TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2023

​​T O U R I S M • H O S P I T A L I T Y • B U S I N E S S • D I P L O M A C Y • C U L T U R E OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2023

​​T O U R I S M • H O S P I T A L I T Y • B U S I N E S S • D I P L O M A C Y • C U L T U R E

​​T O U R I S M • H O S P I T A L I T Y • B U S I N E S S • D I P L O M A C Y • C U L T U R E OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2023

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2023

BUSINESS CENTER

WELCOME TO HOTCO 2024 ON JANUARY 29-30 IN VIENNA

Fátima Magalhães

LUXURY IS QUALITY AND EFFICIENCY

WE MAKE YOUR BUSINESS UNIQUE

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2023. 11. 06.

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HOTEL INVESTMENT CONFERENCE

JAN 29-30 2024

A Glamorous

W E L C O M E T O 20 24

VIENNA

The End of Cheap How to Navigate in an Expensive World

300 DECISION MAKERS 50 SPEAKERS 30 COUNTRIES

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Don't Miss Out: Early Bird Registration Deadline Approaching! Register at HOTCONF.COM

Pre-New Year Party

Sparkling New Year

with The Frajle

Celebration

30th Dec | Teodo Ballroom | 20:00

31st Dec | Teodo Ballroom | 20:00

From

€ 168,- per person*

From

€ 199,- per person*

BOOKING & INFO reservations.pm@regenthotels.com | +382 (0) 32 660 660 *Price is per person sharing a double room, including VAT and a 10% service charge, excluding city tax. A limited number of rooms available at the stated price.

Higher room categories are available; please inquire about the prices. Terms and conditions apply.

Exploring Possibilities Forging Connections

Unlocking Hotel Investment Excellence at HOTCO 2024!

Elevate Your Insight into Hotel Development Hotspots Across CEE Region and Beyond. Connect with Visionaries, Innovate with Experts, and Fuel Your Success. Join us on January 29th - 30th, 2024, for HOTCO – Your Gateway to Thriving Hotel Deals!

Where exellence is a habit

Join us love vas

The next

ALBTOURS D is a leading full-service Destination Management Company (DMC) for Balkan area specialized in a wide spectrum of services for MICE events, leisure, culture and sports related groups

Since its creation in 2005 Vas Tour Operator has been a trendsetter for outbound travel in albanian market.

VASDREAM has started its operations in 2015 and is currently one of the leading online wholesalers for more than 3,000 Travel agencies and Corporates globally.

Albtours D DMC operates in all 11 Balkan countries offering services from A to Z, meet & greet, airport transfers, bus in disposal, escort guides, hotels, restaurants, museums, special attractions, wine tasting and other. All services offered are with direct contracts with the suppliers!

Alongside Guaranteed tours, the company’s business model is mainly operating ON REQUEST and offering TAILOR MADE products specifically.

MICE: All kinds of events including Sports and Incentives as special part of MICE. Albtours D DMC operates strictly in a B2B model which markets include EU countries like Germany, UK, Italy, France and Sweden; North and South America; Middle East; Far East; LATAM countries and Balkans

VAS GROUP is a business group, which under its umbrella are a group of companies operating in the travel and tourism sector. Each company is a standalone brand by itself, depending on the type of services they provide in their respective markets. For years, VAS GROUP has been inspiring

the travel & tourism community by offering the most exclusive destinations at client’s reach. The group is always engaged in innovating travel experiences and tailoring new services to widen the options for the business partners of each of its companies operating under VAS GROUP’s name.

Offering escorted group tours, holiday packages, Winter or Summer vacations, charter holidays, sport events and bespoken individual travel arrangements, always striving to have unique product portfolio, has been a dustinguishing trait for Vas Tour Operator.

Its power springs from its solid foundation, careful selection of products and the dedication on the quality offered.

Vas Tour Operator, functioning on strictly B2B model, enjoys a large network of travel agencies, more than 2000 at the moment, that make its main sales channel.

The company core value like nurturing partnerships stands as its main guideline.

The platform offers B2B dedicated services for FLIGHTS, HOTELS, TRANSFERS, CAR RENTALS, thus providing the tools to travel, easily, quickly and safely anytime and from anywhere whether planning family vacations, business trips or organizing the trip of your lifetime, VASDREAM reveals the best travel opportunities for everyone.

The company’s constant investment in online booking technologies and our rich portfolio of providers, allow it to deliver innovative ideas, where planning and booking become efficient and a more exciting part of the journey, whatever is the destination.

Global Travel

Join exellence us love isvasa habit Where Vas Event is a leading full-service ALBTOURS D is a leading full-service Destination Management Company Destination Company (DMC) for BalkanManagement area specialized in a for Balkan area in a wide(DMC) spectrum of services forspecialized MICE wide spectrum ofand services MICE events, leisure, culture sportsfor related events, leisure, andenables sports related groups.

Being part ofculture Vas Group Vasgroups Event to benefit from the partnership with the biggest Balkan Albtours D DMC operates in all 11 Balkan companies and entities to deliver countries offering services from A to Z, special, tailor made, and exceptional meet & greet, airport transfers, bus in events. escortits guides, Vasdisposal, Event provides clientshotels, access restaurants, museums, special to exclusive events that feature attractions, wine tasting and other. All distinctive initiatives and exiting services offered are with direct contracts entertainment. the suppliers!

Vaswith Event partners with the biggest Alongside Guaranteed tours, Balkan companies and entities to the company’s business deliver special, tailor made,model and is mainly operating ON REQUEST offering exceptional events.

Mark yourand event specifically. withTAILOR AlbtoursMADE D andproducts explore endless MICE: All kinds of events including Sports possibilities and Incentives as special part of MICE. Client satisfaction Albtours D DMC operates strictly in a B2B We always strive to plan and operate which markets include EU yourmodel program smarter and in optimal countries Germany, UK, Italy, alignment withlike your goals, mission andFrance and Sweden; company culture. North and South America; Middle East; Far East; LATAM countries andbalkan Balkans Whole operations With our branch offices in three Balkan capitals, and trustable partners in each Balkan country, we can respond to any need and control each detail of your program to assure the highest quality for your guests.

Feel Join Premium us love vas PREMIUM GROUP HOTELS, is a hotel chain Since its in 2005 Vas Tour consisting ofcreation three 5 STAR hotels Operator hasto been trendsetter situated first row the a sea on Golemfor outbound in the albanian market. beach, a maintravel part of Albanian Riviera.

Offering escorted group tours, holiday Winter or Summer vacations, The packages, chain includes 3 brands, Premium charter sport events and5* Beach Hotel holidays, 5*, Premium Luxury Finese andbespoken Premium individual Sunrise 5*travel that offer arrangements, always striving and the finest class of accommodation to haveinunique product portfolio, hospitality Albania and the region. has been a dustinguishing trait for Vas Tour Operator.

Located between Tirana the capital of Albania and Durres the second main Its power fromare its at solid Albanian city,springs all 3 hotels a short foundation, careful selection of distance from Tirana International products and the dedication on the Airport (TIA), which makes them the right offered. andquality convenient choice to cater for all your travelling needs.

Vas Tour Operator, functioning on B2B fully model, enjoys a The strictly hotels are equipped forlarge network of travel agencies, more than business travelers, while also offering at the moment, that make its MICE2000 services for corporate events. sales channel.

Vastmain interconnected meeting rooms The company value like nurturing equipped with thecore latest technologies partnerships stands as itsother main needed for conferences and guideline. events, all can be laid out according to the corporation’s needs.

Your premiumThepointnextof view PREMIUM MEDIA is an innovative media VASDREAM has started its operations group complementing VAS GROUP’s 360 in 2015 is currently one of the leading vision forand the travel and tourism industry online wholesalers more than 3,000 in both Albania and thefor region.

TravelCHANNEL agencies TV, andPREMIUM Corporates globally.

PREMIUM TRAVEL and RADIO TRAVEL are the only TV and The platform offers dedicated Radio mix dedicated to B2B travel and services HOTELS, TRANSFERS, tourism that for areFLIGHTS, broadcasting in the local CAR RENTALS, thus providing the the tools to language.

Therefore, influencing travel, easily, andcustomers safely anytime travel market andquickly directing to from anywhere whether newand destinations and trends for planning family vacations, business trips or travelling. organizing the trip of your lifetime, PREMIUM CHANNEL TV is free to air on VASDREAM reveals the best travel DVBT2, Digitalb & Tring in Albania, Ipko & opportunities everyone.

Kujtesa in Kosovo,for in addition to IPTV all constant investment in overThe thecompany’s world. online booking technologies and our rich portfolio of providers, it to deliver PREMIUM TRAVEL is a freeallow to stream IPTV innovative ideas, where planning channel on a mission to revive, inspireand become andbooking awake the desireefficient to travel.and It isa more excitingvia part of the accessible a link on journey, PREMIUMwhatever MEDIA’s is the destination. website.

RADIO TRAVEL broadcasts on the frequency 104.6 MHz in Tirana & Durres; 87.7 MHz in Lushnje, Fier, Berat & Tepelena; 91.3 in Vlora; 98.6 in Dhërmi & Himara; 90.6 in Saranda. By extending its broadcasting from Ulcinj to Corfu, RADIO TRAVEL became the second private radio with the largest coverage in Albania.

Join us loveVasvasTour

SLOVENIA Ljubljana, Slovenia

Vas Tour Your premium point of view Feel Premium

DMC - EUROPE Vienna, Austria Austria PREMIUM GROUP HOTELS, is a hotel chain www.travelvas.com

PREMIUM MEDIA is an innovative media Vas Event is a leading full-service group complementing VAS GROUP’s 360 Slovenia Destination Management Company consisting of three 5 STAR hotels vision for the travel and tourism industry (DMC) for Balkan area specialized in a situated first row to the sea on Golem Bosnia & Herzegovina in both Albania and the region. wide spectrum of services for MICE beach, a main partKosova of the Albanian events, leisure, culture and sports related Riviera.

PREMIUM CHANNEL TV, PREMIUM TRAVEL Albania groups. Being part of Vas Group enables and RADIO TRAVEL are the only TV and Radio mix dedicated to travel and VasDMC Event to from&the - benefit BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA The chain includes 3 brands, Premium tourism that are broadcasting in the local partnership with the biggest&Balkan Sarajevo, Bosnia Herzegovina Beach Hotel 5*, Premium Luxury Finese 5* companies and entities to deliver and Premium Sunrise 5* that offer Turkey language. Therefore, influencing the www.vas.ba KOSOVA travel market and directing customers to special, tailor made, and exceptional the finest class of accommodation and Pristina, Kosova new destinations and trends for events. hospitality in Albania and the region. www.vas-rks.com travelling.

