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Elite Travel Group, an active participant in Key Events of the Tourism Industry during the last quarter of the year.

Posted on 23 January 2024

During Q4 of 2023, the managing director of Elite Travel Group, Mr. Elvis Kotherja, has been an engaged stakeholder at some of the major events within the tourism, travel and hospitality industry

1. Roundtable Meeting – State Ministry for Entrepreneurship and Business Climate & American Chamber of Commerce.

“The Global Entrepreneurship Week” created an interesting space for discussion in the “Morning at Work” of the American Chamber of Commerce with the Minister of Entrepreneurship, Delina Ibrahimaj. The central topics related to the business climate, which are shared in the work, became the focal point of discussion between the leaders of the committees at AmCham and Minister Ibrahimaj.”

2. Meeting with Tourism Associations – Ministry for Entrepreneurship and Business Climate (Deregulation).

The Ministry for Entrepreneurship and Business Climate has recently undertaken an initiative to further facilitate services to businesses in all sectors of the economy. Mrs. Delina Ibrahimaj, the Minister for Entrepreneurship and Business Climate, was present at this important meeting, organized at the Ministry’s premises. The aim of the meeting was the clarification and facilitation of all processes for business entrepreneurs. The meeting included experts, association leaders, and business entrepreneurs as invited guests.

3. Meeting with the Ministry of Tourism and Environment

The Ministry of Tourism and Environment is reviewing the amended law 93/2015 “On Tourism,” as well as initiating work on drafting the “National Tourism Strategy 2024-2030.” The changes in tourism legislation focus on:
– Continuous improvement of the quality of services in the tourism sector.
– Building a healthy and safe environment, respecting the needs of host communities.

The changes aim to simplify procedures for carrying out tourist activities, creating a business-friendly climate without compromising service standards.

4. Horwath HTL and Tourism and Hospitality Development Strategy 2024–2030.

Horwath HTL has been selected by the Albanian government to consult and develop the “Tourism and Hospitality Development Strategy 2024–2030.” Mr. Elvis Kotherja was present in a meeting with the experts. The focus was on discussing, addressing, and advising on issues of sustainable tourism and the vision from the perspective of a business leader, as well as the leader of the hospitality and tourism committee at AMCHAM.

5. Professions in Tourism. Cooperation Agreement with Faculty of Foreign Languages. 

Mr. Elvis Kotherja, the company’s managing director had meeting and discussion with Prof. Dr. Esmeralda Kromidha, the Dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages. Topics concerning the professions within the hospitality and tourism industry were discussed. The discussion also covered professional practices, scientific research, and study programs involving partner universities for dual degrees. Towards the meeting’s conclusion, a cooperation agreement for research and professional practices with the Elite Travel Group was formalized.

6. AMCHAM Meeting – Faculty of Foreign Languages

The American Chamber participated in the ‘Open Days‘ event at the Faculty of Foreign Languages, sharing, through its members’ activities, their experiences and expectations regarding the workforce in accordance with market needs.”. Mr. Elvis Kotherja, as the head of the Tourism and Hospitality Committee at AMCHAM, was present at this meeting.

A practical discussion among all participants focused on how the school prepares students with skills to navigate a changing market every day. The discussion also touched on how businesses should engage with the university system to orient it in organizing curricula.

7. School’s Board of Directors -AMCHAM

In his role as the Head of the Business Management Board of the Elbasan Professional School, Mr. Elvis Kotherja was invited to the AKPA offices. Following Ministry of Finance and Economy Directive no. 14, dated May 27, 2021, which addresses the organization and activities of educational and vocational training institutions, as well as human resource management aspects, the structure of the unit responsible for the development of education providers, vocational training, and continuous professional development underwent changes. The Central Directorate of the National Employment and Skills Agency conducted the procedures for selecting the Director of the Elbasan Professional School. In the first days of January, Mr. Leonidha Haxhinikolla was selected as the director of the professional school. Best of luck to the director, staff, and the Elbasan Professional School.

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Elite Travel Group featured in “The Best Pictures from Albania” by FVW Medien

Posted on 6 November 2023

As the tourism industry grows in Albania, so does the interest from foreign travel corporations.
In particular, the German market.

During the summer season of 2023 Elite Travel Group hosted an inspection trip or otherwise known as a familiarization trip “FAM Trip” with a group of representatives from German travel companies accompanied by a journalist of the prestigious German travel media “FVW” which is the go-to media for all senior executives of the German travel industry.

The photos of this “FAM Trip” have been featured in the latest announcement that Albania will officially be the host country of ITB 2025, the largest travel event in the world hosted every March in the city of Berlin.

You can find the article here: https://www.fvw.de/touristik/veranstalter/eine-aufsteigende-destination-albanien-wird-offizielles-gastland-der-itb-2025-238322

The photos featured our Managing Director, Elvis Kotherja and our Head of Sales and Partnerships, Krist Dodbiba.

Elite Travel Group will continue dedicating itself to the development of the Albanian hospitality industry through its travel products, close relationships with local hospitality suppliers, and our efforts in the field of education.

Elite Travel Group
Everlasting Experiences

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Elite Travel Group Honored with the Prestigious SDG Business Pioneers Award Albania 2023

Posted on 31 October 2023

Tirana, Albania, October 24, 2023 – On the occasion of United Nations Day, the Embassy of Sweden in Albania and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) proudly announced the launch of the inaugural SDG Business Pioneers Award Albania 2023. We are thrilled to declare that Elite Travel Group has been honored as the winner in the Medium Enterprise category.

The SDG Business Pioneers Award Albania is a visionary initiative aimed at recognizing and celebrating companies that demonstrate dedication to sustainability and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Elite Travel Group has consistently shown an unwavering commitment to driving positive change through our product offerings, operational practices, and overarching business strategies.

Among a total of 61 diverse Albanian enterprises, our organization underwent a rigorous three-tiered evaluation process. This comprehensive assessment included UNDP internal shortlisting, external evaluation by industry experts, and meticulous due diligence to ensure transparency and accountability in the selection process. Emerging as a standout example of sustainable leadership within the Medium Enterprise category is a testament to our dedication to a more sustainable future.

