be

of 2020. It is very hard to develop

schemes, assisting Hungarian

Albania, OTP Bank and Wizz

more successful?

economic relations under these

companies to recover and to open

Air. Both play a major role in

I think political and economic

circumstances since each country

new doors in foreign markets. The

strengthening the bilateral economic relations will remain good or be even

is facing problems at a domestic

Foreign Market Growth Incentive

cooperation and in accessing new

level. In the case of Albania, it was

as well as the grants for project

business opportunities for Hungarian situation, Hungarian businesses will

actually a double shock with the

preparation and capacity building

companies.

devastating earthquake that also hit

activities launched through the

the country on November 26, 2019.

Western Balkans Green Center Non-

Can you mention any highlights of

food, industry, agriculture, water

profit Llc. to serve the objectives

your career in Albania?

management and energy will be

After the earthquake, in February

of the Hungarian Government and

I am actually very proud that I was

in focus and when air borders will

2020, Hungary donated 250.000

assist companies in overcoming

involved or I realized some projects

be opened again, Wizz Air might

euros to Albania’s Catholic Church

financial difficulties.

in the last years. First, I am glad

become a strong market factor. It

that Wizz Air not only re-launched

can definitely contribute toward

to support the reconstruction

closer. After the current pandemic be looking for closer markets like Albania. I believe sectors such as

of churches damaged in the

Hungarian companies, especially

the Budapest-Tirana direct flight

economic growth and create new

catastrophe. In April 2020, Hungary

those operating in the water

in 2017 but in 2020 they opened a

workplaces in Albania. The operators

donated 100,000 masks and 5,000

management, agriculture and

base there too. The second result

in the tourism sector cannot miss the

medical protective suits to Albania

renewable energy sectors, have

is OTP Bank entering into the

chance to take advantage of those

to help the country’s efforts against

identified Albania as a target

Albanian financial market in 2019. I

25 destinations that Wizz Air offers

coronavirus.

country. At this point I would like to

would also like to mention the water

for passengers travelling from/to

highlight the stable and constructive

management sector and the fruitful

Albania.

In response to the global

cooperation between Budapest

cooperation of the water utility

economic downturn the Hungarian

Waterworks Plc. and Tirana Water

companies of Albania and Hungary.

“I would like to highlight the stable and constructive cooperation between Budapest Waterworks Plc.”

Utility. The renewed Memorandum

Also, the revitalized collaboration

of Understanding shows a strong

of the Municipality of Budapest and

commitment to implement further

Tirana provides great opportunities

projects based on common interests

in the field of culture and education.

and values. How do you predict the future relations between Albania and

D I P L O M AC Y

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

The other sector I would like to

What will you miss from Albania

highlight is the consultancy and

most and what is your message

advisory work. Hungary welcomed

for the Albanians at the end of

the start of Albania’s accession

your mission?

talks to the European Union, and

I think after so many years I will

expressed its interest to play an

miss everyone and everything. Of

active role in this achievement.

course seaside, seafood, weather

The Hungarian companies have an

are generally at the top of the list,

extensive network and experience

but friendships even more. You know

in EU integration process. I see this

as a diplomat, you either fall in love

segment as a great opportunity for

with this country or you relocate.

market penetration.

No doubt, for me it was love at first

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

sight. There is no message, stay the During your life in Albania, you

way you are! One thing I have learnt

became a mother also. How do

here is yesterday is history, tomorrow

you remember this moment and

is mystery, today is a gift!

how are you enjoying it?

Kasnyik: “The birth of my daughter was the most wonderful moment in my life.”

The birth of my daughter was the most wonderful moment in my life. She is almost three years old now, speaks three languages, including Albanian. I believe she will remember these years, maybe not everything, but the most important people, like her nanny and kindergarten teachers she will never forget. At the same time, I think she will be proud to say, I was born in Tirana.