Vas Event provides its clients access Located between Tirana the capital of to exclusive events that feature PREMIUM CHANNEL TV is free to air on Albania and Durres the second main distinctive initiatives and exiting DMC - BALKAN Albanian city, all 3 hotels are at a short DVBT2, Digitalb & Tring in Albania, Ipko & entertainment.

Kujtesa in Kosovo, in addition to IPTV all Vas Event partners with the biggest Albania distance from Tirana International Tirana, over the world.

Airport (TIA), which makes them the right Balkan companies and entities to www.albtoursd.com DMC - GCC and convenient to cater for all deliver special, tailor made, and DMC choice - TURKEY UAE Dubai, PREMIUM TRAVELUAE is a free to stream IPTV your travelling needs.Turkey exceptional events. Mark your event Antalya, www.vastour.ae channel on a mission to revive, inspire with Albtours D and explore endless www.vas-tour.com and awake the desire to travel. It is The hotels are fully equipped for possibilities accessible via a link on PREMIUM MEDIA’s business travelers, while also offering website.

MICE services for corporate events.

Client satisfaction Vast interconnected meeting rooms We always strive to plan and operate RADIO TRAVEL broadcasts on the equipped with the latest technologies your program smarter and in optimal frequency 104.6 MHz in Tirana & Durres; needed for conferences and other alignment with your goals, mission and 87.7 MHz in Lushnje, Fier, Berat & Tepelena; events, all can be laid out according to company culture.

91.3 in Vlora; 98.6 in Dhërmi & Himara; the corporation’s needs.

90.6 in Saranda. By extending its Whole balkan operations broadcasting from Ulcinj to Corfu, RADIO With our branch offices in three Balkan TRAVEL became the second private radio capitals, and trustable partners in with the largest coverage in Albania. each Balkan country, we can respond to any need and control each detail of your program to assure the highest quality for your guests.

Vas Tour

Vas Tour

Albtours D

Vas Tour

Vas Tour

ALBANIA

AUSTRIA

BOSNIA&HERZEGOVINA

Company Global Travel Company contact@vasgroup.net

TURKEY

KOSOVA

UAE

www.vasgroup.net

SLOVENIA

FOUNDER’S NOTE

FOUNDER’S NOTE

your Hotel/ Resort has a selection of local activities (internal and external).

Jose Pinto • Founder

Highlighting your best property in that region will offer and create an authentic experience to the customer/visitor and guest, and by partnering with the local community it benefits tourism for your region and boosts the local economy.

Rudina Hoxha • Co-Founder

Turn Travelling Experiences into Profitable Business I have been traveling since a few decades to the different corners and destinations of the world. I decided to transmit that to you and whoever is interested not in love stories but in how Hospitality and Tourism can make unforgettable moments to anyone looking for something new, different and innovative. Selling sea, sands and views everyone does all over the planet.

I have spent nights/days and wonderful evenings in marvelous places with outstanding scenarios, people and natives.

I’m thrilled that I have chosen Albania for my last staycation and my greatest treasure.

Travelling requires major decisions, but the little things that make a trip easier and memorable are essential to anyone.

I have represented, exceptional branded Hotels, Resorts and International 10

Corporations that reveal the soul of their owners or investors; not merely time spent admiring and rejoicing in splendid surroundings, but journeys into people culture, traditions and habits, nurtured and delivered by people loving their jobs, duties and places. I have gathered lots of emotions, experiences and new ideas that have been a key element to me and my business, the same during these past years I have been transmitting to wherever and whoever is interested to do something different.

Myself and my team’s success in Hospitality was always to interact with the local communities and make them part of our business without jeopardizing the Resort or Hotel day- to- day activities nor their lives.

I wrote in past issues of the Trailblazing Magazine my ideas and some JP TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE

recommendations about that and how key that can be to call and retain customers/ visitors and tourists.

As hotels/resorts and accommodation properties look to compete with the sharing economy, the local community can become much more important to define and differentiate a hotel’s brand. As more travelers are seeking to have unique memories and local experiences, it will be important that 11

You can associate or partner with local individuals/ organizations/vendors and artists that can help promote local talents, and activities. You can do this by partnering with a local art group to showcase some local artistic talent or partnering with a local vendor or tour operator to showcase a product or experience unique to your region.

This helps create a unique and outstanding flare and surely a client/ customer retention.

JP TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE

CONTENTS october/november

A FIVE-STAR BUILDING IN FUNCTION OF OFFICES

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BJORNI VASILI ON LEAD ALBANIA PROGRAM SUCCESS 77

HOTCO 2024: ANNUAL RENDEZVOUS FOR HOSPITALITY TRENDSETTERS

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MÉABH MC MAHON: BRUSSELS, MY LOVE? IS THE DNA OF EURONEWS

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FÁTIMA MAGALHÃES: LUXURY IS QUALITY AND EFFICIENCY

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MELODY FROM THE DEPTH OF CENTURIES

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JULINDA MANSAKU: LEAD ALBANIA PROGRAM SEEMED LIKE THE AMERICAN DREAM LIVED IN ALBANIA”

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B DYNAMIC TEAMS PLATFORM - NEXT OPPORTUNITY FOR BALKAN WOMEN

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THE PAINTER OF TROPHIES: IT WAS AN ENRICHING EXPERIENCE

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IN BRIEF

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AMBASSADOR KAREL URBAN INAUGURATED THE PROJECT OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC TO SUPPORT THE PRODUCTION OF LIMB PROSTHESES 41

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INTERCONTINENTAL TIRANA AND CROWNE PLAZA DURRES: THE JEWELS OF THESE CITIES

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LEARN HOW TO MAKE YOUR CUSTOMER LOVE YOU

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VILLA CHEZ GEORGES ONE OF THE CHARMS OF RIO DE JANEIRO

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HOTCO 2024

ANNUAL RENDEZVOUS FOR

HOSPITALITY TRENDSETTERS Join the trendsetters at HOTCO 2024, January 29-30 in Vienna where exciting hospitality transactions take root, shaping the path forward for the industry’s evolution.

Mr. Marius Gomola (R), Co-Founder of HOTCO and Mr. James Chappell, Global Business Director of Horwath HTL..

This year’s program promises to be the most exciting and enlightening yet, as it gathers world-class speakers to delve into a wide array of intriguing issues that are set to shape the hotel investment environment in 2024.

Lifestyle hotels, known for delivering

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unique and personalized experiences, have consistently outperformed other categories. It also offers insights into the investment outlook for 2024, showcasing the Deal of the Year and dissecting the factors contributing to notable investment opportunities.

HOSPITALITY

HOSPITALITY

At its core, HOTCO serves as a dynamic hub, designed as an exclusive platform for hospitality trailblazers from the region.

HOTCO7 is not merely a conference; it is an annual rendezvous to celebrate the collective achievements of the industry’s visionaries, a nexus for networkbuilding, and the stage for igniting pivotal investment deals.

HOTCO7 seeks to unveil strategies to manage cost escalation, encompassing areas such as construction, design, financing, and branding solutions.

Health and wellness have become focal points in the industry, representing a substantial share of a $5 billion+ sector.

The conference explores how hotels and investors are capitalizing on this growth and enhance their financial performance.

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Operating hotels is a complex endeavour, with a critical yet often overlooked factor: people. Our panellists will explore how technology and drive for efficiency play help in solving serious shortage of qualified work force. Further, understanding key players in the hotel investment world is crucial, and HOTCO7 offers insights into the strategies employed by buyers and financiers, shedding light on the financing solutions to propel growth and development of the hotel real estate industry.

AI becoming more and more prevalent at the speed of light. HOTCO7 is set to explore the pervasive role of AI across the investment cycle, from financial analysis to optimizing operations and improving profitability.

View from the 2022 HOTCO Event in Vienna.

Join the trendsetters at HOTCO 2024, January 29-30 in Vienna where exciting hospitality transactions take root, shaping the path forward for the industry’s evolution.

Luxury in the hospitality industry is evolving to meet the expectations of a new generation of travellers. Simultaneously, hotels are shifting their focus from traditional location-centric considerations.

HOTCO7 investigates the transformation of luxury paradigms and the industry’s reimagining of spaces to create immersive and memorable guest experiences, ultimately leading to increased profitability.

The distribution landscape is embroiled in a fierce battle between hotels and online travel agencies. HOTCO7 explores the strategies employed by hotels to regain

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HOSPITALITY

HOSPITALITY

greater control over distribution channels.

The conference also provides valuable insights into how top industry executives, often referred to as the “C Suite,” navigate the multifaceted challenges and opportunities that 2024 presents.

MEDIA

Méabh Mc Mahon: Brussels, my Love? is the DNA of Euronews

By Rudina Hoxha

Méabh Mc Mahon, Host of “Brussels, my Love?” , a talk show which sheds light on European affairs and the issues that impact on the daily lives of the Europeans, sat with TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE to talk about the history and the development of this much-viewed program, the topics to come for the new season including the European integration of the Western Balkans and a lot of interesting facts about her career in Euronews.

Méabh Mc Mahon, is an Irish journalist and conference moderator based in Brussels since 2010.

“Brussels, my Love?” invites panels of people discussing matters from economy to the climate and the EU’s role in world affairs to understand better the ins and outs of European politics.

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MEDIA

MEDIA

Full interview below: How did the much-viewed program “Brussels, my Love” kick off? What is its story?

“Brussels, my love?” first appeared on Euronews in November 2022 in English and a few months later a Spanish version was born (https://es.euronews.com/myeurope/codigo-europa/brussels-my-love).

The brainchild of Euronews’ CEO Guillaume Dubois, the idea was to create a weekly ‘rendez vous’ for our viewers to catch up on the week in EU politics. From the climate to the economy, to the EU’s place in the world, the aspiration was to create a platform for an inquisitive public who are often baffled by what goes on in Brussels. That is why, every week, we start the show by breaking down the main stories of the week, stressing what is at stake for us all and for the continent. Its story reflects the DNA of Euronews, which is to help Europeans make sense of Europe, which Euronews has been doing for 30 years. The talk show is unique 22

as it is also broadcast on Euronews’ French, German, Italian, Russian, and Portuguese channels with subtitles. It is the first time in the history of Euronews that the same show exists in several languages.