The entire team at Elite Travel Group is honored to represent Albania as an SDG Business Pioneer. We recognize that our journey towards sustainability is a collective effort, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who have supported us along the way.

Elite Travel Group
Everlasting Experiences

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Elite Travel Group – part of the United Nations Global Compact

Posted on 26 July 2023

The United Nations Global Compact is the largest initiative and the largest world authority that works and helps improve sustainability and corporate social responsibility, of which Elite Travel Group is a part.

What is the purpose of the United Nations Global Compact?

According to unglobalcompact.org: “Our ambition is: To accelerate and scale the collective global impact of business by supporting the Ten Principles and delivering the Sustainable Development Goals through responsible companies and ecosystems that enable change.”

UN Global Compact aims to support companies as they align their practices for a sustainable and inclusive future as they recover and grow after the Covid-19 pandemic. It remains the single global normative authority and reference point for action and leadership within a growing global corporate sustainability movement.

10 Principles:

The Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact are derived from: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.

Human Rights

Principle 1: Businesses should support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights; and

Principle 2: make sure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.

Labour

Principle 3: Businesses should uphold the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining;

Principle 4: the elimination of all forms of forced and compulsory labour;

Principle 5: the effective abolition of child labour; and

Principle 6: the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.

Environment

Principle 7: Businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges;

Principle 8: undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; and

Principle 9: encourage the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technologies.

Anti-Corruption

Principle 10: Businesses should work against corruption in all its forms, including extortion and bribery.

Our Mission

To give people the best of the Balkans and Eastern Europe. And to do it in a sustainable way, working with local people to leave communities richer.

Our Values

Our business is built on respect. Respect for the planet, respect for our partners and respect for our customers. We don’t just want to do business; we want to make friends as we go.

We’re innovative, always looking for new ways to minimize our footprint. By being reliable, honest and transparent, we make sure our word is our bond. And by focusing on quality, we make sure we’re delivering repeat business, which builds a sustainable future. It’s a whole new way to experience the travel business.

To create this article, information from unglobalcompact.org has been used.

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Elite Travel Group – pjesë e Paktit Global të Organizatës së Kombeve të Bashkuara

Posted on 26 July 2023

Pakti Global i Kombeve të bashkuara është iniciativa më e madhe dhe autoriteti më i madh botëror që punon dhe ndihmon në përmirësimin e qëndrueshmërisë dhe përgjegjësive sociale të korporatave, pjesë e të cilës është edhe Elite Travel Group.

Cili është qëllimi i Paktit Global të Organizatës së Kombeve të Bashkuara?

Sipas unglobalcompact.org:  “Ambicia jonë është: Të përshpejtojmë dhe shkallëzojmë ndikimin kolektiv global të biznesit duke mbështetur Dhjetë Parimet dhe duke ofruar Objektivat e Zhvillimit të Qëndrueshëm përmes kompanive dhe ekosistemeve të përgjegjshme që mundësojnë ndryshimin.”

PGiOKB synon të mbështesë kompanitë teksa ato përafrojnë praktikat e tyre për një të ardhme të qëndrueshme dhe gjithëpërfshirëse, ndërsa ato marrin veten dhe rriten pas pandemisë Covid-19. Ai mbetet autoriteti i vetëm normativ global dhe pikë referimi për veprim dhe udhëheqje brenda një lëvizjeje globale të qëndrueshmërisë së korporatave në rritje.

10 Parimet:

Dhjetë Parimet e Paktit Global të OKB-së

Dhjetë Parimet e Paktit Global të Kombeve të Bashkuara rrjedhin nga: Deklarata Universale e të Drejtave të Njeriut , Deklarata e Organizatës Ndërkombëtare të Punës mbi Parimet dhe të Drejtat Themelore në Punë , Deklarata e Rios për Mjedisin dhe Zhvillimin dhe Konventa e Kombeve të Bashkuara Kundër Korrupsionit .

Të drejtat e njeriut

Parimi 1 : Bizneset duhet të mbështesin dhe respektojnë mbrojtjen e të drejtave të njeriut të shpallura ndërkombëtarisht; dhe

Parimi 2 : Bizneset sigurohen që ata të mos jenë bashkëpunëtorë në shkeljet e të drejtave të njeriut.

Punës

Parimi 3 : Bizneset duhet të mbrojnë lirinë e asociimit dhe njohjen efektive të së drejtës për negociata kolektive;

Parimi 4 : Eliminimi i të gjitha formave të punës së detyruar dhe të detyruar;

Parimi 5 : Heqja efektive e punës së fëmijëve; dhe

Parimi 6 : Eliminimi i diskriminimit në lidhje me punësimin dhe profesionin.

Mjedisi

Parimi 7 : Bizneset duhet të mbështesin një qasje paraprake ndaj sfidave mjedisore;

Parimi 8 : Ndërmarrja e iniciativave për të promovuar përgjegjësi më të madhe mjedisore; dhe

Parimi 9 : Inkurajimi i zhvillimit dhe përhapjes së teknologjive miqësore me mjedisin.

Kundër Korrupsionit

Parimi 10 : Bizneset duhet të punojnë kundër korrupsionit në të gjitha format e tij, duke përfshirë zhvatjen dhe ryshfetin.

Misioni ynë

T’u japim njerëzve më të mirën e Ballkanit dhe Evropës Lindore. Ta arrijmë në një mënyrë të qëndrueshme, duke punuar me njerëzit vendas për t’i lënë komunitetet më të pasura.

Vlerat tona

Biznesi ynë është i ndërtuar mbi respekt. Respekt për planetin, respekt për partnerët tanë dhe respekt për klientët tanë. Ne nuk duam vetëm të bëjmë biznes, ne duam të bëjmë miq ndërsa rritemi.

