
The government has approved the new criteria that investors must meet in order to benefit from the special status in a 4- or 5-star accommodation structure. Referring to the decision, in order to receive this status, the accommodation structure must be located in priority areas for the development of tourism, as well as have an investment value of no less than 8 million euros for a 4-star hotel and no less than 15 million euros for the construction of the 5-star accommodation structure.
Also, the hotel must be managed by an operator registered as a trademark or an internationally recognized "brand name" with 4 and/or 5 stars. The new decision has removed criteria that had to be met until now in relation to similar investments made or managed earlier, as well as in relation to the financial capacities that the investor must have. By now, the applicant should have had turnover of at least 40% of the value of the investment in the last 3 financial years taken together. Meanwhile, the new decision also defines the list of documents that must be submitted.
The application is made through e-Albania, while it is examined by a commission consisting of 7 members that will be set up at the Ministry of Tourism and Environment. Meanwhile, it is the minister responsible for tourism who examines the summary report of the commission and who decides whether the status will be rejected or will be sent to the Council of Ministers for approval.
After the entry into force of the decision of the Council of Ministers on the granting of the status, the applicant is notified by the contracting authority, within 30 days from the date of notification, to sign the development agreement with the authority, which includes all the details of the project, including the investment value.