In your view, what makes this programme different from the others in Euronews?

“Brussels, my love?” is a completely different format to any other show on Euronews. It is about sitting down with politicians and analysts and talking through the stories that you will have seen reported on our channels and website throughout the week. It is about equipping our viewers with more context, updating them on processes (that often play a huge role in EU politics), and bringing them behind the scenes of EU negotiating and horse-trading. We always tell our guests to pretend they are at a family dinner, deliberating the big challenges of our time and interacting on how to overcome them. What makes this talk show stand out too is our tone - we cover hard news, but we always try to leave JP TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE

our viewers with a smile by closing with a somewhat lighter issue. The news cycle today is relentless and the stories we cover raise concern, but there are also lots of quirky happenings across the continent that can offer hope.

Describe your approach to connecting with your audience.

In order to connect with our viewers, we try to make our stories as engaging and factual as possible. As EU news can often be dry and technical, we aspire to freshen them up and relate them to people’s everyday lives. That is why, our studio is vibrant and we always prepare some visuals to bring our audience along with us.

“Brussels, my love?” can be found on air and online and is broadcast at the weekend, so people can tune in during their free time.

As the show evolves, we would love to have live audiences sometimes to relate people’s direct concerns. This could help wake up and shake up EU decision makers, whom people feel can sometimes be detached 23

in their so-called ‘Brussels bubble’. I really feel the presence of our audiences while we tape, I can almost feel them either nodding along in agreement with what they hear or screaming at their television sets or devices!

How do you select the topics for the panels?

Every week, I sit down with our indefatigable producers Paul Larroque-Hoppenot from Paris and Luis Albertos from Valencia.

Together, we brainstorm the big stories of the week and decide on our angles.

We are very selective. We don’t just grab the breaking news of the day as we want to focus more on analysis and nuances.

Themes that we tend to revisit include the climate question, migration, the war in Ukraine and the economy but we also often compare European cities when it comes to access to amenities, housing etc. We are constantly monitoring the inequalities across the continent and questioning how they can be addressed. Every time we agree on a topic, we ask ourselves JP TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE

MEDIA

why our viewers would care about it and what they could gain from watching this show. Brussels happens to be bursting with opinionated, influential people who love to join our show. We always try to find guests with varying stances, but sometimes people refuse to sit in the same studio as someone who opposes their views, which I find frustrating as we all need to talk together to find solutions and not just shout over each other, which is often the case.

What are your unique skills that have helped you become successful? What would you say is your biggest achievement to date?

How did you get started and what led you to Euronews with “Brussels, my Love”?

I joined Euronews in September 2018 after years of reporting live 24/7 for breaking news channel France24. Since joining Euronews, I have worked as a reporter, correspondent, interviewer, event moderator and live news anchor and have trained as a ‘mojo’ reporter. After over a decade covering the EU, I have gathered immense knowledge and contacts and know how the EU machinery moves, so when asked to anchor this exciting new talk show, I was delighted to take on the new challenge.

What will the new season of the programme bring?

You will have to tune in to find out! But rest assured, the new season, which kicks off on the 2 September, will bring a critical eye to all the major challenges facing the continent today. The coming term will inevitably be dominated by the upcoming European Parliament elections, so expect the show to reflect this. There will be an urgency around Brussels and Strasbourg to wrap up legislative files in areas from Artificial Intelligence to pharma so we will keep our viewers updated, while also monitoring the world around us and the impact on Europe. Our first show of the season zoomed in on the departure of the EU climate chief Frans Timmermans to 24

national politics and the sense of climate fatigue in capitals and industry. Soon we will be joined by Brussels’ well known mobility minister Elke Van den Brandt who is facing death threats for speed limits she introduced in the congested city. We will hear about the tensions she faces making the de facto EU capital cleaner and greener.

Will it be a future discussion about the integration of Albania and the Western Balkans in the European Union? Will it be a future panel or series of debates?

Absolutely. No topic is off the table. And we are fascinated by the region. On Euronews, we frequently report from Albania and the Western Balkans. To do a decent talk show though on EU enlargement, we need the right guests to ensure a fair debate. On topics like this, I do not want to hear just from Brussels based folks. We need voices from the ground and also lots of context for our viewers. Euronews actually has affiliate channels in Albania and Serbia and Georgia so we can link in with them too when we deep dive into these regions.

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I am a people’s person and bring energy and enthusiasm to whatever I endeavour.

This connection I have with people has probably proved to be my biggest skill as a TV reporter. Whether they are plumbers or presidents, I love talking to people and hearing their stories. I have a non sensational way of interviewing and I care. I am not afraid to ask tough questions, take people in power out of their comfort zones. My biggest achievement to date is giving birth to two multilingual children and managing to do what I do on such little sleep! For Euronews, a memorable moment was just after the Russian invasion of Ukraine when the EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen told me that Ukraine is “one of us and we want them in the European Union”. The interview went viral and saw a European Parliament resolution drafted including this news headline. I had little expectation for anything concrete ahead of the interview, but it ended up giving hope to many Ukrainians who were in shock and despair over their country.

Who were and are the people that keep you inspired and motivated in this industry?

On a daily basis, I am motivated by my small,

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hardworking team and their dedication and attention to detail. I am constantly inspired by my Euronews’ colleagues, especially Anelise Borges, Giorgia Orlandi, Valerie Guariat - fearless female reporters whose reporting is never about themselves, but always about the people they meet. But my daily drive comes from our audience and my constant interaction with our viewers, both in person and online. Euronews is broadcast globally so over the past couple of years, I have built up trust with viewers and I feel like they count on me to keep them informed and to ask all their questions. In this environment of spin and false information, it is a huge motivation and honour to know they rely on me.

Follow me: meabh_mc_mahon euronews.tv twitter.com/MeabhMcMahon twitter.com/euronews

JP TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE

Fátima Magalhães

LUXURY IS QUALITY AND EFFICIENCY

BY RUDINA HOXHA

CONTACT: www.fluxurymagazine.com www.focupremium.com

Fátima Magalhães, an entrepreneur originally from Angola, daughter of an Angolan mother and a Portuguese father, with a residence in Portugal, splashes TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE with her inspiring story.

A powerful woman, a businesswoman, an influencer, and a role model, Fátima is the CEO of Focuspremium, a company that organizes exclusive events, among other services as well as the CEO and Founder of F Luxury Magazine and F Club.

Through this exclusive interview, she goes through her life and career and comments on her milestones.

Don’t forget to get notes, she really has a lot to offer!

Full interview below: 27

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LUXURY

Fátima, can you share more about yourself with our readers? Who are you? And can you describe some of the main projects you are involved in?

I am someone who always knew that I would give wings to my projects. I became accustomed, from an early age, to crossing borders, living between Africa and Europe, specifically Luanda, Lisbon, and Zurich. These experiences have proven to be valuable in my journey to this day. As for my projects, my flagship company is Focuspremium, which includes the F Luxury magazine and the F Club.

I believe that my analytical skills and the management experience I gained during my 10 years as Commercial Director at Mercedes in Angola, combined with my keen sense of observation and ability to communicate, are fundamental characteristics of my personality. I am a woman who is focused and committed to realizing her dreams, striving for success while leading an active and happy life.

What was your childhood like? Who or what laid the foundation for your future life and career?

I am originally from Angola, daughter of an

Angolan mother and a Portuguese father, with a residence in Portugal. I had a happy childhood. Due to my father’s job at the Portuguese consulate in Angola, I had the opportunity to start traveling at a very young age, which gave me the opportunity to get to know new cultures.

Working as the Director of a major multinational in Angola was an experience that filled me with dreams and opened doors for the projects I have today.

You are a powerful woman, a businesswoman, an influencer, and a role model. What inspired you to achieve all these high positions, and what do you think are the habits of an effective leader who can accomplish all this?

When you have a lot of work on your plate, it’s important to stay focused and keep in mind that you are never satisfied with the results, so you can continue to climb higher.

I consider myself a very creative person, but also objective and very perfectionistic

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in what I do. I dedicated my entire life to achieving what I have today, but I believe I still have much to do, as I still consider myself young and full of determination.

You have achieved success by staying focused and helping others climb the ladder. How do you feel about opening doors for so many female leaders?

Indeed, I consider myself an influencer, mature and aware of what I like and what I do. I believe that many women look up to me, and I don’t think it’s about age. They are inspired by the woman I am, a mother, a professional, a friend. I think what makes me an example for those who follow me is my ability to passionately explore various topics and embrace projects with conviction.

Why did you choose Portugal as the base for your business and your life? How can you portray this country to entrepreneurial women and their business development?

I chose Portugal because I feel half Portuguese and half Angolan, due to my

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always been passionate about fashion, decoration, and believed in the quality of products. I have also always loved to travel. So, over time, the idea of creating a magazine that reflects my lifestyle and what I believe in, a true refinement of life, slowly grew.

What is luxury to you, and how has it inspired you throughout your career?

When I was in Zurich, I adopted the “haus frau” lifestyle, which means housewife, and it influenced my professional identity as a woman used to leading, after being the Director of a multinational. Because I believe I was born for leadership. I enjoy growing companies and my projects. And when I felt like I was in a country that wasn’t my world, I believed it was time to launch something I truly believed in. That’s where the genesis of F Luxury lies, after realizing that the luxury segment was virtually nonexistent in terms

Luxury, to me, is about quality and efficiency.

But the definition of luxury in today’s world has evolved significantly, reflecting cultural, social, and economic changes. I believe that luxury is undervalued worldwide today, and that’s what we aim to reclaim in our editorial project. When you talk about a luxury house, a luxury hotel, or even a luxury magazine, that word should carry its weight. In terms of inspiration, I have

LUXURY

LUXURY

parents. I lived in Zurich, Switzerland, for eight years, a country where I felt lost regarding my culture and way of life. I believe that Portugal, being a small country where almost everyone knows each other, was not easy for me at first. I had to make an effort to win the sympathy of all the brands at Avenida da Liberdade and make them believe in my project and in me. Perhaps in a larger country with more premium brands, it could have been easier due to greater diversity.