Ne jemi inovativë, gjithmonë në kërkim të mënyrave të reja për të minimizuar gjurmën tonë. Duke qenë të besueshëm, të ndershëm dhe transparent, ne sigurohemi që fjala jonë është besa jonë. Dhe duke u fokusuar te cilësia, ne sigurohemi që po ofrojmë biznes të përsëritur, i cili ndërton një të ardhme të qëndrueshme. Është një mënyrë krejtësisht e re për të përjetuar biznesin e udhëtimit.

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UNESCO in ALBANIA: The worldwide protected Albanian treasures

Posted on 6 April 2023

Albanian culture represents indescribable value for the Albanian people, the country, and the region. Parts of this culture have a special place; they are paramount to the world heritage and serve as a testimony of the way of living of civilization, bearing great values. For this reason, we mustn’t lose them, but preserve and maintain them, and pass along the knowledge, so the next generations can understand and value their culture, proudly inherit their identity, improve and get inspired by these models of civilization. For this culture not to get lost, UNESCO has included, up until now, eight Albanian treasures in its lists of world heritage.

What is UNESCO?

After the second world war, terror and separation left a mark of incredible pain on the world’s memory. To secure peace, understanding, and sustainability in the world, The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization was founded in 1945. UNESCO’s mission is to contribute to building a culture of peace, eradication of poverty, sustainable development, and intercultural dialogue.

Albania on The World Heritage List

Butrinti

Yes, this is Butrint of the “Twelfth Night”, otherwise known, as one of the favorite resting places for the Greco-Roman aristocracy of ancient times. It is located 25 km from the city of Saranda and extends from the shores of the Ionian Sea of the Delvina field. For the combination of the diverse natural landscapes with the remains and ancient artifacts of the Greco-Roman culture, Butrint enjoys the status of a golden name in the history of Albanian archaeology, the historical part is part of UNESCO since 1992, while the lake of Butrint is an Area Specially Protected, according to the Barcelona Convention of 1995. Here you can even see large blocks with Pelasgian inscriptions. Observing the historical points and enjoying the natural beauty are undoubtedly the primary and most important activities when visiting Butrint. Butrint is the historical evidence of the continuity of cultures that have affected the area, from the Greek period to the Middle Ages.

Berat and Gjirokastra historical centers

Berat and Gjirokastra are early settlements of southern Albania and their fortified historical centers, with the one-over-the-other house architecture of the Ottoman style, influenced by the ancient culture, but also because they have been and continue to be inhabited, they have crucial values for their period. Berat is well known for the grand castle, the two historical neighborhoods of Mangalem and Gorica, the stone bridge, the blue river Osum that divides them, etc. Gjirokastra, known as the stone city, with its gray pitched roofs, cobbled streets, the extraordinary panorama of characteristic two-story houses, its historic bazaar, and the beauty of the landscape. These historical centers are filled with rare beauty and precious values.

Ohrid Lake

Lake Ohrid is one of the oldest lakes in Europe and the world. Its age is estimated between 4 and 10 million years old and is of tectonic origin. The green waters are home to over 200 endemic species. Since the beginning of time, the lake has served as a source of life, communities, and civilizations have developed around it, and today two modern states lie around it. This is the deepest lake in the Balkans. The lake offers spectacular views and in Pogradec, it has traditionally served as a beach spot. You can spend your summer vacation, go for a relaxing day, enjoy the fantastic cuisine of the area, go fishing, or go boating on the lake.

Gashi River and Rrajca

Two natural treasures of Albania are part of a wealth shared between eighteen European countries. Gashi River and Rrajca are on UNESCO’s list of Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe. Rrajca represents a unique ecosystem near the border with North Macedonia, almost entirely untouched, rich in extraordinary landscapes and rare biodiversity. The Balkan Lynx can be found here too. Gashi River, on the other hand, is located in the north, near Valbona. A great amount of the area is covered in Beech forests. This area offers wonderful views, where the landscape of mountains merges with cold, crystal waters, and the greenery of the trees.

Albania on the Intangible Heritage List

Albanian iso-polyphony

Albanian iso-polyphony has been declared by UNESCO as an oral and spiritual heritage of the world. This way of singing, which is thought to have been inherited from ancient times, has a special technique and is a rare skill. Iso-polyphony has accompanied the Albanian people in history in the happiest and saddest moments, since we see that it is sung in times of sorrow, but also in times of joy. It is thought and accepted that the true origin place of Albanian iso-polyphony is the south, but can also be found in the north of the country. Those who listen say that this way of singing lifts the heart and fills it with unusual emotions. The melody, the technical difficulty, and the rich history make the iso-polyphonic song monumental.

Xhubleta, craftsmanship, and how is used

There are many legends about the origin, shape, and reasons why xhubleta is presented to us in such a form. One thing is certain, xhubleta comes from antiquity and is Albania’s passport in the field of ethnic costume design. This unusual suit takes its name from the emblematic, wrinkled bell-like shape of the skirt. Others think that the shapes of the costume, made with shajak straps are a tribute to the Albanian Alps. With an ensemble of delicate and original decorations, xhubleta combines colors with early decorative symbols that can be traced back in time to the Illyrians and even to the Crete-Mycenaean culture. However, xhubleta is important as evidence of the continuity of early ancient culture, but also for the craftsmanship of making it and how is used, a culture which unfortunately is in danger of being lost. As the latest Albanian cultural element included in UNESCO, xhubleta is in the attention of all authorities to be preserved as evidence of the way of life and millennial companion of highlands women.

Albania in the Memory of the World Collection

Codex Purpureus Beratinus

The Purple Codex of Berat (known as Codex Purpureus Beratinus) are two gospels found in Berat that belong to the group of seven purple codices that survive in the world today. Beratinus 1 belongs to the sixth century and represents one of the four oldest archetypes of the New Testament; is of great importance for understanding the development of biblical and liturgical literature in the world. Beratinus 2 belongs to the ninth century. Both codices are a precious asset that today, after restoration and replication for study and cultural reasons, are kept in the National Archives of Albania.

