Albania Experts for UK Media

Albania is changing fast, and writers and broadcasters often struggle to find someone in the UK who has watched it change first-hand. Experience Albania is the UK’s first Albania-only specialist, founded in 2013. Our founder, Mark Lawther, can help with comment, background, introductions and press trips.

 

Who to talk to:

Mark Lawther, founder. Mark first visited Albania in 1993, when it was only just opening up, and later lived there for several years, in Vlorë, Tepelenë and Tirana. He speaks Albanian. He has worked in travel for over 25 years, including airline roles at United Airlines and Emirates. 

Happy to comment on

• Albania and the Balkans as an emerging, underrated destination
• Off-the-beaten-path and independent European travel
• Tailor-made versus package holidays, and why travellers choose a specialist over booking everything themselves
• Planning multi-region trips in one itinerary: mountains, coast, cities and wine
• Solo, family and group travel in lesser-known countries
• What it’s like to live in a country, and return to it, before and after major change
• Niche and special-interest trips: wine and food, history and heritage, football tours and corporate team-building

What we can offer

• Comment and interviews. Mark is available by phone, email or video, usually at short notice. Tell us your outlet, angle and deadline and we’ll reply promptly. He’s happy to be quoted on the record or to give background. Radio and podcast interviews are fine remotely. We’re an independent UK travel company, not a spokesperson for the Albanian government or tourism board.
• Background and facts. We can send a short fact sheet for UK audiences on request, covering getting there, entry rules, best times to go, currency and regions. A few basics:
  • UK visitors can stay visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
  • Passports must be valid for at least three months after you leave.
  • The currency is the Lek (ALL). Cards are widely accepted in cities, while cash is useful in rural areas.

  Ask us if you need figures checked before you publish.

• Press trips. We’re happy to host or part-host trips for commissioned journalists and creators. Every trip is tailor-made around your story, with [driver and guide, accommodation and local experiences as the story needs]. Please contact us as early as possible (however, we recognise trips can be last minute and, if that’s the case or you, no worries! Bring it on!) before your preferred dates, with:
  • Your outlet and confirmation of the commission
  • The angle
  • Dates and party size

  Your coverage stays entirely your own. We ask only that a hosted trip is disclosed in line with your outlet’s policy. Bloggers and creators are welcome to get in touch with audience details and examples of their work.

• Introductions on the ground. We can introduce you to the guides, winemakers, hoteliers and local families we work with, with their agreement and some notice. Mark speaks Albanian and can help with introductions and context, so you get the story behind the visit, not just the visit.

In the media

• Mark Jones, “A Kickabout in Illyria” 
• Mark Jones, “Don’t Flock with the Flamingoes” 

About Experience Albania
Experience Albania designs private, tailor-made trips to Albania for UK travellers, groups and organisations, working through our own network of guides, drivers and hotels. We are UK-based, ATOL protected and members of Protected Trust Services. Why Book With Us vs a Local Operator or DIY?

Press contact
Mark Lawther
mark@experiencealbania.co.uk | 0203 822 0299 | 07496 425889