D I P L O M AC Y

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

Making Golf More Relevant: A Case Study BY STEPHEN RIDGWAY

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

membership was dwindling and the

‘Sportshub MK’. The intention of the

club lost money annually.

development is to create a vibrant,

Following a comprehensive

contemporary and desirable facility

consultation process with the

for the local community, city and

council, golf club members and local

wider region.

interest groups, RGD and Evolve

The golfing component of Sportshub

Group composed an innovative and

MK, designed by RGD, consists of a stimulating and attractive 9-hole course weaving through areas of new grassland, woodland and water features. It is designed for the average golfer but with enough challenge to keep the better golfer entertained. There is also a 9-hole short course to encourage beginners to ‘get to grips’ with the game. There are fewer tough hazards like bunkers, water or trees but there will be more undulation on the

n 2017, Ridgway Golf Design

UK. The area of the golf course was

Ltd (RGD) were approached

just under 50 hectares and located

sustainable masterplan for

by a developer (Evolve Group)

in a predominantly residential

a golf-centric, multi-sport

who were looking to re-

area to the south west of the city.

and leisure facility with a

purpose an existing 18-hole

The golf course was owned and

residential component

golf course in Milton Keynes,

operated by the local council but its

on the site known as

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

Several national and regional sporting bodies have also agreed to relocate their primary facilities and headquarters to the site. A zerocarbon housing development will compliment and partially fund the rest of the project.

greens

From an environmental standpoint,

and fairways to provide

the proposed water features

interest and facilitate practice from

will be designed to manage and

different lies.

store all the water falling on the

There will also be a state-of-the-

development site including all

art practice range, simulators and

buildings, hard surfaces and the

short game academy aimed at

driving range for reuse either for

attracting non-golfers and families

irrigation or within the buildings

demonstrating that golf is a ‘sport

themselves. They will also provide

for all’.

new habitats for wildlife, improving the site’s biodiversity and making

The entire golfing element of

it a natural haven within a

the development has great

predominantly built-up area. The

sustainability credentials. The

latest renewable energy technology

facility will provide an opportunity

and energy efficiency measures will

for the entire demographic to try

also be employed.

their hand at the game of golf as well as retaining a challenging golf

The whole development will create

course for those who take their

hundreds of new job opportunities

game a bit more seriously.

for the local area and provide a focus for people to meet, eat and

Beyond the golf course lies a new,

enjoy themselves in a vital oasis

signature hotel and spa, coffee

within the city.

shop, health centre and soft play. 80

ARTEG, A SYMBOL OF HIGH QUALITY AND AFFORDABLE HOMEWARE PRODUCTS BY RUDINA HOXHA

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

RTEG IS A LEADING ALBANIAN RETAIL HOMEWARE COMPANY WITH STORES IN ALBANIA AND KOSOVO WHOSE FOCUS IS THE HOME AND HOW TO MAKE IT A BETTER PLACE WITH ALL THE KITCHEN SUPPLIES IT PROVIDES. “MAKING YOUR HOME A BETTER PLACE” IS THE MOTTO OF THIS COMPANY, CREATED SINCE 1998 IN VLORA FIRST TO CONTINUE WITH TIRANA AND PRISHTINA, AND THIS IS ACHIEVED BY DELIVERING HIGH QUALITY PRODUCTS COMBINED WITH AN AFFORDABLE PRICE. FLAMUR ZENELAJ, ABM & CO-FOUNDER OF ARTEG SHARES WITH TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE ALL ABOUT THE MISSION, THE VISION AND THE PRODUCTS OF ARTEG.