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UNESCO në Shqipëri: Pasuritë e kulturës shqiptare që mbrohen në botë

Posted on 6 April 2023

Kultura shqiptare përfaqëson një pasuri të papërshkrueshme për shqiptarët, vendin dhe rajonin. Pjesë të saj kanë një rëndësi të veçantë, ato janë pjesë e rëndësishme e trashëgimisë botërore dhe paraqesin dëshmi të mënyrës së jetesës së qytetërimit me vlera të jashtëzakonshme. Për këtë arsye, është e rëndësishme që të mos humbin, por të ruhen dhe të mirëmbahen, dija për to të trashëgohet, në mënyrë që brezat e të ardhmes të mund të kuptojnë dhe të vlerësojnë kulturën, të trashëgojnë me krenari identitetin e tyre, të përmirësohen dhe të frymëzohen nga këto modele të qyetërimit. Për të mundësuar që kjo kulturë të mos zhduket, UNESCO ka bërë pjesë në listat e veta të trashëgimisë botërore, deri më tani, tetë pasuri shqiptare.

Çfarë është UNESCO?

Pas përfundimit të luftës së dytë botërore, terrori dhe përçarja kishin lënë gjurmë të pashlyeshme në kujtesën botërore. Për të siguruar paqen, mirëkuptimin dhe qëndrueshmërinë në botë, në 1945 u themelua Organizata për Arsimimin, Shkencën dhe Kulturën e Kombeve të Bashkuara. Misioni i UNESCO-s është të kontribuojë në ndërtimin e kulturës së paqes, çrrënjosjen e varfërisë, zhvillimin e qëndrueshëm dhe dialogut ndërkulturor.

Photo 3

Pas përfundimit të luftës së dytë botërore, terrori dhe përçarja kishin lënë gjurmë të pashlyeshme në kujtesën botërore. Për të siguruar paqen, mirëkuptimin dhe qëndrueshmërinë në botë, në 1945 u themelua Organizata për Arsimimin, Shkencën dhe Kulturën e Kombeve të Bashkuara. Misioni i UNESCO-s është të kontribuojë në ndërtimin e kulturës së paqes, çrrënjosjen e varfërisë, zhvillimin e qëndrueshëm dhe dialogut ndërkulturor.

Shqipëria në Listën e Trashëgimisë Botërore

Butrinti

Po, ky është Butrinti i “Natës së dymbëdhjetë”, apo njohur ndryshe, një nga vendodhjet e parapëlqyera të pushimit për aristokracinë Greko-romake të antikitetit. Ndodhet 25 km larg qytetit të Sarandës dhe shtrihet nga brigjet e detit Jon të fushëgropës së Delvinës. Për ndërlidhjen e peizazheve shumëllojshe natyrore me mbetjet dhe artefaktet e vyera antike të kulturës greko-romake, Butrinti gëzon statusin e një emri të artë në historinë e arkeologjisë shqiptare, pjesa historike është pjesë e UNESCO-s prej 1992, kurse liqeni i Butrintit është Zonë Veçanërisht e Mbrojtur, sipas Konventës së Barcelonës 1995. Madje këtu mund të shihni edhe blloqe të mëdha me mbishkrime pellazge. Vëzhgimi i pikave historike dhe shijimi i bukurive natyrore, janë pa dyshim aktiviteti parësor dhe më i rëndësishëm kur vizitoni Butrintin. Butrinti është dëshmia historike e vazhdimësisë së kulturave që kanë prekur zonën, prej periudhës greke deri në mesjetë.

Qendrat historike të Beratit dhe Gjirokastrës

Berati dhe Gjirokastra janë vendbanime të hershme të jugut të Shqipërisë dhe qendrat e tyre historike të fortifikuara, me arkitekturën e shtëpive të ndërtuara njëra mbi tjetrën të stilit ottoman, ndikuar nga kultura antike, por edhe për shkak se janë banuar e vazhdojnë të banohen, mbartin vlera të jashtëzakonshme. Berati njihet për kalanë shekullore, lagjet e tij historike, Mangalemin e Goricën, urën e gurtë dhe Osumin e kaltër që i ndan. Gjirokastra nga ana tjetër njihet si qyteti i gurtë, me çatitë e pjerrëta gri, rrugët e kalldrëmta dhe panoramën e jashtëzakonshme të shtëpive karakteristike dykatëshe, pazarin e vet historik dhe bukurinë e peizazhit. Këto qendra historike janë të veshura me bukuri të rrallë dhe vlera të çmuara.

Liqeni i Ohrit

Liqeni i Ohrit është një nga liqenet më të vjetër në Evropë dhe në botë. Vjetërsia e tij përllogaritet mes 4 deri në 10 milionë vite i vjetër dhe është me origjinë tektonike. Ujërat e gjelbërta janë shtëpi e mbi 200 specieve endemike. Që në krye të kohërave, liqeni ka shërbyer si burim jete, rreth tij janë zhvilluar komunitete, qytetërime dhe sot shtrihen dy shtete moderne. Ky është liqeni më i thellë në Ballkan. Liqeni ofron pamje spektakolare dhe në Pogradec shfrytëzohet si plazh. Mund të kaloni pushimet e verës, të shkoni për të kaluar një ditë të qetë, për të shijuar kuzhinën fantstike të zonës, për të peshkuar, apo për të vozitur me barkë në liqen.

Lumi i Gashit dhe Rrajca

Dy thesare të natyrës shqiptare janë pjesë e një pasurie të ndarë mes tetëmbëdhjetë vendeve të Evropës. Lumi i Gashit dhe Rrajca janë në listën e UNESCO-s si pjesë e pyjeve të ahut të lashtë e të qëmotshëm të Karpateve dhe rajoneve të tjera të Evropës. Rrajca përfaqëson një ekosistem unik natyror pranë kufirit me Maqedoninë e Veriut, thuajse e paprekur, me peizazhe të jashtëzoknshme dhe një biodiversitet të rrallë. Këtu mund të gjendet edhe rrëqebulli ballkanik. Lumi i Gashit nga ana tjetër, gjendet në veri të vendit, pranë Valbonës. Një pjesë e madhe e zonës rreth tij është e mbuluar me pyjet e ahut. Zona ofron pamje spektakolare, ku peizazhi malor kombinohet me ujërat e ftohta kristal, gjelbërimin e pemëve etj.

