Albania leads Europe in tourism growth, says PM Edi Rama
Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared on social media that Albania is leading Europe in tourism growth according to the World Tourism Organization’s Barometer. From January to July 2024, Albania ranked first in Europe for the increase in international visitors compared to the pre-COVID period, positioning itself just behind Qatar globally.
Why is this important: The achievement highlights Albania’s successful recovery and growth in the tourism sector, surpassing other European nations and reflecting a significant boost in the country’s international profile and economic development.
Context: The World Tourism Organization’s Barometer gives Albania a top spot in its European ranking and second globally, following closely behind World Cup host Qatar. This recognition serves as an international endorsement of Albania’s appeal as a tourist destination. The “gold medal” awarded to Albania in terms of revenue from tourism—with the highest increase compared to the pre-pandemic period—underscores the significant financial benefits tourism brings to the country.
Prime Minister Rama emphasized the impact of this achievement, noting that Albania hosted 9.7 million foreign visitors from January to September 2024. The diversity of growing tourist markets is a stable yet sure indicator that Albania will continue to fill its walls with such international certificates of success, translating into more revenue for businesses, employment for families, and a positive international image for Albania that was hardly imaginable a few years ago.
What’s next: With ongoing success in the tourism sector, Albania is expected to continue attracting international attention and investments, further solidifying its reputation as a premier tourist destination. This progress is likely to spur more opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and enhanced global standing.
Go deeper
Albania hosts Western Balkans Open Government Meeting for the First Time
Published on November 14, 2024
Why is this important: The meeting puts Albania at the center of regional efforts to strengthen democratic governance. By hosting the event, Albania is reinforcing its commitment to open government principles and showcasing alignment with EU values.
In fitting finale, health concessions inquiry ends in chaos and accusations
Published on November 14, 2024
Why is this important: The chaos surrounding Beqja’s attempt to testify is emblematic of a commission that has devolved into a display of insults, physical altercations, and dysfunction. Despite shared blame among members, Commission Chairwoman Albana Vokshi has stood out for her confrontational and arrogant handling of proceedings. Her aggressive and discourteous style raises questions about the Democratic Party’s true intentions. If the opposition were genuinely committed to transparency on health concessions, they would have chosen a more measured and diplomatic chairperson. Vokshi’s behavior has turned the inquiry into a spectacle, undermining the commission’s original purpose.
Albanian rights central to talks between North Macedonia and Albania’s parliament speakers
Published on November 13, 2024
Why is this important: The meeting comes at a time when the rights and integration of Albanians in North Macedonia have been put into questions by the ruling majority. Speaker Spiropali highlighted that Albanians in North Macedonia play a vital role in governance and maintaining stability, stressing that respect for the Albanian language and acquired rights is key to North Macedonia’s path toward European Union membership.