Full interview below: Please can you tell us more about Arteg and its key to success achieved in 20 years? What started as a desire to achieve success in our dream was transformed into the key of success throughout the years Arteg kept growing. The persistence to transform a simple shop or a family busines which could assure you better living conditions into an original company to reach every house with our products brought the change to our mentality and vision for the future. Often it happens that a company forgets its

H O M E WA R E

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

own history how it came into being,

Italian and French products has

assets of Arteg. Can you mention

and the continuity of the production

how it grew and what it would be

been a proper decision as these

some of them? What are the

of the same quality.

its vision as being focused on the

countries have a focus even towards

brands that make Arteg stands

This market has many well-known

constant increase of revenues but

the countries where the market is

out among its competitors?

names but in the end, they simply

our challenge was to develop the

not of a special importance. Also

If we would evaluate a company with

remain names for which the

business making it a success.

the cooperation with some of the

the aim to buy it, of course after

conspicuous names in this sector

examining the financial analyses,

What about the products? How

has undoubtedly influenced on the

we would significantly focus on the

did you manage to bring so many

skeptic brands by giving us the

profile of clients and suppliers as

well-known brands in your shops?

possibility to be supplied by them.

they both give assurances for the success of every company. One

In fact, Arteg numbers 17.000 products which yearly are sufficiently

What has been the credit of

thing is to have a good product

added by replacing or reviewing

restaurants and bars in the success

and completely something else to

their range constantly. Albania is

of arteg?

have the proper product of a good

a small and insignificant market

In fact, we have not been fully

quality and affordable price for the

for many developed countries but

focused on HORECA sector in our

customers. This is the main filter

the decision to be focused on the

beginnings by having the house as

followed by us before we start out a

our main objective. But gradually, as

cooperation.

we were finding other possibilities

Say, you need a pressure pot for

and a growing interest by this sector

your house. Of course you would

due to the investments, HORECA

not go for a product, which in the

was transformed into an important

best case of not functioning well,

consumer is not directly interested

segment in our business. Now in our

would cause problems, so you need

but constantly believes in our choice

database, the HORECA category

to wash the whole kitchen or the

to offer the proper product with a

takes the third place with respect of

cooking area only. That’s why we

better quality and affordable for the

numbers and importance.

have decided to be supplied by a

consumers.

producer which guarantees quality, Let’s talk a bit about your main

gives satisfaction to the cooking

partners. You have stated that

ladies and offers an affordable price

How many Arteg shops are

the partners are one of the most

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

in Albania? What about in the

approach with priority in order to

every product is guaranteed and

neighboring countries? Do you

develop the business and serve to the

supplied by us constantly. For us,

find the same products and brands

consumers of Vlora directly and not

this is a task to be carefully studied

in the neighboring countries

through our partners or re-sellers.

in the future because even the

like in Albania or do they differ

Besides Vlora, Tirana and Prishtina,

hotels’ market does not yet give any

according to the markets?

Arteg does not operate in other

signals that the number of five star

Arteg numbers 7 shops in Albania

countries directly or indirectly

hotels will be considered in Albania

and Kosovo and we try to make

though efforts have often been done.

in the next five years though I wish

them different from one another

But we have not seen convincing

with all my heart we are wrong in our

and addressing certain targets as a

results to be developed in the

assessment because our country has

constant potential client. Of them,

neigbouring countries. Of course,

the potential and the need for such

only the shop in Vlora city makes an

similar companies with Arteg operate

exception. It resembles to our shop

in these countries; moreover some

in Tirana and this is so because of

operate locally in the countries

the only reason that the origin and

they are created and they have not

the idea of the company came from

expanded their activity in other

Vlora. We have always seen this

countries.

ready to present ourselves to such

a change.

a hotel with a full package where

With the presence of more 5 star hotels in Albania in a near future, is Arteg ready to supply these hotels with articles and products which these internationally well-known brands look for? This is a challenge in itself because to supply a five star hotel, you need to have minimum the same number of stars or more in the way you build the business which will supply a similar hotel. I can say that we are ready with some products but we are not yet 86

A New Era in Tourism, A New Edition of HOTCO, A New Platform for Albania BY LÁSZLÓ BENE*