Shqipëria në Listën e Trashëgimisë Jomateriale

Iso-polifonia Shqiptare

Iso-polifonia shqiptare është shpallur nga UNESCO si pasuri gojore dhe shpirtërore e botës. Kjo mënyrë e të kënduarit që mendohet se është trashëguar që nga antikiteti, ka teknikë të veçantë dhe është një mjeshtëri e rrallë. Iso-polifonia e ka shoqëruar njeriun shqiptar në histori në momentet e veta më të gëzuara e më të trishtuara, duke qenë se shohim se ajo këndohet në rastë pikëllimi, por edhe në rasë gëzimi. Mendohet dhe pranohet se atdheu i vërtetë i iso-polifonisë shqiptare është jugu, por forma të saj gjejmë edhe në veri. Ata që e dëgjojnë shprehen se kjo mënyrë të kënduari ta ngre zemrën peshë e të mbush me emocione të pazakonta. Bukurtingëllimi, vështirësia teknike dhe historia e pasur, e bëjnë këngën iso-polifonike monumentale.

Xhubleta, dijebërja dhe përdorimi

Ka shumë gojëdhëna në lidhje me origjinën, formën dhe arsyet pse xhubleta na paraqitet në të tillë formë. Diçka është e sigurt, xhubleta vjen prej antikitetit dhe është pasaporta e shqipërisë në lëmin e kostumografisë etnike. Ky kostum i pazakontë, e merr emrin nga forma, tashmë emblematike, e rrudhur prej kambane e fundit të veshjes. Të tjerë mendojnë se rrudhjet e fundit të punuar me rripa shajaku janë nderim për rrudhjet e Bjeshkëve. Me një tërësi dekoracioni delikat dhe origjinal, xhubleta kombinon ngjyrat me simbole të hershme dekorative që mund të gjurmohen pas në kohë tek iliriët, madje edhe në kulturën kreto-mikenase. Mirëpo xhubleta është e rëndësishme si dëshmi e vazhdimësisë së një kulture të hershme antike, por edhe për dijebërjen e përdorimin e saj, kulturë e cila fatkeqësisht është drejt rrezikut të humbjes. Si elementi më i vonë kulturor shqiptar i përfshirë në UNESCO, xhubleta është në vëmendjen e të gjithë autoritieteve për tu ruajtur si dëshmi e mënyrës së jetesës dhe shoqëruese mijëvjeçare e grave malësore.

Shqipëria në Koleksionin e Kujtesës së Botës

Kodiku i Purpurt i Beratit

Kodikët e purpurt të Beratit (njohur si Kodiku i Purpurt i Beratit) janë dy ungjinj të gjetur në Berat që i përkasin grupit të shtatë kodikëve të purpurt që mbijetojnë sot në botë. Beratinus 1 i përket shekullit të gjashtë dhe përfaqëson një nga katër arketipet më të vjetra të Dhjatës së Re, me rëndësi të madhe pë të kuptuar zhvillimin e literaturës bibilike dhe liturgjike në botë. Beratinus 2 i përket shekullit të nëntë. Të dy kodikët janë një pasuri e çmuar që sot, pas restaurimit dhe replikimit për arsye studimore dhe kulturore, ruhen në Arkivin Kombëtar të Shqipërisë.

Blog

Valbona Lleshi (Head of HR) – “People are a company’s greatest asset”

Posted on 26 June 2023

How did you discover Elite Travel Group and how did your journey begin?

I have known about Elite Travel Group since its first days, as a client at first, but then Elbasan is a small city we all know one another. Word of Mouth was the company’s best marketing at the time. I knew the members of the board of directors for a long time, we are almost the same generation. And they offered me the position, as the previous person who covered the department was on their way to moving out of the company. When I first came to visit the company, I was struck by the working method and the advanced technology the company possessed, and it only made my decision to leave the public administration easier. It was the right job, at the right time, and for that, I will be forever grateful.

  1. What is/are your duties as head of the department?

My daily work mainly covers: organizing and maintaining personnel data; updating internal data; preparation of HR documents, such as employment contracts and new employment guidelines; reviewing company policies; answering employee questions about HR-related issues, informing the Finance department about payroll by providing relevant employee information (holidays, sick days and working hours).

I am also part of the recruitment process, which we have very standardized. This process, which begins with the recognition of the needs of each department, includes the preparation of the job description, opening the call for employment, interviewing, training, and up to the hiring stage.

 

  1. What are some of the difficulties you encounter in your work and what would you advise those who might consider the possibility of working in the same field?

The term Human Relations suggests in the first place that this profession has people at its center and relations with people are beautiful, as well as complicated. I would say that gaps between generations, introduction, and adapting to the culture of working it’s one of HR’s greatest challenges. What would I suggest to young people… If you get a certain satisfaction from communicating with people, and you are searching for a job where every day it’s different, then you are on the right path.

 

  1. Share with us some of the most important skills that you think enable you to perform very well in your job. Can you tell us from your experience how some of them develop and intertwine at work?

Clear and direct communication it’s key to building trustworthy relationships with employees and superiors.

 

  1. Every job/profession has its own unsaid. Tell us some sides that not everyone can recognize from the work you do.

Too much empathy can get overwhelming, and it becomes a weakness. Without me wanting, I get emotionally involved with other employees’ emotional states and feel for and like them. Empathy is crucial for such a job, but you should have limits, as you need to take rational decisions.

 

  1. How do the facilities (technology, infrastructure, etc.) of Elite Travel Group help you in your work?

Technology is the greatest help for what I do. Managing time, assigning duties, everything thanks to technology. All I need to do is a simple search and I can get the right information when I need it, I can create reports easily, no need for multiple files and folders, and I can even work on a group project without being there physically.

 

  1. In your opinion, how is a healthy work education created? How does it then relate to the environment you create with your colleagues or the people you work with?

