Today, the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Faton Thaqi took part at the roundtable meeting organized by the Department of Industry, respectively the Tourism Division within the MTI.
The roundtable meeting was organized with all stakeholders of the tourism sector, where has participated the representatives of donor organizations, associations and tourism NGOs, representatives of municipalities, RDAs and other relevant actors working in tourism sector. The purpose of this roundtable was to increase cooperation and coordinate tourism projects between the central and local institutions, representatives of private sector and some of the donor organizations operating in Kosovo that support the tourism sector.
The Deputy Minister Thaçi said that "Kosovo has tourism potential such as mountainous, health sources and natural beauties, cultural and historical heritage, which can be used by visitors for excursions, sports, recreation, vacation, culture, and education purpose. Our country possesses great tourism potential, but so far is not being addressed properly as an economic sector, and had unfair approach to the country's economic development. The development of this economic sector will increase the country's national gross product. Mr. Thaci pointed out that the Ministry of Trade and Industry vows that very soon will establish a Tourism Department that will respond directly to the needs of tourism development as a profitable activity and to the economic development of the Republic of Kosovo.
While, the Tourism Division officials introduced achievements made during 2017 and plans for 2018. They also introduced priorities that need donor support during the next 3 years. At the same time, the municipalities’ representatives reveal their achievements and plans in tourism area. Even donors presented their intentions for this sector. The participants agreed that the establishment of the Tourism Department is very important since this sector has shown development results, and because contributes significantly to the country's economic development.