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

nternational

the region’s hotel investors and

tourism is

operators to reopen and rebuild

currently in

their businesses. HOTCO has always

uncharted waters,

attracted 300 to 400 attendees

as the economic

from more than 30 countries with

impact of the

50 speakers from four continents.

global pandemic

Even in these extraordinary times,

of 2020 is still

we believe in taking advantage of

considerable in

every opportunity that presents

most countries

itself, therefore HOTCO 2021 will

across the globe. Even whilst

be the first hybrid edition. Although

fighting through the constantly re-

personal contact and networking are

occurring waves of lockdowns and

two of the most important pillars of

restrictions, 2021 is the time to

the event, we would like to extend

think about the future and recovery

the possibility of participating - and

planning. Furthermore, the pause in

therefore contributing to the bright

global tourism represents a chance

future of the hotel industry, whilst

to reassess priorities and principles

possibly securing new businesses –

and focus on creating the “new-era”

for a wider audience who will join us

of tourism, that will likely depend on

online.

sustainable solutions and personal experiences. The most significant hotel investment platform of the CEE, SEE & Caucasus regions, HOTCO, is back for the fifth consecutive year, to create a platform for the key stakeholders of the hotel industry who will contribute to helping

TO U R I S M

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

Turning our attention to Albania,

term growth and competitiveness.

permits in 2018. As a consequence

78% increase when compared to

we can conclude that the tourism

Given the increasing tax incentives

of this growing tourism potential,

2014. The above results speak for

industry - with 8.5% contribution to

and the considerable increase in

there are more than 33,000 hotel

themselves and provide a solid

total GDP in 2018, while planning

international tourist arrivals, the

rooms available in Albania today.

foundation. Now it is time to

to reach 9.3% by 2028 – emerged

construction sector started to turn

International arrivals increased

showcase these achievements on the

as a substantial contributor to

an eye towards the hospitality

dramatically as well in recent years

right platform in 2021.

Albania’s economy. Needless to

sector. Compared to 2016, 5 times

and reached more than 6 million

say, that the strategic position of

more hotel building permits have

in 2019, which is a remarkable

the sector is expected to be a key

been issued in Albania in 2017,

factor in Albania’s sustainable long-

which was followed by a further 22

* Consultant at Horwath HTL Hungary

TO U R I S M

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

AgroTimeAL,

the Guide of Albanian Agrotourism! BY FABJOLA ARAPI*

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

lbania - the

Driven by the need to “escape”

experiences virtually.

time. The AgroTimeAL app, a

country with a

and by the lack of information

AgroTimeAL is your loyal guide

practical guide which directs you

blessed land,

about such farms, the idea came

which, depending on your location,

to agrotourism and to your favorite

with around

up to create a website platform

will list the farms near you, create

farm!

300 sunny

- agroturizem.gov.al which would

a list with your favourites and allow

I invite you to download

days per year

later be transformed into the

you to quickly and simply organise

AgroTimeAL!

and where

application AgroTimeAL. This

your weekend.

the majority of the population lives

platform was conceived to serve

Being connected with the roots of

*Advisor at Ministry of Agriculture

on the income from agriculture. A

as the first step for promoting the

your land and being fed by them

and Rural Development, LEAD

country with extraordinary natural

agrotourism network in Albania

fosters traditions, tastes and an

Albania

potential.

under the umbrella of the concept

authentic experience. The Albanian

of networking among each other.

farmers have created a new standard for the development of rural

We live in the era of globalisation. Most of us would like to leave the

This guide offers detailed

areas by diversifying their farming

bustling life of the city behind,

information for 260 farms and

activities and by opening the doors

turn the mobile off and spend days

local products providing a virtual

to visitors and thus removing the

without being in contact with the

experience before planning a visit to

borders between the rural and the

noisy world. To live simply like once

a farm. AgroTimeAL is an excellent

urban and giving meaning to the

upon a time, in peace with the sun,

opportunity for the promotion of the

expression “Time for Agrotourism”!

land, water, organic food and virgin

farm, organic products, authentic

This project has been supported

land.

recipes and the entire experience

financially by the German

This might be one of the reasons

which the villages provide.