What was the key moment that helped you advance in your career when launching F Luxury and later, F Club? What important leadership styles do these media provide to women?

of editorial content. As you can read in every edition, F is the letter that begins my editorial and guides my projects. But, above all, it stands for Focuspremium, the foundational project that created the roots for all my other projects. It all began with Focuspremium. But it’s also F for Fátima, the woman I am, who motivated everything.

with their ability to gain many business connections. They get to know different women from the business world in an exclusive way.

As for F Club, it was born in a very critical moment in the world, during the Covid-19 pandemic, and some women felt my strength, my entrepreneurial spirit, how I communicate with people, how I can help a friend, my sensitivity. In that moment, the club grew, with a very small group of renowned women in Portugal, with large stores on Avenida da Liberdade, who felt the need to connect with other strong women to understand what could happen. It was in these meetings that the club originated.

Today, F Club brings together 50 women in intimate events, and they all believe in the project and are very happy and satisfied

In my view, to achieve success, one must have ideals, nurture dreams, but then it’s essential to roll up your sleeves and fight for them. In short, you have to turn your ideas into reality. I approach life with an open and youthful spirit, and I have a constant desire to do more and do better, to soar even higher and grow as a person and as a professional. Perseverance and optimism are other qualities I see in a woman leader.

I myself am a living example of how it’s possible to realize dreams and pursue your calling. Of course, this is based on an enormous capacity for work and high standards.

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What leadership opportunities for women in the business sector do you think exist?

What challenges do they face, and what can be improved?

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LUXURY

What are your plans for the future? Do you intend to expand your business to other places?

I have no intention of expanding at this moment. F Luxury is present on TAP airplanes, we have an online store, so the magazine is read worldwide wherever the Portuguese language is spoken. Currently, we have a website with an English version where we translate all the content. Today, F Luxury is a registered trademark, and I feel that I will leave a mark on the world.

Because its F also stands for fabulous, fundamental, and Fátima, as I am present and dedicate 24 hours to my project. F Luxury is a winning project where beauty, elegance, and sophistication transport readers into the F universe.

Personally, I believe that women still face a range of challenges in the business world, despite significant strides toward gender equality. Some common challenges include wage inequality, lack of representation in leadership roles, limited access to development opportunities, bias in choosing industries and careers.

But despite these challenges, I believe many women are fighting and overcoming obstacles, achieving significant success in various business areas. I see this frequently in the F Club.

What is the most powerful lesson you would share with another woman in the business world?

The most important thing is defining the business you want to undertake and being certain about your path. It’s crucial 32

to stay focused on that business and not get distracted or expand into multiple ventures. Many business mistakes, both by women and men, happen when they try to do too many things at once, which completely disconnects from the initial project. Currently, I have two main projects: F Luxury and F Club. I’ve had many offers for other businesses and partnerships, but I declined them because I feel secure in what I’m doing and want to give more exclusivity and dedication to my projects. Therefore, we should focus and be fully committed to what we are doing.

In the future, I hope to have more time for myself, which is the greatest luxury I apply to my life. I would like to have more time to travel, to be with the people I care about, to breathe and rediscover myself, because a project like mine is very demanding and consumes a lot of my time.

My secret to success is belief, striving for goals, and never giving up. To succeed in life, you have to use the passion you possess to surpass yourself and go further.

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Cultural heritage saadat aBdullayeva, Doctor of Arts, Professor

Tar

MELODY FROM THE

DEPTH OF CENTURIES

Barbat

SOURCE: Irs Heritage

AzerbAIJAn, A relATIvely SMAll CounTry, IS HoMe To dozenS of PeoPleS And eTHnICITIeS, MoST of wHICH Are ConSIdered AuToCHTHonS of THe regIon. AMong SuCH eTHnICITIeS THere IS A nuMber of THoSe Known AS THe PeoPleS of THe SHAHdAg grouP wHICH rePreSenT eTHnIC frAgMenTS of CAuCASIAn AlbAnIA. 34

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www.irs-az.com

M

usical instruments are an important attribute of civilization and serve as an indicator of the level of culture. They are presumed to have emerged as signal tools associated with human labor activity. The instruments performing the purely musical function

Pearly tambourine

appeared a little later1. Naturally, they were quite plain in the beginning. As human thought and the level of culture evolved, musical instruments became more sophisticated: the number of strings on stringed instruments increased, while the strings were gradually tightened 1.

Kamancha

Musical encyclopedia, vol. 3. M., “Soviet Encyclopedia” Publishing House, 1976, p. 741

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against different-shaped bodies and necks; holes were opened in the trunks of penny whistles and pipes, and tongues or whistles inserted into them; membranes made of animal leather were pulled over round, wooden, earthenware or metal bodies of percussion instruments of different heights, and were stricken against with drumsticks, wrists or fingers of both hands. The self-sounding instruments, which initially represented two stones, gave rise to different bells, ratchets and cymbals made of copper and materials of vegetable origin The appearance and perfection of new musical instruments is the result of development of human thought and esthetic taste. This centuries-long process has facilitated a gradual distinction of style, musical modes and genres characteristic of different peoples. Quite often musical instruments were borrowed from other ethnicities.

Due to the historical development of certain regions, including countries of Southwest and Central Asia mainly populated by Turkic peoples, musical instruments were not limited to certain boundaries states. This explains the presence of similar stringed, wind, percussion and self-sounding instruments. The

similarity of names points to their common roots. At present, however, it is almost impossible to identify their actual origin. Therefore, the assertion that the Duduk is “the most popular Armenian musical instrument”1 only because of the Latin

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Cultural heritage tioned in the 9th century epos “David Sasunskiy”4, while Armenian highlands are said to be the original home of the fiddlestick5. One is tempted to ask a question: if these musical instruments did originate in this territory, why do they have Persian, Arab or Turkic names, not Armenian? Why is it that there is only one type of the Ud and Kanun in Armenia, while West European musicologists know of 32 types of the Ud and 12 of the Kanun in Arab countries?

At the same time, the description of acoustical characteristics and tone rows of the instruments claimed to be of Armenian origin are mainly found in the researches of such outstanding philosophers and scholars as Abu Nasr al-Farabi (died in 950), Abu Ali Ibn Sina (Avicenna, 980-1037), Safi al-Din al-Urmawi (1216/17-1294), Abd al-Qadir

Chang

name of the apricot tree Armeniaca (usually used in the production of trunks for musical instruments), (according to a prominent Russian botanist, Academician P. M. Zhukovskiy, the name was given wrongly) is quite ludicrous. In fact, this popular folk instrument has many different names – Duduk, Balaban, Balaman, Mey – and is widespread on a territory stretching from Turkey to Central Asia. The name of Duduk is first mentioned in the Oghuz heroic epos, the Book of Dada Gorgud, which describes the life of the Oghuz in the 6-7th centuries and 2.

3.

4.

5.

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earlier periods3.

The statements that wind instruments Sring (prototype of the Ney), a stringed Tar (the most popular instrument in Azerbaijan closely associated with the Mugham), and the Kanon (known as the Kanun in the Arab and Turkic world) originate from Eastern and Western Armenia are equally absurd. The appearance of the Dgol (known in other countries as Nagara, Doli, Gaval, Daldam, Drum, Kalmas, Dauma, etc.) is said to be associated with the cult of goddess Anahit (300-200 B.C.). It is claimed that the Zurna is first men-

Zourna

Balaban

al-Maraghi (1353-1434/35), Darvish Ali Changi (16th century), etc. Verses describing the peculiarities of their structure and sound are often encountered in the works of luminary poets Abu Abdullah Rudaki (884940), Abulhassan Firdousi (around 940-1020 or 1030), Qatran Tabrizi

(1010-1080), Khagani Shirvani (1120/1199), Nizami Ganjavi (11411209), Amir Khosrof Dehlevi (12531325), Imadaddin Nasimi (13691417), Alisher Navoi (1441-1501), Muhammad Fizuli (1498-1552) and others.

It is worth indicating that Abu

Leather tulum

Saz

“Food and Society” magazine, 2001, No 5, p. 8 The Book of Dada Gorgud. Oghuz heroic epos. Translated by V. Bartold. M.-L., Publishing House of the USSR Academy of Science, 1962 http://www.hayastan.ru Digest of materials of the Second International Musicological Symposium, Samarkand, 7-12 October 1983. Moscow, “Soviet Composer” Publishing House, 1987, p. 187-192

6.

7.

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Double Nagara

S. Abdullayeva. Azerbaijan’s folk musical instruments. Baku, “Elm” Publishing House, 2000 M. Gasimli, Ozan-Ashik art. Baku, “Ugur” Publishing House, 2007

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Nasr al-Farabi described the Khorasan and Baghdad types of the Tambur, while Abd al-Qadir al-Maraghi referred to the Shirvan and Turkish ones. Also known are the Mogol, Afghan, Iranian and Indian Tamburs.

The Rubabs of different design are encountered these days in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, north-western China (Sintsiang province), Iran (Sistan province), Pakistan, India (states of Jammu and Kashmir) and Afghanistan. Depending on the location, they are described as the Afghan, Kashgar, Dulan, Pamir and Shugnan Rubabs.

For instance, the Kashgar Rubab was spread in medieval Azerbaijan6.

Due to the spread of the Ashik art in the Turkic world (especially in Azerbaijan), the Saz is one of a handful of instruments known under a single name on a large territory. Under the influence of the Ashiks, this art form also developed in Armenia, Georgia, Dagestan and Adzharia (in Adzharia the Ashiks are referred to as the Ashir). In middle ages, the word Saz meant a set of all instruments (this tradition is followed in modern Turkey). Subsequently, the term was applied to one instrument only. The word Saz translates as something in good condition and, when applied to a musical instrument, it means tuned. There are 12 Ashik communities established by Azerbaijani Ashiks7. Nine of these still exist, while the Erevan, Geycha and partly the Childir groups have ceased to exist in the aftermath of Armenian

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Cultural heritage ethnic reprisals against Azerbaijanis in 1905-1918, 1948-1950 and 19871988. At present, Turkic Sazes do not differ a lot from each other. The only difference is the manner of performance. In the provinces of Iran bordering on Turkmenistan, it is played with fingers like the Dutar, while the plectrum, the Tazana, is used in other regions. A two-stringed Dutar with a pear-shaped body looking like the Saz is very popular with the Turkmens and is an invariable instrument for the Bakhshi, folk narrators. The Dutar is also widespread in

Ud

Uzbekistan and Tajikistan8. This is an important argument in the drawing of parallels between musical cultures of regional peoples.

