ALBANIA. Lagardère Travel Retail and Kastrati Group have signed an agreement to develop duty free retailing at Tirana International Airport Nënë (Mother) Tereza and in the country’s main tourist sites. The agreement was signed at the Albanian gateway on 17 October in the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron – during his recent visit to the country – and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama.
The agreement was signed by Kastrati Group Chairman Shefqet Kastrati and by Catherine Guyomard, a member of Lagardère Travel Retail’s Executive Committee.
President Macron’s visit – the first visit by a French head of state to Albania since 1912 – was aimed at discussing Albania’s possible integration into the European Union. It also provided an opportunity to conclude several agreements to strengthen bilateral economic exchanges in various sectors.
Lagardère Travel Retail said the strategic partnership with Kastrati comes against a backdrop of a dynamic tourism boom in Albania. The sector’s contribution to the national economy doubled this year.
Lagardère Travel Retail said it is committed to developing a diversified range of duty free products and services for Albania, combining the best of international standards with local offerings showcasing the national culture.
Founded in 1991, the Kastrati Group is a leader in distribution activities in Albania and the Balkan region. The group, which employs 4,000 people, also operates a wide range of other businesses, including infrastructure investment and the management of Tirana and Kukes airports.
It also operates motorway concessions, retail and wholesale of hydrocarbon products, insurance, construction and real-estate development, tourism and hotels, and automotive distribution. ✈