From my experience, a healthy work ethic is a product of combining clear goals and expectations, team effort, and assessment. The environment you create with colleagues and other people has a defining role in facilitating work, sharing knowledge, and personal growth.

A healthy work environment is a coworking effort of managing employees. Everyone contributes to the general atmosphere by demonstrating positivity, respect, and commitment to teamwork. Colleagues need to understand that the environment they help create has a great effect on the overall work experience.

Encouraging positive and supportive morale, we all help for a healthy workplace and better company welfare.

 

  1. How do you see the future of your field concerning market demands and future professions?

The future of human resources will be dynamic and responsive to the demands of the labor market. HR professionals will need to embrace technology, data-driven decision-making, and strategic thinking as they focus on talent acquisition, development, employee well-being, and creating inclusive and sustainable workplaces.

 

  1. Before we come to the end, what is your motto at work and the values you try to convey?

My motto, which I truly understood during my work at Elite Travel Group, is “People are a company’s greatest asset”. This motto emphasizes the focus of human resources on the value and importance of employees within an organization and emphasizes the belief that investing in people and their well-being leads to better organizational performance and success.

 

  1. Finally, it’s time to ask your readers. Briefly describe an imaginary situation where our readers try to find the solution.

How long should a person study to be qualified for a job position?

Blog

Valbona Lleshi (Kreu i BNJ) – ‘‘Njerëzit janë aseti më me vlerë i një kompanie”

Posted on 26 June 2023

Si e zbuluat Elite Travel Group dhe si nisi rrugëtimi juaj?

Elite Travel Group e kam njohur që në fillimet e saj, kam marrë shërbime prej saj, pastaj Elbasani është qytet i vogël, të gjthë njihen me njëri-tjetrin. Word of Mouth (“Llafosjet”) ka qenë marketingu më i mirë në vitet e para të kompanisë. Me anëtaret e bordit drejtues të kompanise njiheshim prej vitesh, jemi pjesë e pothuajse të njëjtës gjeneratë. Dhe në fakt oferta për të qenë pjesë e kompanisë, pasi personi që mbulonte prej vitesh këtë pozicion do të largohej, erdhi prej tyre. Kur erdha për herë të parë në ambientet e kompanisë, kam mbetur shumë e surprizuar jo vetëm nga ambientet, por edhe nga mënyra e organizimit të punës, teknologjia e avancuar dhe kjo ma bëri shume më të lehtë vendimin për tu shkëputur nga administrata publike. Për mua ishte puna e duhur, në momentin e duhur dhe për këtë do të jem gjithnjë mirënjohëse.

  1. Cilat janë detyrat tuaja si shefe departamenti?

Puna ime e përditshme, mbulon kryesisht: organizimin dhe mbajtjen e të dhënave të personelit; përditësimin e të dhënave të brendshme; përgatitja e dokumente të BNJ, si kontratat e punës dhe udhëzuesit e rinj të punësimit; rishikimin e politikave të kompanisë; përgjigjen pyetjeve të punonjësve rreth çështjeve të lidhura me BNJ, informimin e departamentit të Financave për  përllogaritjen e pagave duke ofruar informacione përkatëse të punonjësve (psh pushimet, ditët e sëmundjes dhe oraret e punës).

Jam gjithashtu pjesë e procesit të rekrutimit, të cilin ne e kemi shumë të standartizuar. Ky proces, i cili fillon me njohjen e nevojave të çdo departamenti, përfshin përgatitjen e përshkrimit të punës, hapjen e thirrjes për punësim, intervistimin, trajnimin e deri në fazën e punësimit.

 

  1. Cilat janë disa nga vështirësitë që hasni në punën tuaj dhe çfarë do t’i këshillonit atyre që mund të konsiderojnë mundësinë për të punuar në të njëjtën fushë?

Vetë termi Burime Njerëzore nënkupton se ky profesion ka të bëje njerëzit dhe marrëdhëniet me njerëzit janë sa të bukura, aq të komplikuara. Do të thoja se ndryshimet e brezave, njohja dhe përshtatja me kulturën e punës është një nga sfidat e BNJ. Kultura e kompanisë janë vlerat, qëndrimet, sjelljet dhe standardet e përbashkëta që përbëjnë mjedisin e punës. Çfarë do t’i këshilloja një të riu që do të punojë në këtë fushë… Nëse të pëlqen komunikimi me njerëzit dhe nëse je në kërkim të një profesioni ku çdo ditë është e ndryshme nga tjetra, je në fushën e duhur.

 

  1. Ndani me ne disa prej aftësive më të rëndësishme që mendoni se ju japin dorë për një performancë shumë të mirë në punën tuaj. A mund të na tregoni nga përvoja juaj se si zhvillohen dhe ndërthuren në punë disa prej tyre?

Komunikimi i qartë dhe i hapur do të thoja se është thelbësor, për të ndërtuar marrëdhënie besimi me punonjësit dhe eprorët .

 

  1. Çdo punë/profesion ka të pathënat e veta. Na tregoni disa anë të cilat jo të gjithë mund t’i njohin nga puna që ju bëni.

Empatia e tepërt, të cilën do ta konsideroja si një dobësi në këtë profesion. Dashje pa dashje, unë përfshihem në gjendjen emocionale të punonjësve dhe përjetoj njëlloj me to. Patjetër që në këtë pozicion duhet të jesh empatike, por në një nivel të caktuar, pasi duhet të marrësh vendime racionale.

 

  1. Si ju ndihmojnë facilitetet (teknologjia, infrastruktura, etj.) e Elite Travel Group në punën tuaj?

Tekonologjia është lehtësuesja më e madhe në punën time. Menaxhimi i kohës, ndarja e detyrave, të gjitha sajë teknologjisë. Me një kërkim, mund të kesh informacionin e duhur në kohë, mund të krijosh raporte pa dashur të hapësh shumë faqe e skedarë, mund të punosh në një projekt me kolegë pa qenë prezentë.

 

  1. Sipas jush, si krijohet një edukatë e shëndetshme pune? Si lidhet ajo më pas me mjedisin që ju krijoni bashkë me kolegët, apo njerëzit me të cilët ju takon puna?