The names of those who invented and refined musical instruments are recorded in written sources and embedded in human memory: Plato, Abu Nasr al-Farabi, Ibn Sina, Safi al-Din al-Urmawi, Abd al-Qadir alMaraghi, Antonio Stradivari, Sébastien Érard, Theobald Boehm, Adolph Sax, Mirza Sadig Asad, etc. From

8.

9.

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this standpoint, the development of the Tar has a interesting history.

Although it is associated with Abu Nasr al-Farabi (born in Turkestan), this instrument was mainly used in Iran and Azerbaijan starting from the 17th century. Although a sixth string was added to the five-stringed instrument by well-known Iranian musician Dervish Khan, the instrument became popular only after being redesigned by prominent Azerbaijani performer Mirza Sadig Asad oglu (1846-1902). He increased the number of strings to 12, established 22 frets on the neck and, most importantly, changed the shape of the body, making it lighter. This made it possible to hold the instrument against the chest, not on the lap as before. The refined instrument, known as the Azerbaijani Tar9, quickly became popular in Iran, eastern Anatolia (Turkey), Georgia, Armenia, Dagestan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

We believe it would be more appropriate to channel the effort not into finding out the origin of musical instruments but into studying their evolution, spread and migration routes.

The mission of a new generation of musicologists is to preserve and revitalize the forgotten instruments created by our ancestors, to objectively research different aspects of instruments. Of course, the desire of instrument-makers and musicians to create new instruments must be encouraged so that the quality of sounds and tones could improve, enabling listeners to perceive all nuances of different folk music genres.

Choghur

Tanbur

Ruhab

Rud

K. Vertkov, G. Blagodatov, E. Yazovitskaya. Atlas of people’s musical instruments of the USSR. M., “Music” Publishing House, 1975 V. Abdulgassimov, Azerbaijani Tar. Baku, “Ishyg” Publishing House”, 1990 JP TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE

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The Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Albania, Mr. Karel Urban, and the director of the “Hope for Life” association, Mr. Izet Onuzi, jointly inaugurated the Czech Development Cooperation Project that supports the production of limb prostheses.

With the funds donated by the Czech Republic, in the amount of 20,000 euros, the Association could purchase quality materials and produce prosthetic limbs that would give people a chance to return to a normal active life.

Through the funds allocated by the project, it became possible to produce in record time 12 quality prostheses of the upper and lower limbs, thus avoiding long waiting lines and bureaucratic processes and, as mentioned above, enabling the reintegration of the persons supported by the project in normal active life.

The inauguration ceremony took

place in the premises (workshop) of the “Hope for Life” association, where the Ambassador was made aware of the positive contribution of the project to the further continuation of the useful work of the association.

Ambassador Karel Urban informed the attendees that the Czech Republic finances at least one development aid project in the health sector in Albania every year.

This year, in addition to this project, the Czech Republic will also provide Czech hospital beds for the “Mother Teresa” hospital in Tirana. Last year, it supplied the Koço Gliozheni maternity hospital with a neonatal incubator and a neonatal transport bag from Czech manufacturers, while in 2021 it helped equip the playroom for children and the visiting room for parents in the oncology department of the Children’s Hospital in Tirana.

The Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Albania, Mr. Karel Urban, and the director of the “Hope for Life” association, Mr. Izet Onuzi

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CZECH EMBASSY

Ambassador Karel Urban Inaugurated the Project of the Czech Republic to Support the Production of Limb Prostheses

HOSPITALITY EDITION

INTERCONTINENTAL TIRANA AND CROWNE PLAZA DURRES: THE JEWELS OF THESE CITIES

By Rudina Hoxha & Jose Pinto

Full interview below: How does the European Hotel Management Group look like today?

First of all, I feel that EHMG is now more experienced with the Albanian market than what we were few years ago when we first started operated in this country. We met lots of investors, operators and business people from the community and each interaction has made us learn new things about doing business in Albania. Also, we have grown quite substantially from the one hotel we had in 2020 to being involved and operating some of the flagship hotels in this country such as Movenpick Lalez, InterContinental Tirana, Crowne Plaza Durres, La Brisa Dhermi, Radisson Borsh.....

Milos Cerovic is a global hotelier with a colorful experience of more than 17 years of multi brand leadership experience in iconic, luxury hotels & resorts.

Alongside with two copartners, he established the (EHMG)) in 2021.

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Milos Cerovic comes to the October/November edition of TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE to update our readers of how the projects of European Hotel Management Group (EHMG) are moving forward in Albania and further in the region.

Cerovic is very pleased with the results achieved by EHMG in Albania and in the Balkans while stresses that the future of this Group belongs to them.

Please give us an overview of the new brands brought by the European Hotel Management Group in Albania, Balkans and further.

We are extremely pleased to say that we are proud of our partnership with Accor, IHG and Radisson over the past few years bringing some stunning brands to Albania and engaging them with local investors who are trying to make unique and distinctive hotel experiences in Albania.

InterContinental Tirana and Crowne Plaza Durres will surely become crown jewels of these two cities, completely raising the level of product and service quality.

EHMG is also thrilled to announce the signing of Radisson Blu Resort in Dajti Mountain, Tirana. Nestled in one of Tirana’s most unique and breathtaking locations, the 77-room mountain retreat will offer a perfect blend of luxury and nature. Radisson Blu Resort in Dajti Mountain will soon be the top choice for every season.

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In your view, how the hotel for the 21stcentury consumer should be reinvented?

Three points....Technology, privacy and quality plus timeliness of service. Everything else is secondary. New generation of customers want instant service and information. They are not willing to wait.

Technology in the hotels needs to be state of the art and always a step ahead of the home experience. Service personalization has always been and will always remain the main differentiation point between good hotels and iconic ones.

What is being done so far by the EHMG to cope with the present and future needs for staff training and development?

Our company philosophy has always been to invest in staff first. To create an atmosphere where employees will come to work with a smile, but also have an opportunity to learn new things and take care of their personal/private matters. The variety of hotels within our portfolio allows us to shift talent across the hotels and provide them with learning and development opportunities within the region, gaining new experiences and growing with our system.

Hoteliers made a big mistake during the Covid times, when they let go a big part of their workforce. These employees moved to other industries and only a small number of them has returned to hospitality. Now, we are feeling the lack of that talent and the industry is generally struggling to find new generations of hoteliers.

How are the new brands moving forward?

Are they impacting the legacy brands?

Do you think the classical brands are struggling not to look boring?

Yes and now...there are brands who are truly different and moving the boundaries within the industry. However, there are many old brands that are struggling to find their own 52

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HOSPITALITY

identity and space in the current hotel climate. Some hotel companies have 50 plus brands within their portfolio. It is impossible to create differentiating points between them and keep their relevance.

What do you see the future of EHMG in Albania, region and further?

The future of EHMG is closely tied together with the Balkan region. We feel that there is enough space for us to grow within this region and to be honest, we culturally and geographically perfectly fit in this region. Our leadership team comes from the region (Serbia, Albania and Montenegro) so we almost feel obliged to remain in our region and develop this beautiful industry called hospitality.

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HOSPITALITY

Learn How to Make your Customer Love You

By Rudina Hoxha & Jose Pinto

HOSPITALITY

HOSPITALITY

To what extent has your origin from Egypt influenced your successful career? How important were your studies to you?

As an Egyptian, I got a big influence on my life style.

I grew up near the Great Pyramids of Giza and the desert and always going to the Sea which made me love the history and the nature and the Adventure, and I think all this has taught me many things in life.

Sameh Saad is a distinguished voice of tourism and hospitality. TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE spoke with the Egyptian expert to go back on time and analyze the steps of his career while shared his learnings and the advices for the generation of young hospitality.

Full interview below: How would you describe yourself working in the leisure, travel & tourism industry for a lifetime?

Working in the leisure business and hospitality is a passion. If you are into it, it will remain in your blood and you can never get rid of it for the rest of your life.

I’m a University Graduate from Ain Shams university in Cairo, but I think the university is the first step in your career and the higher you go up, you increase your knowledge by studying and going through different training courses.

And all this helps you to climb the stairs…

Can you talk a bit about “The sound and light” Company and how much you enjoyed working for it?

In fact, after 30 years in hospitality, I shifted my road to work in the travel Business as I call it (sitting on the other side of the table of the hospitality business).

Then I had another shift in my career; I worked for three years as advisor to the minister of tourism (Ex Minister H.E. Hisham Zazou) in charge of marketing and incoming tourism to Egypt.

From this position, I could see tourism and hospitality business from another angle and a different prospective. I also learnt how to deal with officials and governmental rules and regulation as well as with the travel agencies which gave me more support in the travel business.

Let’s go through your career... Going back to it, would you have taken a different decision?

Going back in time I would have chosen the same career. Maybe I would have considered taking some tiny minor changes in some moves but I wouldn’t think of Something else.

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In fact, I worked as consultant for some DMCs in the incoming market to Egypt from Europe and Saudi Arabia.

After working with the government, I made another complete shift in my career where I was assigned as chairman for the sound and light company which is a public sector

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company. It runs the historic show telling the story of the Pyramids of Giza and Karnak Temple in Luxor and Phiale in Aswan and Abu Simbel Temple on Lake Nasser in Aswan.

The show is running as a play in different languages (8 to 10) in each temple.

When I started the company, I had a loss of approximately 10 million dollars.

Soon I managed to turn the losses of two years into a profit of 1 million Dollars after paying our previous debts.

One thing I’m proud of is that I added the Chinese language in the shows and it was not any easy task I tell you.

Then I had another shift in my career with the public sector where I was assigned as

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After Misr Travel, I moved to Ashti as Chairman and Managing Director. Ashti owns two hotels (Novotel Cairo Airport Hotel and Stiegnberger Ashti Hotel in Luxor).

And again I stayed on the other side of the table as owner working with international management companies.

Currently I work as a consultant for some hotels in terms of upgrading and development.

What are some of the takeaways you would love to share with the youngsters who have embraced the long journey of hospitality?

I would like to say to the new Generation: Love your career and your career will love you…

Chairman of Misr Travel, the only public sector company in the travel business.

Misr Travel owns and runs 3 hotels, and 3 floating restaurants, and a fleet of 128 Buses and 50 Limousine cars as well as 43 Branches all over the country, and 45 flats and 100 acres real estate project and two administration towers 16 floor each, and many other properties, the total number of employees was 2800.

