The first day of the Balkans Blue Economy Summit, part of Balkans Sea Fair 2026, will open with an international conference focused on one of the most promising areas of Albania’s maritime development and the country’s future role in the Mediterranean marina market.
Taking place on 16 October at Marina Orikum, Vlora, the conference is organised in collaboration with Assomarinas - the Italian Association of Marinas, bringing together international experts, maritime industry representatives, port authorities and Albanian stakeholders.
Under the theme “The Future Role of Albania in the Mediterranean Marina Market,” the conference will explore how Albania can strengthen its position within the Mediterranean nautical tourism sector while developing a competitive and sustainable marina network.
The programme will address key topics shaping the future of the sector, including nautical tourism, sustainable marina development, new technologies, green transition, port infrastructure and the electrification of recreational boating. Representatives from major European maritime associations and organisations, including Assomarinas and the European Boating Industry, will contribute to the discussion.
For Albania, the conversation comes at an important moment, as new investments and marina developments are creating opportunities to connect the country more closely with established Mediterranean nautical destinations.
The message is clear. Albania’s coastline is not only a destination. It is an opportunity to become an increasingly connected part of the Mediterranean maritime economy.