Government and implemented by

why agrotourism has gained

In this app, you will find the column

GIZ, SRD under the care of MARD

popularity over the last few years.

“The roads of Taste”which offers

(Ministry of Agriculture and Rural

Visiting agrotouristic farms has

users the experience of an Olive

Development.)

been turned into a trend to find

Tour, a Wine Tour, a Shepherd Tour,

Thanks to this support, the country

relaxation, and to enjoy, educate

a Fisheries & Aquaculture Tour and

now has an innovative product

and consume organic products taken

a Citrus Orchard Tour. Through

which can be uploaded on our

straight from the land on to the

images and information, you will

smartphones, something we have

table.

have the opportunity to enjoy these

surely been missing for a long

HOTEL REVENUE MANAGEMENT RESOURCES BY AHMED MAHMOUD*

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

evenue management

routine. Every employee wants

refers to the

to be part of a company’s growth

strategic distribution

agenda, but most don’t know

and pricing tactics a

how. Hotel management needs to

hotel uses to sell its

provide them with both information

rooms which is perishable inventory

and tools, starting with making

to the right guests at the right time

revenue growth an inherent part of

to boost revenue growth.

daily conversations, meetings, and

Revenue management is an

presentations.

extremely important concept within

In the area of revenue streams and

the hospitality industry because it

new revenue resources, the sky is

allows hotel owners to anticipate

the limit for creative minds. Hotels

demand and optimize availability

should really aim to maximize

and pricing in order to achieve the

revenue from every imaginable

best possible financial results.

source as long as the core offer stays

Revenue growth and exploring new

competitive and of good value to

revenue resources is the aim for

each guest with high profit ROI for

every hotelier and it is everyone’s

the hotel management.

business, so why can’t we make

*Founder of revenueyourhotel.com

it part of everyone’s daily work

H OT E L S

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

BUTTER CHICKEN

Two Recipes,

INGREDIENTS Tandoori chicken 1/ 2 with bone 350 grm

Not to be Missed from Ajay Markan

jay Markan, an Indian hospitality veteran of more than three decades of rich national and

international

experience,

chose

TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE to share two special recipes from his own country. Markan, a Corporate Chef at Cygnet Hotels

tomatoes 800 grm ginger 30 grm garlic 30 grm Cashewnuts 30 grm Fresh cream 100 ml red chili powder 5 grm White butter unsalted butter 150 grm salt T T cinnamon stick 10 grm bayleaf 2 no peppercorn 10 grm green cardamon 3 no black cardamon 2 no Kasoori Methi / Fenugreek leaf dry 5 grm chooped corinder 20 grm ginger jullieane 20 grm sugar 10 grm %

and Resorts in India, underlines that in India, the taste of the cuisine changes after every 100 kms, “so there is so much to learn which keeps my passion for food alive.”

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

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

PREPARATION

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

BROCCOLI MALAI INGREDIENTS

For Chicken:

Marinate the curry cut chicken with salt ginger garlic paste red chilli powder & lemon juice keep for 6 hour and roast it in oven than add in makhani gravy .

For Gravy: -Heat the pot add the whole spices

Blanched Broccoli 250 grm fresh cream 30 ml Processed Cheddar Cheese 50 grm green chilli 10 grm corn flour 15 grm salt 10 grm lemon juice 15 ml Ginger garlic paste 15 grm

PREPARATION

with little oil , with ginger garlic

green chilli and fresh tomato cooked well with little water , make it

Marinated the Blanched Broccoli with ginger garlic and salt keep for

Puree than tomatoes and pass through a sieve to make a smooth paste .