Give it all that you can give and your future will give you much more...

Sharm El Sheikh Egypt.

Love your job and your job will give you more.

In your view, which are the operational essentials in ensuring the highest standards of service in hospitality sector?

The key of success in the hospitality business is the voice of the customer and learn how to make your customer love you.

At present, you give your experience for various touristic projects. How do you feel giving the best of you for others? What is your message for the readers of our Magazine?

I love to work and give as well as achieve successes in my life. I constantly develop myself which is not difficult nowadays.

Now we have internet and increasing your knowledge became easier them my early days.

So, I take my chance and never stop learning and give my knowledge to the other to watch their successes.

We were going in the right track for boosting the company up but unfortunately the

In fact, this was a great challenge for me.

I started to make vital changes to lift the company revenues and business up by redesigning the work flow and generating new business areas as I learned from my studies in Six Sigma program as my last job was Black Belt in Sheraton Sharm Hotel in 60

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Covid-19 came over and all the activities were halted as I had to pay over one million dollars monthly salaries and running expenses.

ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARK

ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARK

Villa Chez Georges One of the Charms of Rio de Janeiro

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Villa Chez Georges is an architectural landmark designed by Wladimir Alvez Souza, a beautiful modernist-brutalist villa in Santa Teresa, one of the most charming neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro.

The finely crafted architecture in concrete, wood and glass is completed with the unique view of the Sugar Loaf in the background, bathed by the deep blue of the Guanabara Bay.

The streets vibrate in a different atmosphere from the rest of the city and when going up the famous Ladeira do Meireles, we find this refuge surrounded by the Atlantic forest.

Each area in the house expresses the care taken to create a unique environment, with hand-picked decorative pieces from different countries, with different stories.

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ARCHITECTURE STUDIO

And for all music-lovers, the entire house is hooked up to a state-of-the-art music production room — situated below the welcoming 15-meter-long pool — transforming the villa into a huge recording studio.

The fully sound-proofed music studio consists of a living area, a control room and recording room, all opening on the omnipresent forest.

The invitation is to feel at home, with all the luxury and comfort of a personalized hospitality service. Whether renting just a suite or the entire Villa, we guarantee a perfect setting to create the best experiences.

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A FIVE-STAR BUILDING IN FUNCTION OF OFFICES

BUSINESS

BUSINESS

T

he developer of ATTI, Mr. Alban Xhaferi comes to TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE to talk about the ins and outs of this premium exclusive building in the Albanian capital. He is happy that all the involved have invested in meeting the EU required standards that this tower offers today.

“Most of our clients are international companies.

Our tower is meant for such companies. We invested a lot in standards, and today we are reaping the results. These are the standards that these companies are looking for,” Xhaferi says.

Full interview below:

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ATTI is going on its own course. How satisfied are you with the results so far?

To judge the results of ATTI, we need to consider two aspects: its aesthetic and functional aspects. Initially, this tower was planned to be a business center in line with all the EU norms, but back at that time, these

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norms were not very clear. Throughout the course, it has been the joint work of the architects, constructors and engineers of the tower to achieve the final result. At the end, we think that the process is positive because the tower is well-built by rigorously following all the designs of the experts, which makes the tower unique as well as complete from an aesthetic point of view while meeting the EU norms in terms of fire, safety and security as well as acoustic and air conditioning standards. Overall, it is a five-star building in function of the offices.

Nowadays many developers decide to build investments consisting of buildings with different services and functions. Do you think that this trend will strengthen and displace the tendency to build multifunctional complexes?

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BUSINESS

BUSINESS

At first sight, such buildings look simple, but they are very complicated in reality.

Making investments in multi-functional buildings means being unclear about what you are doing and spending more than is necessary because you try to fit everything in one building. Initially, we had such an idea, but we abandoned it soon. Being multi-functional means that during the process of projection and implementation, you had to think over 4– 5-star services at the same time, which made no sense to us. So, we decided to dedicate a building only to the offices, with the main purpose

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of providing a working environment for primarily administrative and managerial staff. ATTI will create modern space standards that promote flexibility, efficiency, and productivity while providing appropriate support spaces and amenities that foster.

ATTI offers office space users easy access to relaxation/ entertainment areas that can be used at the end of the working day.

Is it therefore an important factor that determines a greater interest in renting office space in this rather than in another investment?

The building represents a new concept in the function of offices. We have tried hard to introduce such a concept because we know that, nowadays people pay attention not only to working hours but even to the after-work hours. More than before, people pay more attention to their appearance and their fitness. Given that, we planned, besides the offices, to fit a spa, a swimming pool and a rooftop bar in the upper part of the tower.

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here; then after 6 p.m., the recreative area spanning the 20th floor of the tower takes on more importance. We think that this is a very well-thought formula to make the tower even more interesting, while for the offices and their workers to make the work even more effective.

The café, a panoramic bar/restaurant, as well as a wellness center, a gym and a swimming pool occupy a great percentage of the built area. What are your plans to manage such?

Will this be given to a premium luxury international brand company to manage it and wide open the market for the ultra-modern and iconic luxury building?

perfectly well, will be needed to create an extra energy in our project.

What about the restaurant?

It will be an international brand to manage it, so we will bring a new international name in the field of gastronomy to Tirana and in the tower. People from outside can come to the restaurant too. We are considering many brands. I am sure when we reveal the selected one, we will hit hard.

What are the main clients of the tower?

Most of the clients are international

Absolutely, we need professional people to manage such a tower. Such professional partners do not miss in Tirana. This will be done in partnership with us. We need to know everything that is happening in the tower, in terms of investments, plans, etc.

To answer your question, subcontractors or third partners, who know the business 73

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BUSINESS

that such investments, like ours, are very hard to handle in order to keep such high standards because it is a new way of functioning, thinking and serving. Absolutely, it is very difficult but I am sure we will make it.

Why did you cooperate with the Italian architects and what are the major elements of this tower that make the difference in the market?

The tower is a product of an international competition that took place time ago. Three architectural studios participated: one Belgian, one German and one Italian, who won. I was personally in favor of the Italian company given the affinity, the culture and the mindset between our two countries.

Our collaboration has been very close from day one. Viewing the final product today, I can say that the building is aesthetically spectacular. Rarely you can see such towers where the façade includes 14 different shades, 60 different windows and a total of 495 windows. Two architectural studios from Italy have left their footprints on this prestigious project: – Archea Associati from Florence with Mr. Marco Casamonte, who has personally worked on all its details. And Arassociati Architetti, based in Milan, which dealt with the halls and the entertainment areas. They have a long experience in the 5 star hotels. Thus, we have combined the Florence architecture with the interior parts of the halls, full of elegance and seriousness which mostly suit Milan. This intertwining has brought a novelty and a far more interesting touch. The impact of everyone who has visited the tower for the first time has been impressive.

companies. Our tower is meant for such companies.

We invested a lot in EU required standards, and today we are reaping the results. These are the standards that these companies are looking for.

Many other towers are or will be built around the ATTI in Tirana city. How do you pretend to market yourself? Can you share with the viewers what are your plans in order that the Iconic Tower stays ahead of the competition?

Many buildings in Tirana are under construction right now. Our tower has a specific characteristic: The tower serves only to the lessees and for as long as the owner administers and manages the tower, this creates confidence and security in the good course of the rental process. It means that it would have a far more sustainable management in terms of its administration. Of course, there is a lot of competition around us. But we firmly believe 74

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LEAD Albania Program Encouraged Me to Think Outside the Box

By Rudina HOXHA

SHORT BIOGRAPHY Bjorni Vasili holds a Bachelor’s Degree and Master of Science in Civil and Commercial Law from the Luarasi University in Tirana. He has successfully completed the National School of Advocacy and was provided with an attorney’s license by the National Chamber of Advocates.

For the last 6 years, Bjorni has given his contribution to various law firms in Albania, assisting a large number of Albanian and international clients with legal assistance in various public procurement procedures, intellectual property and data protection and employment cases and also as court representative before the Albanian Courts.

Recently he has been engaged in offering legal counseling in various infrastructure projects and merger and acquisition transactions.

One of the most prominent fellows of LEAD Albania Program 2023, Bjorni Vasili, with a sharp law background, said in an exclusive interview with TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE that he felt committed since the beginning with the LEAD Albania topic of leadership development.

“As a lawyer during the program I feel that I have been provided with a wellrounder skill set and knowledge base that is relevant to the challenges and responsibilities that I face in my role as advisor at the Prime Minister Office but that are also applicable in the private sector and personal life,” Vasili said.

He also comments on the conspicuous Emerging Leaders Executive Program at Harvard Kennedy School, a course all the LEAD Albania Program fellows completes in the context of LEAD Albania Program.

“This course gives the students the opportunity to engage in innovative

approaches to problem-solving and also other soft skills as communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills that are applicable in my role in the Albanian government,” the lawyer stated.

According to him, the LEAD Albania Program is “a unique and enlightening experience, and I believe implementing the knowledge gained during this experience, in my journey as a professional, will happen naturally and smoothly.”

Full interview below: Bjorni, thank you for being with TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE! So, let’s start off by telling us what kind of leader you are hoping to develop at LEAD Albania Program?

Firstly, allow me to thank you for the opportunity. It is a pleasure to be part of TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE.

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LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

BJORNI VASILI on LEAD Albania Program Success

What are the topics that you feel committed at LEAD Albania Program and how they correlate with your career?

LEAD Albania Program, is a fellowship program similar to the White House Fellows Program, which, aims to provide young Albanian professionals with first-hand experience in the process of governing Albania. As a fellow, I was assigned as a legal advisor of the Secretary General of the Prime Minister Office and during the whole experience along with the other fellows of my class have participated in various trainings and seminars which helped us in both professional and personal aspects.

The LEAD Albania Program aims to develop leaders who are not only wellversed in their respective field, but also possess a broader understanding of governance, public policy, decision making and leadership skills. The program aims to develop new leaders, who have the ability to lead effectively in various government positions and to inspire and guide others towards common goals but also in developing interpersonal and communication 78

skills that are crucial for effective collaboration and leadership in a government setting.

