Prime Minister Edi Rama enthusiastically promoted today the arrival of the luxury cruise ship "Voyager of the Seas" at the port of Saranda, calling it another success in the growth of maritime tourism in the country. The giant cruise ship, which is visiting this port for the first time, became part of a record season for the coastal city, where in the first 8 months of the year alone there was a 21% increase in passengers, compared to the same period a year ago.
"Voyager of the Seas" is one of 70 cruise ships scheduled to stop in Saranda this season, giving the city an increasingly international profile and presenting itself as an indicator of economic development.
But while the government presents this as a major achievement, it fails to mention an important fact that directly affects the attractiveness of these cruise ships: the exemption from taxes of fuel used by cruise ships.
For several years, the Rama government has offered fiscal incentives to cruise ships, including the supply of diesel without excise duty and VAT, a policy that critics consider a favor for the luxury industry, while ordinary citizens face high fuel prices and the burden of taxes.
Is this a policy that benefits the domestic economy or another example of selective support for large foreign businesses?
This remains a question that the government avoids answering.
The truth is that the real profit from these cruises is limited, as most passengers only stay a few hours and their expenses are minimal.
The increase in visitor numbers does not necessarily translate into direct benefits for the local community, which still faces major challenges in infrastructure, pollution, and services.