30 min .mix the cheese with fresh cream make smooth paste mix the

Heat oil & butter and fry the garlic ginger paste till oil leaves the paste.Add

chopped chilli . Sprinkle the cornflour on brocoli and marinate with

the red chilli powdre & salt and Stir it for approx 5 minutes.Add tomato

cream mix and keep for 1 hour than cooked in tandoor or BBQ grill /

puree made by you bring to the boil and add cahewnut paste mix well than add the frozen butter stir it till butter is not mix in gravy once sauce pouring

oven and serve hot .

consistency Now add the fresh cream and chicken adjust seasoning.if gravy is sour due to tomatoes add the sugar sprinkle fenugreek leaf crush and garniesh with corinder and ginger .

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

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

An Original Model for Albania Un Modello Originale per l’Albania Albergo Diffuso is a widespread and sustainable model of hospitality, particularly suitable for developing tourism in small towns. Could it also be a proposal for Albania? We talk about it with the creator of this model, Giancarlo Dall’Ara. L’Albergo Diffuso è un modello di ospitalità diffusa e sostenibile, particolarmente adatto per sviluppare il turismo nei piccoli centri. Può essere una proposta anche per l’Albania? Ne parliamo con l’ideatore di questo modello, Giancarlo Dall’Ara.

How can you explain in your own

Come puoi spiegare con parole

words the term “Albergo Diffuso”

tue il termine “Albergo Diffuso” e

and how this term can be applied

come questo termine può essere

in Albania?

applicato in Albania?

A widespread hotel is a hotel that

Un albergo diffuso è un albergo

cannot be seen because it does not

che non si vede perché non crea

create an environmental impact; a

impatto ambientale; un albergo

hotel that is not built, but that is

che non si costruisce, ma che nasce

born by networking between them

mettendo in rete tra loro delle

uninhabited houses, typical or at

case disabitate, tipiche o almeno

least with a local flavor, very close

di sapore locale, molto vicine tra

to each other, and within a country,

di loro, e all’interno di un paese,

a hamlet. Those who manage the

di un borgo. Chi gestisce l’albergo

widespread hotel undertake to offer

diffuso si impegna ad offrire tutti i

all hotel services to guests (from

servizi alberghieri agli ospiti (dalla

small breakfasts, to assistance,

piccola colazione, all’assistenza,

to common areas where tourists

agli spazi comuni dove i turisti si

can meet ...). I believe that both

possono incontrare…). Io credo

the term “widespread hotel” and

che sia il termine “albergo diffuso”

the concept can be adopted in

che il concetto, possano essere

Albania. Currently in Albania the

adottati in Albania. Attualmente

term “hotel” is used, which is an

in Albania si usa ad esempio il

English word, and I do not see why

termine “hotel” che è una parola

the Italian term “albergo diffuso”

inglese, e non vedo perché il

cannot also be used. As for the

termine italiano “albergo diffuso”

concept, it seems to me very

non possa anch’esso essere usato.

suitable for Albania which, at least in

Quanto al concetto, mi pare molto

my eyes, despite all its specificities,

adatto all’Albania che, almeno ai

does not seem too different from an

miei occhi, pur con tutte le sue

Italian region.

specificità, non sembra troppo diversa da una regione italiana.

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TO U R I S M – A L B E R G O D I F F U S O

ALBERGO DIFFUSO:

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

Sulla base del tuo viaggio in

could be concretely launched, the

non solo dal punto di vista turistico.

parts of Albania, which are the

diverse parti dell’Albania, quali

idea of the Albergo Diffuso would

L’interesse è sempre stato altissimo.

most appropriate regions to apply

sono le regioni più appropriate

“spread” in much of Albania,

Credo pertanto che se si potessero

the concept of Albergo Diffuso?

per applicare il concetto di

because it is sustainable, it is

avviare concretamente una o due

Last year, thanks to RisiAlbania and

Albergo Diffuso?