Personally, I felt committed since the beginning with the LEAD Albania topic of leadership development. A large part of the program was focused on leadership development and involved seminars and trainings in which we were introduced to various leadership styles, effective communication and public speaking, conflict resolution and other soft skills essential for successful leadership. As a lawyer during the program I feel that I have been provided with a well-rounder skill set

and knowledge base that is relevant to the challenges and responsibilities that I face in my role as advisor at the Prime Minister Office but that are also applicable in the private sector and personal life.

Can you tell us a bit more how was your experience at Harvard Kennedy School in the context of LEAD Albania Program?

Being part of the Emerging Leaders Executive Program at Harvard Kenny School was a really unique experience that expose me to different views of leadership and real-life experience from executive and future leaders from different countries. During the course we were introduced to innovative topics about the principles of leadership and decision making that where align with the LEAD Albania Program in the context of government service and governance.

For long-term success, leaders need to create growth that is also sustainable and inclusive. In your opinion, how does that fit with how LEAD Albania is preparing you and your colleagues?

The LEAD Albania Program prepares the fellows to contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth by involving several key components such as educational components like the seminars that we have attended, in which topics such as social and economic dimensions of development and policy making have been presented in the class by professionals and politicians or executives. Also such trainings as the Center for Creative Leadership, of the program emphasize the importance of inclusive policies, and ethical leadership, emphasizing the importance of ethical leadership and how to be an effective leader under critical situations.

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Personally, I believe that the key factor during this whole journey, was the ways that we were constantly asked and encouraged to think innovatively and outside the box.

This course gives the students the opportunity to engage in innovative approaches to problemsolving and also other soft skills as communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills that are applicable in my role in the Albanian government.

Apart from the academic aspect, this course is an excellent networking opportunity with fellow students that can be valuable for future collaborations and partnerships.

In your view, what will it take to be a successful leader today and in the future?

I believe that in order to be a successful leader in today’s dynamic landscape and in the future, requires a combination of traditional leadership qualities and adaptability to emerging trends. In order to be successful at this challenge, a leader must poses a combination of some key attributes such as vision and strategic thinking, adaptability, effective communication, active listening, emotional

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intelligence and continuous learning.

Being a successful leader for me, will also require a commitment to ethical and responsible leadership and also to embrace innovation.

What are your objectives and plans after your completion of LEAD Albania Program and how do you plan to put your gained knowledge into practice?

Personally, I enjoy every aspect of the legal profession. I consider it a very demanding one, but performing under pressure and having to deal daily with various law fields and engaging with other fellow lawyers brings me a great amount of professional satisfaction. I plan to contribute in the public sector, by continuing to engage in processes related with legislative changes and law-making in Albania.

I consider the LEAD Albania Program a unique and enlightening experience, and I believe implementing the knowledge gained during this experience, in my journey as a professional, will happen naturally and smoothly.

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Full interview below: What is your academic and professional history?

After I studied law at the University of Tirana, my academic experience came to be enriched thanks to my professional experience, which gave me a clearer insight in time for the areas in which I could deepen my academic expertise.

In this way, I pursued academic studies at the International Diplomatic Academy of The Hague in Public International Law, in an environment of well-known international experts in the field, experience which preceded my engagement in teaching as a lecturer at the Faculty of Law, University of Tirana where I teach Public International Law.

JULINDA MANSAKU

LEAD Albania Program Seemed like the American Dream Lived in Albania”

By Rudina HOXHA

In the following, my professional experience has been varied in different public sectors, which in terms of the dynamics they reflected, I consider as an important aspect which has helped to create a broad view of the functioning of the work and in the formation of my professional background.

Bank and other international organizations, experience which I consider valuable in my professional building, as this has been a boom moment for Albania in the development of very important road infrastructure projects from a political, economic and social point of view. I continued this expertise in my career as Legal Advisor to the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure.

Furthermore, I held the position of the State Advocate and at the same time the Head of the Counselling Office at the State Advocates Office and later on the position of the Head of the Office of Arbitration and representation at foreign international courts.

Working as a State Advocate at these two important Offices has marked both the peak of my career and professional satisfaction, due to the importance but also the responsibility of the issues with which I have engaged in the protection of the interests of the state by advising important contracts but also in representation before the International Arbitration Courts.

The passion I developed for the profession in the State Advocate Office, during this important period of my career, almost 5 years, made me undertake the academic master’s studies, LLM in International Dispute

Here I mention that I initially held the position of Legal Adviser at the Department of Development of Foreign Projects, in the road infrastructure at the Albanian Road Authority, projects which were financed by the World 83

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LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

The LEAD Albania Program 2014-2015 Fellow, Ms. Julinda Mansaku, who is engaged with the Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), initially for 2 years in the Cabinet, as Advisor to the Head of SPAK and then Director of the Department of Secret Documentation, Human Resources, Reporting to the EU, etc., explains her “LEAD Albania Program” experience and how important this milestone was for her further career.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

passion to serve and support the mission of SPAK is decisive for being fully engaged, looking for good models to apply in the formation of a consolidated institution, but also being creative in the work environment, cooperating closely with international partners for the absorption of the best techniques of the operation of the Justice Structures.

Why did you embrace the LEAD Albania Program 2014-2015 and what were the takeaways of this Program which are helping you in your work nowadays?

It was a nice coincidence to get in touch with the LEAD Albania Program, watching a morning show on television, where the two Coordinators of the Program were making a presentation of the program, which was in its infancy at that time, only 1 year.

Resolutions at the City University of London, United Kingdom.

Furthermore, I am engaged with the Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), initially for 2 years in the Cabinet, as Advisor to the Head of SPAK and then Director of the Department of Secret Documentation, Human Resources, Reporting to the EU, etc.

How would you describe your job to other people?

The Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime is in itself a challenge of our times, created at a delicate moment for Albania, both from the point of view of reforming the justice system, as well as reforming the social conscience in the perceived justice.

In a long transition phase that the path 84

of justice has made in our country, the establishment of such a structure coincide an important moment for Albania, that of the opening of negotiations with the EU, for the further integration of our country, as one of the basic conditions.

First as a public, the engagement with the Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime, is inspiring at a time when you are attached to an institution which is assigned to do justice in difficult times and increases hope to the public.

At the same time, the engagement and is responsibility and a challenge that goes hand-in-hand with the development of the institution, which is relatively new, and from the experience and the results, it is improving significantly day by day.

Therefore, in addition to the professional aspect that I can carry, I note that the JP TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE

I was immediately very inspired by the purpose and objectives that it represented for young people, for such a unique experience in the field of leadership and with an important job position in the Cabinets of the government. Furthermore, it was a successful model program inspired from the White House Fellows Program in the USA. It seemed like the American dream lived in Albania , which you had no reason not to experience, considering here that the professional reality in Albania has been and remains difficult and opportunities such as the LEAD Albania Program are not often offered.

By itself, the competitive nature of the Program, according to which you had to challenge yourself among hundreds of applicants for the best training and idea, this was a moment that best corresponded to my professional maturity at the time. The moment had come for me to undertake 85

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a new professional challenge out of the desire to grow further professionally but also to contribute with the accumulated experience, as there comes a moment when a person has to give because he wants to transform knowledge into giving.

Thus, in the line of my background in the development of foreign projects, I was placed as an Advisor at the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure where I was able to contribute to the development of several foreign projects but also to the improvement of several legal platforms in the field of infrastructure.

Today, I think that being attached to the LEAD Albania Program as a visionary, serious and successful brand at the time, has been a safe investment in my further career, the impact of which I have felt in the desire of the people who have invited me to cooperate with them.

What does leadership mean to you?

We were the first generation, which served as the basis for the beginning of a tradition, which not only showed its values by creating consistency and increased performance 86

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year after year, but also influenced the successful impact of the program.

The program is made up of people who are LEAD Fellows, so the success of the program is directly related to our personal investment further in the career path, which can be seen as a return on the investment we make for each other in time. To develop simultaneously-together means leadership.

Leadership also means the inspiration and motivation of each other and the timely support of your compatriots, which I have always singled out as one of the most beautiful qualities remaining from the Lead Albania Program.

Was a particular aspect, course or approach that was especially helpful for you at LEAD Albania Program as you developed as a leader? In your view, which leadership skills were the most difficult to develop?

LEAD Albania Program was an educational experience from which you learn that leadership is not a profession, but that professionalism in leadership can bring long-term successful systems. A program that supports and encourages the development of young professionals, inviting them to be contributors to the transformation of the concept of doing politics, seeing it as the evolution of knowledge and values, starting from oneself.

Along with the mission of transmitting JP TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE

knowledge, the Program also fulfilled the mission of creating a meeting place, in which human diversity created a common environment of values such as tolerance, understanding, respect for each other. The special feature of this Program lies precisely in experiencing this unique experience, which is not easily found in our reality.”

I think that apart from the responsibility that one person wears as a leader in a certain position, what I think has been successful for me and I can truly advise others is the team play. Helping yourself and others to do the right thing moving forward, motivating and inspiring others by building strong teams.

Together we develop.

What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time?

What is something that your colleagues do not know about you?

Maybe we all happen to ask this big question after a certain journey in life, if it was the right profession that we chose to identify us and if its stays with our tastes and personality. I have noticed that I have always been passionate about the jobs and work I have done, or perhaps they were such interesting works that happened to me, but in reality to produce successful results and get pleasure from them has always been my drive.

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While the commitment to the work leaves very little time for you to dedicate yourself to some inner passions that raise head from time to time and tease the artistic spirit, I can share with you that from an early age I had a passion for writing, and I sat down and used to write poetry time to time.

Recently, to not endlessly oppose the artistic feeling inside me I have decided to devote time to it and accept an offer to write on certain topics for a social-cultural magazine here in Tirana.

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WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

Liora Caspi, CEO and Founder of B Dynamic Teams is the special guest from Israel in our TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE! During a trip to Tirana, I managed to grab an exclusive interview from her. In her interview, she promotes B Dynamic Teams platform while calls on Albanian women to be part of it.

B Dynamic Teams Platform - Next Opportunity for Balkan Women

By Rudina HOXHA

“The platform has been built modularly all the time since January 2023 as a tool that brings knowledge, innovation, connection, and encounters of diverse worlds between empowered women and empowering women who are aware of the importance of women in the economy worlds in times of globalization and far-reaching changes,” Caspi says.

like the European Union, several women’s organizations, and other global networks.

Our goal is to combine resources to enhance women’s entrepreneurial roles, elevate their potential, and bring their business leadership to new heights.

Dear Liora, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with Trailblazing Magazine! Please can you give our readers a little insight into your professional career and what are you doing at present?

