Lamallari in Himara: Increased Checks and Zero Tolerance for Violations During the Tourist Season

Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari and State Police Director General Skënder Hita inspected Himara to assess the implementation of measures introduced to maintain public order and safety during the summer tourist season.

During a meeting with Himara Mayor Vangjel Tavo, Minister Lamallari said that security is a fundamental prerequisite for tourism development. According to him, cooperation between the State Police and local government is essential to providing high-quality services to citizens and tourists.

“Security is not simply an obligation of the state, but our promise to every citizen and every visitor who chooses Albania. Together with local government, every agency is on duty to guarantee public order, safety, immediate assistance and dignified services for domestic and foreign holidaymakers,” Minister Lamallari said.

Lamallari said that over the past four months, the State Police had intervened in 67 cases to assist tourists. More than 200 visitors were rescued in these operations, mainly in the mountainous areas of Çika, Gjipe and southern Albania.

The minister also praised the positive impact of the revised guidelines on permitted noise levels, which he said had been well received by both tourists and businesses. At the same time, he announced that checks along the coastline had been stepped up.

“In the past four months alone, 4,220 vessels have been inspected, 21% more than during the same period last year. Penalties have been imposed in 166 cases involving violations at sea, including the impoundment of vessels and administrative measures against operators who endangered holidaymakers’ safety or violated navigation rules,” Lamallari said.

He stressed that the authorities would remain committed to maintaining high safety standards throughout the summer season.

“We are coordinating our work to ensure the highest standards, a rapid response in situations where assistance is required, and zero tolerance for any violation that undermines safety or the country’s image,” the minister said.

Meanwhile, State Police Director General Skënder Hita presented a significant change in the way maritime border checks are being conducted this season.

“For the first time this year, maritime border checks are being carried out directly at sea. Yachts and other vessels no longer need to report to border crossing points, as the Border Police approach them and conduct checks through the TIMS system. This is an important development that improves service quality and facilitates the movement of vessels,” Hita said.

Himara Mayor Vangjel Tavo praised the coordination with the State Police, describing it as one of the key factors in the successful management of the tourist season.

“Thanks to close cooperation with the State Police, we have managed to ensure a safe tourist season. The police have provided continuous support, both in managing traffic and public order and in tourist rescue operations, as well as in addressing issues related to noise and traffic during the summer season,” Tavo said.

During the inspection, it was announced that State Police units, in coordination with local government and other responsible institutions, would continue intensive checks on land and at sea. The focus will be on protecting holidaymakers’ safety, enforcing the law and maintaining standards that help strengthen Albania’s image as a safe tourist destination.