The Mediterranean Games “Prishtina 2030” are considered one of the biggest sporting events expected to ever be organized in Kosovo. In addition to the sporting aspect, they are also seen as an important opportunity for economic development, infrastructure improvement and increasing the country’s international visibility. Italian journalist Fabio Donfrancesco, in an interview for KosovaPress, estimates that the organization of these games can serve as an important moment for the promotion of Kosovo in Europe and beyond.
First, he talks about the potential that this event has for the economic and touristic development of Kosovo. According to him, for a small country that is developing rapidly in several sectors, the organization of the Mediterranean Games constitutes a great opportunity for economic growth and attracting international tourists. He emphasizes that Kosovo is a beautiful country that can attract visitors from Italy and many other European countries, while such a sports event can make the country even more popular in the international arena.
“For a small country, but rapidly developing around the economic and tourism sectors like Kosovo, the 2030 Mediterranean Games will be an important opportunity, a very big opportunity, important for economic development and of course tourism. I know that your country is a very beautiful country for Italians and not only for other European countries and for tourists it is a good opportunity to get to know your country. So I think these will be very good moments, not only for sports, but also for economic issues.“, first emphasizes Donfrancesco.
Next, Donfrancesco dwells on the challenges that usually accompany the organization of major sporting events, especially in the administrative and bureaucratic aspect. He mentions Italy’s experience with bureaucracy and expresses the hope that Kosovo will have simpler processes in this direction. However, he emphasizes that despite the challenges, the Mediterranean Games constitute an important opportunity for the development of the country and to place Kosovo in the center of attention of the European and Mediterranean region.
“In Italy we have many problems with bureaucracy. I hope your country is easier, but anyway, that aside, this is an opportunity to develop your country, of course, and to put your country on the European and Mediterranean screens. So I’m sure it’s a good opportunity for your country and for the development of your economy and around your tourism… So it’s not easy, but I mean it’s a good chance to do good things in your country“, continued Donfrancesco.
In the end, the Italian journalist dwells on the wider economic benefits that these games can bring, also mentioning Italy’s experience with their organization in Taranto. He emphasizes that such events are not only sports competitions, but also engines of infrastructure development and tourism promotion. Donfrancesco mentions the large public investments that have been made in Italy for the preparation of the Mediterranean Games and estimates that Kosovo can also benefit from programs and funds of the European Union for the development of infrastructure and economic projects related to the Mediterranean region.
“The Mediterranean Games from August 21 to September 3 in Taranto, Italy, are a very big economic event for Italy, especially for the development of Southern Italy and the Puglia region. The Mediterranean Games are not only sports competitions, but also an engine of infrastructural development and an opportunity for international tourism promotion. The Italian government has allocated 275 million euros of public investment for the redevelopment of sports facilities in Taranto and the surrounding cities. In particular, 60 million for the Iacovone stadium in Taranto and 36 million euros for the stadium in Lecce. The initiative is part of the Blue Economy project, which is also very important for your country. The European Union has allocated 180 billion euros for this plan in the Mediterranean countries. So it is expected that the sporting event in Italy of the Mediterranean Games will generate around 55 billion euros in tourism and hospitality“, he emphasized at the end.
The organization of the 2030 Mediterranean Games is seen as an important moment for Kosovo, not only in terms of sports, but also in terms of development. The experience of other countries that have hosted this event shows that the Mediterranean Games often serve as a catalyst for investment in infrastructure, increased tourism and greater international promotion. In this context, the expectations are that Prishtina and other host cities will benefit from the projects that will be realized on the eve of this organization, turning the event into an opportunity for long-term development of the country, Kosovapress cites.