How do you recognize yourself in all the women which are part of this platform?

First of all, I want to thank you for the opportunity to be exposed to the women of Albania.

When you asked me, “How did I come to the moment of creating the B Dynamic Teams platform?” On my first visit to the Balkans about four years ago, I was amazed by the beauty of the landscape in all its forms. Along with all the spectacular and breathtaking sights I witnessed, I saw the women of the Balkans. It was one of those moments in life where you realize that you’re facing something big.

This was my “aha” moment!

How did you come to the moment of creating the Dynamic Team platform and can you tell us more about it?

As a woman educated and raised in a startup nation, I’ve recognized the power of technology in bringing people together, particularly women with untapped potential.

Brimming with ideas and abilities, these women often lack the exposure and vital networks necessary for flourishing, especially in the business world.

Since January 2023, we have diligently shaped our platform as an incubator for knowledge, innovation, and empowerment.

It serves as a bridge, connecting worlds and fostering encounters between two groups of women: those already empowered and those becoming increasingly aware of their crucial role in a rapidly globalizing economy.

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I perceive my role as the “wind in the wings” that launches international delegations to the Balkans to create business connections and promote companies founded by women who want to be part of globally empowered communities.

Why did you choose women empowerment as the theme of this platform?

This is a great and very important question. The reason why I chose women’s empowerment is because it’s our strongest asset. It’s well-known that when women come together and connect, they naturally build empowering and inspiring communities.

There are many studies that corroborate this point of view, showing better results and improved outcomes in various fields when women are included and take on leadership roles. I firmly believe that the initiatives and activities we drive today will soon become a standard part of our daily lives.

How would you sum up the whole platform in 5 words?

Summing up the platform in five words presents a significant challenge, but in essence, it’s about “Empowering Women’s Leadership and Collaboration.” This statement encapsulates the years I’ve spent learning and observing large entities

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The B Dynamic Teams platform was also founded to create opportunities for Balkan women to get closer to the community of businesswomen in Israel, build collaborations, gather knowledge, and establish connections that will empower their journey.

Who are the commented women that inspire you? What is your definition of women empowerment?

My mother is the first woman to drive my high motivation and breathe life into my wings. She taught and gave me the ability to understand that no matter what life gives me, what I do with it matters. There is also Golda Meir, former Prime Minister of Israel, in the most challenging war we have ever known; she fought for victory and won.

business management, including aspects like competition and establishing their roles.

The problem is the exclusion of women’s perspectives from crucial decisionmaking and planning processes, which are essential in shaping and strengthening their involvement in the entrepreneurial and business sectors.

What are your future plans about the Dynamic Teams? Other projects in the pipeline for you?

Regarding my future plans, I invite you to look out for my forthcoming book.

Meanwhile, I encourage every woman who aspires to be a trailblazer in entrepreneurship to join our community.

Together, we aim to address the significant challenges women face in this third millennium - an era I call the female millennium.

Additionally, we started sharing regular newsletters to keep the audience updated.

We invite you to subscribe, follow us on social media, share our stories, and become an integral part of this visionary journey, bringing your dreams to the collective narrative.

“To err is human; to forgive is divine.”

In your view, what is your main challenge that women are facing in today’s society?

The main challenge is their underrepresentation in key areas of organizational practices, particularly in

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WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

Full interview below:

ART/BUSINESS

In the process of preparing the designs, I considered the concepts: LUDIC - INTELLIGENT - INNOVATIVE TOGETHER WITH NATURE - TOGETHER - NOT AGAINST - INCLUSIVE - PACIFIST

The Painter of Trophies: It was an Enriching Experience

BY RUDINA HOXHA Rosh333, a very well-known graffiti and murals artist from Spain, born in Alicante in 1977, is the painter of the Young Inventors Prize trophies. These trophies have the shape of a sail, a symbol that shows how inventive ideas can propel humankind to uncharted shores. Each year, the trophy is crafted with new materials. In 2023, they were made of ceramics and decorated with traditional Valencian motifs.

TRAILBLAZING MAGAZINE was lucky enough to talk with Rosh 333 about this creative process.

An acclaimed artist, Rosh333 attracted the attention of the international urban scene at the end of the 90’s while has participated in the biggest street-art festivals and urban projects. He experiments with the shape, texture and color while invites the audience to draw their own conclusions from his art.

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These concepts are intrinsically integrated in the process and in the trophy designs, conveying their message visually.

During the process, I used as a support a computer programme that I created myself, which generates random and unrepeatable compositions. Through various tests and experiments with this “game programme,” I carefully selected the 3 results that best suited the trophies.

How did the collaboration with the European Patent Office come into being? How would you describe this experience?

They contacted me via email, I guess after seeing some of my work on my networks.

It has been a very enriching experience; it is the first time that I have worked on trophies and I am very happy with the result. As far as I know, the winners of the awards are also very happy with them.

How long did it take to prepare the Young Inventors Prize trophies?

After a meeting where they explained to me what part of my work they were interested in, I was evaluating different ways of approaching the project for two weeks. Once the direction of the process was defined and after presenting my proposal, it took me about two more weeks to execute this idea about the trophies.

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Can you share some key moments from your work process with our readers?

What interests me most in my projects is the concept, the idea I want to reflect. For me, it is the main thing and the starting point when developing a work, whether it is a series of works on canvas, an exterior mural on a building, a mural in an interior or, as in this case, trophies for awards.

What inspired you in this case?

Taking a wall painting of mine as a reference, I devised a composition game to design the 3 trophies using the same elements, colours and shapes.

The designs served as a reference, then I transferred these designs to the trophies by painting them manually.

How can you depict your street art style?

Can you tell us more about your personal history with art?

The description I feel most comfortable with is “Conceptual Abstraction”. Public space (the street) is one of the mediums I use to develop my work.

ART/BUSINESS

ART/BUSINESS

LUDIC - INTELLIGENT INNOVATIVE - TOGETHER WITH NATURE - TOGETHER - NOT AGAINST - INCLUSIVE - PACIFIST.

I started as a kid painting graffiti in my city, in factories and abandoned buildings. This was the seed that later led to my interest in different artistic disciplines ranging from mural painting, graphic design, photography and contemporary art. All my training has been self-taught and today I continue to investigate and develop new forms of expression.

What is special about street art in your country? Is there such a thing as a Spanish street art scene or are there different scenes in different cities?

There is a pool of very good Spanish artists who, today, are at the forefront and in their beginnings were doing graffiti and interventions in public spaces.

A few years ago, it was easier to distinguish the scene in each city, even so, nowadays each city has its own idiosyncrasy, its own codes and its own differences.

This strategy ensured that the trophies would work both individually and together, as they all shared the same distinctive elements.

In the process of preparing the designs, I considered the concepts:

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9 STARS WHO OWN ULTRALUXURIOUS YACHTS

Luxury doesn’t stop once you leave the land, or even at private jets. Behold the celebrity yacht, something the most opulent individuals keep on hand so they can extravagantly take to the seas at a moment’s notice.

Some, like Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck or Kylie Jenner, merely charter yachts for a few weeks a year, but others, with a true commitment to the nautical lifestyle, pony up the millions it costs to buy and maintain a massive boat year after year. Below, we detail some of the best and biggest celebrity yachts (and the parties that take place aboard!).

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE

$1BN TOURISM SCHOOL TO OPEN IN SAUDI’S QIDDIYA READ FULL ARTICLE HERE

The training headquarters at Qiddiya, which is near Riyadh, is scheduled…

A CAKE IN THE SHAPE OF A DIVING PLATFORM WINS THE PASTRY GRAND PRIX IN PARIS Displayed in a room overlooking the Seine that was filled with the smell of warm butter and baked flour, an opéra pastry in the form of a diving platform perched in a shiny, blue pool was awarded the best pastry of Paris title on November 21, 2023.

THE OFFICE ISN’T DEAD -- IT’S JUST BECOMING MORE LIKE A LUXURY HOTEL “The office is not dead, but the office is changing,» said New York City real estate developer Michael Shvo. Speaking at the Fast Company Innovation Festival on September 21, 2023, Shvo said he believes people will continue to want to come to offices to collaborate -- and that the high end of the commercial real estate market is thriving.

A panel of seven judges – including pastry chefs, industry representatives and everyday Parisians and led by legendary French pastry chef Pierre Hermé – presided over the competition.

For an office at 530 Broadway, he brought in the New York firm Snarkitechture to add surrealist design touches to the lobby and three other floors, in hopes that working in a space that could double as an art gallery would lure workers back.

READ MORE AT THE LINK

READ MORE AT THE LINK

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The Riyadh School for Tourism and Hospitality will train workers from around the world, not only Saudi Arabia, tourism minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb told a UN World Tourism Organization gathering in the capital.

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IN BRIEF

IN BRIEF

In Brief

Saudi Arabia plans to build a $1 billion tourism school in the Qiddiya sports, culture and entertainment city gigaproject.

READ MORE IN THE LINK

IN BRIEF

IN BRIEF

TIRANA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WELCOMES RYANAIR AND ANNOUNCES EXPANSION PLANS October 31, 2023 -TIA is delighted to collaborate with Ryanair, who will serve a total of seventeen routes to and from Albania this Winter, connecting us with prominent tourism markets including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Sweden, and the UK. This development not only enhances connectivity and tourism growth in our region but also generates job opportunities and makes travel more affordable and convenient for our fellow Albanian citizens and visitors alike.

EIGHT ANTI-AGING STARTUPS ON A MISSION TO EXTEND LIVES The longevity biotech industry revolves around the goal of increasing the period of life that a person spends in good health. There has been a rapidly expanding effort in recent years to develop drugs that target aging as a root cause of disease, and this type of biotechnology has come to

AUSTRIAN AIRLINES CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP WITH TIRANA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Tirana, 16/11/2023— Today, Tirana International Airport (TIA) proudly celebrated the 30th anniversary of Austrian Airlines’ continuous service to Albania. The milestone event was marked with a special reception, featuring a shower salute and various commemorative activities.

be a very popular focus for many companies, leading to numerous anti-aging biotech startups popping up around the world. Here, in alphabetical order, we take a look at eight anti-aging biotech companies on a mission to extend lives and make age-related diseases, a thing of the past.

In a statement, Mr. Farabbi expressed his gratitude for the longstanding partnership between TIA and Austrian Airlines.

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