consistent with the Albanian culture

realtà, l’idea dell’Albergo Diffuso

also to Professor Brunilda Liçai, I

Lo scorso anno, grazie RisiAlbania

of hospitality, it would allow to bring

si “diffonderebbe” in gran parte

came three times to Albania and

e anche alla professoressa Brunilda

forms of tourism different from

dell’Albania, perché è sostenibile, è

mainly saw the inland areas. I have

Liçai, sono venuto tre volte in

the traditional ones in territories

coerente con la cultura di ospitalità

visited about fifteen countries, some

Albania e ho visto prevalentemente

currently rich in potential not yet

albanese, permetterebbe di portare

of which are very small. And even

le aree interne. Ho visitato una

expressed, and would be a driving

forme di turismo diverse da quelle

if not everyone had the minimum

quindicina di paesi, alcuni dei

force for development for the local

tradizionali in territori al momento

standards for a form of hospitality

quali molto piccoli. E anche se non

economy.

ricchi di potenzialità non ancora

similar to the widespread hotel, I

tutti avevano gli standard minimi

found interest everywhere. I have

per una forma di ospitalità simile

What difference will the Albergo

spoken both with owners of unused

all’albergo diffuso, ho trovato

Diffuso make on Albanian tourism?

houses, with administrators, with

interesse ovunque. Ho parlato

Can it save places?

Che differenza farà l’Albergo

young people looking for a job in

sia con proprietari di case non

The development of the multi-

Diffuso sul turismo albanese? Può

tourism, with organizations that deal

utilizzate, con Amministratori, con

building hotel in Albania would

salvare luoghi?

with tourism and services. In Tirana

giovani in cerca di una occupazione

have several positive effects.

Lo sviluppo dell’albergo diffuso

I met associations, entrepreneurs,

nel turismo, con organizzazioni

The first would be to further

in Albania avrebbe diversi effetti

I met the Minister of Tourism Bledi

che si occupano di turismo e di

diversify the Albanian tourist offer,

positivi. Il primo sarebbe quello

Klosi and the Minister of Culture

servizi. A Tirana ho incontrato

expanding and enriching the range

di diversificare ulteriormente

Elva Margariti, National Coordinator

associazioni, imprenditori, ho

of accommodation options for

l’offerta turistica albanese,

also for the 100 villages project in

incontrato il ministro del Turismo

tourists. The second would be to

ampliando e arricchendo la gamma

Albania, I spoke to organizations

Bledi Klosi e il ministro della

contain the depopulation of the

di proposte di soggiorno per i

interested in the development of

Cultura Elva Margariti, Coordinatore

villages by offering an alternative

turisti. La seconda sarebbe quella

tourism and territories not only from

nazionale anche per il progetto di

job in particular to young people,

di contenere lo spopolamento dei

tourist point of view. Interest has

100 villaggi in Albania, ho parlato

who otherwise are forced to go and

borghi offrendo una alternativa di

always been very high. I therefore

organizzazioni interessate allo

live elsewhere. The third would be

lavoro in particolare ai giovani, che

believe that if one or two realities

sviluppo del turismo e dei territori

to start examples of recovery of

altrimenti sono spinti ad andare ad

Based on your trip in different

espresse, e sarebbe un volano di sviluppo per l’economia locale.

abitare altrove. La terza sarebbe 104

105

JP TRAIBLAZING MAGAZINE

quella di avviare esempi di recupero

beautiful houses that risk being

delle abitazioni albanesi, di riutilizzo

abandoned or renovated, losing

di alcune belle case che rischiano

their charm together with the typical

di essere abbandonate o di venire

aspects of the past. Furthermore, if

ristrutturate perdendo assieme

we look at the successful examples

agli aspetti tipici del passato,

of widespread hotels in Italy, also in

anche il loro fascino. Inoltre se

Albania there could be widespread

guardiamo gli esempi di successo

hotels that work and remain open all year round, that is, extending the tourist seasonality

“The development of the multi-building hotel in Albania would have several positive effects”

a village.