Sipas meje, një edukatë e shëndetshme pune krijohet përmes kombinimit të qëllimeve dhe pritshmërive të qarta, bashkëpunimit, punës në grup, si dhe vlerësimit. Mjedisi i krijuar me kolegët dhe njerëzit e tjerë në vendin e punës luan një rol shumë të rëndësishëm në lehtësimin e të punuarit, ndarjen e njohurive dhe zhvillimin personal.

Një mjedis i shëndetshëm pune është një përpjekje bashkëpunuese që përfshin menaxhimin dhe punonjësit. Çdo person kontribuon në atmosferën e përgjithshme duke demonstruar sjellje pozitive, respekt dhe një përkushtim ndaj punës në grup. Është thelbësore  që punonjësit  të kuptojnë se mjedisi që krijojnë së bashku me kolegët ndikon shumë në përvojën e përgjithshme të punës.

Duke nxitur një atmosferë pozitive dhe mbështetëse, secili  prej nesh kontribuon në një mjedis të shëndetshëm pune dhe përmirëson mirëqenien e kompanisë.

 

  1. Si e shihni të ardhmen e fushës suaj në raport më kërkesat e tregut dhe profesionet e së ardhmes?

E ardhmja e burimeve njerëzore do të jetë dinamike dhe e përgjegjshme ndaj kërkesave të tregut të punës. Profesionistët e burimeve njerëzore do të duhet të patjetër të përqafojnë teknologjinë, vendimmarrjen e drejtuar nga të dhënat dhe të menduarit strategjik, ndërsa fokusohen në përvetësimin e talenteve, zhvillimin, mirëqenien e punonjësve dhe krijimin e vendeve të punës gjithëpërfshirëse dhe të qëndrueshme.

 

  1. Para se ta mbyllim, cila është motoja juaj në punë dhe vlerat që ju përpiqeni të përcillni?

Motoja ime, të cilën me thëne të drejtën e kam kuptuar gjatë punës sime në Elite Travel Group është ‘‘Njerëzit janë aseti më me vlerë i një kompanie”. Kjo moto thekson fokusin e burimeve njerëzore në vlerën dhe rëndësinë e punonjësve brenda një organizate, thekson besimin se investimi te njerëzit dhe mirëqenia e tyre çon në performancë më të mirë organizative dhe sukses.

 

  1. Së fundmi, është koha t’i pyesni ju lexuesit. Përshkruani në pak fjalë një situatë të përfytyruar, ku lexuesit tanë të përpiqen të gjejnë zgjidhjen.

Sa kohë duhet të studiojë një person që të jetë i aftë për një pozicion pune?

News

Elite Travel Group’s Sustainability Plan

Posted on 23 June 2023

At Elite Travel Group we aim to provide a sustainable environment for ourselves, colleagues, and the community. Sustainability is a reality that we have embraced and decided to build our working model around, hoping to inspire everyone who interacts with us to turn it into a lifestyle. We have decided to take appropriate actions to reduce as much as possible the negative impact on the environment and society of our operations. We strive to create a better future, making every day better than yesterday and making a positive impact on our customers, suppliers, and associates. We work hard to create an example of best practices in the country and region. Our goal is for sustainability policies to be everywhere in the company, from the management level to the execution level. Staff, suppliers, and collaborators are expected to adhere to the objectives within this framework whenever possible within existing budgets.

Although we understand that our influence on the actions and third parties is tight, we try and do our best to inform them about our sustainability policies and encourage them to align their operating practices with the objectives of this policy.

Sustainability: Management and Legal Compliance

To manage our sustainability policies, we are committed to having a sustainability coordinator who has completed the basic training and examination from Travel Life, who is in charge of monitoring, reporting, and implementing the sustainability policies and action plan. Following this decision, we have explained and made public the sustainability mission statement and policy.

Their success guarantees carrying out a basic assessment of the company’s performance for sustainable practices and to ensure transparency regarding sustainability through reporting and public communication. An important part of this practice is the involvement of staff in the plan to be fully informed and ready to implement sustainability policies. This whole process is in harmony with the provided legal framework.

Sustainability: Central internal management

We provide all our employees with the freedom of employment and termination of the contract with notice and without penalty, including in their contracts working conditions following national employment law, job description, and wage rates equal to or above the statutory wage national. Also, we determine and compensate for overtime work based on agreement. Another important part of internal social management is social and health insurance according to national law.

We offer employees a fixed annual salary for holidays and leave for health reasons.

It is important to us to provide equal opportunities concerning recruitment, terms of employment, training opportunities, and senior positions for every candidate and we do not discriminate concerning gender, race, age, special abilities, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. We have a health and safety policy for employees that complies with national legal standards and ensure that they have first aid kits and trained staff available in all relevant locations. National regulations regarding the minimum age for employment apply. We do our best to regularly measure employee satisfaction and complaints and take measures for improvement. We offer opportunities to our employees to gain experience like their work and to advance in their careers within the company.

We declare that we do not prevent membership in trade unions, collective labor negotiations, and the representation of members by trade unions.

Sustainability: Internal environmental management

We are committed to actively reducing and (where possible) avoiding the use of consumer goods and disposable or limited-function products. We take action to improve internal waste management in compliance with the law by implementing waste reduction methods.

Sustainability: Partner Agencies

We have undertaken to inform strategic partners about national and Travelife standards on tourism, the sustainability policy of travel companies, and that they are expected to comply with it and/or communicate it to end customers where necessary. We practice including key sustainability clauses in contracts with inbound/host partners and motivate them to participate in sustainability training for travel companies.

Durability: Transport

We do our best to motivate and encourage partners to have their accommodations certified for sustainability. We prefer and select accommodations that are locally owned and managed, or that employ local communities, encouraging them to follow best practices for responsible tourism.

Another important part is the inclusion of standard sustainability clauses in all contracts with accommodation providers that focus on child labor, anti-corruption, bribery, waste management, and biodiversity protection.

We work with accommodations and restaurants that incorporate elements of local art, architecture, or cultural heritage; respecting the intellectual property rights of local communities. We ensure that throughout our accommodation supply chain, the rights of children are respected and protected, and have a zero-tolerance policy towards child sexual exploitation. Termination of cooperation with accommodation in case of clear evidence that contracted accommodation endangers the provision of the integrity of basic services such as food, water, energy, health care, or land to neighboring companies is indisputable.

Sustainability: Excursions and activities

We have an inventory of environmentally or culturally sensitive excursions available in every destination. Advising guests on standards of conduct during excursions and activities with a focus on respecting the local culture, nature, and environment and not offering any excursion that harms people, animals, plants, natural resources such as water and energy, or is socially unacceptable and cultural is a necessity for us. This also includes not offering any excursions in which wild animals are mistreated, except for activities properly regulated following local, national, and international law, and not being involved with companies that consume, exhibit, sell, or trade wild animal species, unless it is part of a regulated activity that ensures their presence is sustainable and in compliance with local, national, and international law.

We ensure that we have qualified and/or certified guides to guide our guests in culturally sensitive sites, heritage sites, or ecologically sensitive destinations.

Promoting and advising our guests on excursions and activities that directly involve and support local communities by purchasing services or goods, traditional crafts, and local production methods (food), or by visiting social projects or excursions and activities that support the local environment and biodiversity, for example. visiting protected areas or environmental protection projects is important to us.

Sustainability: Guides, local representatives, and guides

This includes ensuring that all employees have a written contract of employment, including terms of employment and a job description, and fully understand the terms and conditions of employment.

We prefer to work with local tour leaders, local representatives, local tour guides, porters, drivers, cooks, and other local staff of equal ability, and provide training as needed. Tour leaders, local representatives, guides, porters, and other local personnel contracted by us are paid at least a minimum wage that is equal to or above the legal minimum or the relevant industry standard.

We ensure that our tour guides, hosts, and other contract employees are qualified and regularly trained. Ensuring that our local employees are informed of relevant aspects of our sustainability policy and comply with it, through newsletters, references or contract addenda, emails, or training and information sessions is never overlooked.

We offer a special sustainable travel module in the training program for our local tour guides, which highlights key aspects of responsible tourism followed by the role expected of employees. This module also includes knowledge about the destination and related aspects of its sustainability.

Informing our customers, tour operators, local representatives, and guides about relevant sustainability issues in the destination (protection of flora, fauna, and cultural heritage, use of resources), social norms and values (tips, dress code, and photography), and human rights (sexual exploitation) we are convinced that we take our duty and responsibility to another level. Training of our employed tour leaders and local representatives to avoid child sexual exploitation. This will include training on how to screen claims related to the child abuse exemption.

Sustainability: Destinations

When it comes to choosing destinations, we try never to lose the element of originality, support, and responsibility. We consider sustainability aspects in the process of selecting new destinations and possibly offer alternative, non-mainstream destinations. We do not select destinations in which tourism leads to negative local structural effects, (unless the company’s involvement results in clear counterbalancing effects).

We take into account the selection of new destinations, which are accessible through more sustainable means of transport. We ensure that we do not run afoul of statutory spatial planning, protected areas, and heritage regulations. Also, destination management strategies of local, regional, and national authorities.

We support initiatives that improve the relationship between accommodation and local producers and try to influence and support the local government (where possible, together with other travel companies and stakeholders) concerning sustainability, destination planning, and management, the use of natural resources, and socio-cultural issues.

Supporting biodiversity conservation, including protected areas and high biodiversity areas, through financial contribution, political support, and integration into product offerings is another important pillar of our policies.

We do not promote souvenirs that contain threatened species of flora and fauna, as indicated in the CITES treaty and the “Red List” of the IUCN; or historical and archaeological objects (except were permitted by law). We support locally produced souvenirs and show which suppliers offer them to our customers.

Sustainability: Customers

We ensure that customer privacy is not compromised.

We adhere to relevant standards and voluntary codes of conduct in marketing and advertising messages and do not promise more than we deliver.

It is important to clarify complete and accurate product and pricing information about the company and its products and services, including sustainability claims.

Information on the destination, including sustainability aspects, which is factually accurate, balanced, and complete helps us inter alia to inform customers about the environmental impact of different transport options to reach the destination (in case these are not included in the package) and to offer sustainable alternatives, where available, promote (certified) sustainable accommodation, excursions, packages and/or transport options, with logos or other messages; ensuring they are recognized by the consumer and presented as the “best” option. Of course, this is related to informing customers about viable alternatives regarding accommodations, excursions, vacation packages, and transportation options, if any.

We never forget to inform (potential) customers about sustainability commitments and actions or provide information to consumers about the natural environment, local culture, and cultural heritage in the holiday destination, including key aspects and issues of sustainability in the destination and recommendations on how to make a positive contribution.

We inform customers about the risks and precautions related to health and safety issues at the destination and keep a contact person and a phone number permanently available for emergencies, but also train staff and keep available instructions on how to deal with emergencies.

We provide clients with documented guidelines and/or codes of conduct for sensitive excursions and activities to minimize adverse visitor impact and maximize satisfaction. Where possible, guidelines are developed in collaboration with relevant NGOs and the affected community. We provide customers with information on commercial, sexual, or any other form of exploitation and harassment, especially of children and adolescents, and inform them of applicable legislation regarding the purchase, sale, import, and export of historical or religious objects and items containing materials of threatened flora and/or fauna at the destination.

We prefer to encourage customers to use local restaurants and shops and let them know about sustainable transportation options at destinations when possible. We encourage you to donate to a local charity and sustainable initiatives.

We systematically measure customer satisfaction and consider the results for service and product improvement and include sustainability as an integral part of customer satisfaction research.

We have clear procedures in case of customer complaints.

Durability: The Green Team

The Green Team was created to work towards achieving our biggest goal, to be the first Albanian company certified by Travelife. Now that this goal has been achieved, the Green Team works systematically to observe, analyze and improve the conditions, factors, and interactions to maintain healthy sustainability practices.

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