La nascita di un AD rappresenta dunque al tempo stesso la nascita di

How can you encourage the

una impresa ospitale e l’avvio di un

Albergo Diffuso trend in Albania

percorso di sviluppo sostenibile di

too? How do you see this trend in

un borgo.

the region? I would like to organize or at least

Come puoi incoraggiare il trend

participate in a national event

degli alberghi

dell’Albergo Diffuso anche in

dedicated to this theme, to make

diffusi in Italia,

Albania? Come vede questa

it known more and launch it as

anche in Albania

tendenza nella regione?

it deserves. Everything seemed

si potrebbero

Mi piacerebbe organizzare o almeno

ready before Covid, now it’s about

avere degli

partecipare ad un evento nazionale

waiting for the best time and seeing

dedicato a questo tema, per farlo

even in villages far from traditional

alberghi diffusi che lavorano e

which ones they can be interested

destinations. This happens because

restano aperti tutto l’anno, che

conoscere di più e lanciarlo come

parties to help us organize it. The

the demand for this type of tourism

ampliano cioè la stagionalità

merita. Tutto sembrava pronto

conference should also be an

is not linked to the summer season,

turistica anche nei borghi lontani

prima del Covid, ora si tratta di

opportunity to meet and talk to

because it is not in search of the sun,

dalle mete tradizionali. Questo

aspettare il momento migliore e

the many private operators and

but of authenticity; and authenticity

accade perché la domanda di

di vedere quali possono essere i

municipalities who have shown

can be found in any season of

questo tipo di turismo non è

soggetti interessati ad aiutarci ad

interest in this model of tourism

the year. Finally, I underline that

legata alla stagione estiva, perché

organizzarlo. Il convegno dovrebbe

development, and that in some way

a diffused hotel project does not

non è alla ricerca del sole, ma

anche essere l’occasione per

they tried to start it.

only concern the construction of a

dell’autenticità; e l’autenticità si

conoscere e parlare con i tanti

horizontal hotel, but represents the

può trovare in qualsiasi stagione

start of a “network” development:

dell’anno. Infine sottolineo che un

houses, local products, shops,

progetto di albergo diffuso non

museums are networked ... The birth

riguarda solo la costruzione di un

of an CEO therefore represents

hotel orizzontale, ma rappresenta

at the same time the birth of a

l’avvio di uno sviluppo “a rete”: si

hospitable company and the start of

mettono in rete le case, i prodotti

a sustainable development path for

del territorio, il negozi, i musei…

106

operatori privati e le municipalità che hanno dimostrato interesse a questo modello di sviluppo turistico, e che in qualche modo hanno tentato di avviarlo. TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE sat with Mr. Dall’Ara on September 17, 2020 and took this interview. 107

TO U R I S M – A L B E R G O D I F F U S O

Albanian homes, of reuse of some

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Articles inside

THE 2020 GLOBAL RESULTS OF SPOTIFY’S WRAPPED CAMPAIGN

ARTEG, A SYMBOL OF HIGH QUALITY AND AFFORDABLE HOMEWARE PRODUCTS

HOTEL REVENUE MANAGEMENT RESOURCES

AgroTimeAL, the Guide of Albanian Agrotourism!

A New Era in Tourism, A New Edition of HOTCO, A New Platform for Albania

MARC JOUBERT: "If People are Asked Where They Live, Saying ‘Lake Views’ Will be Enough"!

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP AS A SOCIAL PROGRESS

ALUKÖNIGSTAHL:Excellent, beautiful and sustainable solutions for Tirana’s towers and Albania’s construction projects. Safe and high quality.

Making Golf More Relevant: A Case Study

EGLENT BICI: OUR CLIENT’S BIGGEST INTEREST IS IN THE TOURISTIC AREAS OF ALBANIA

IS Toxic Work Culture and Bad Management Forcing Top Talent to Head to the Exit?