Albania welcomed 11.7 million tourists in 2024
Albania has solidified its reputation as a top travel destination, attracting 11.7 million foreign visitors in 2024—a 15.2% increase compared to 2023. The announcement was made by Minister of Tourism and Environment Mirela Kumbaro, who praised the country’s steady growth in tourism and its diversified offerings.
Why is this important: Over the years, Albania has become a hotspot for tourists drawn by its cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, from mountain ranges to pristine beaches. This surge in visitors has had a transformative impact on the economy, generating €3.8 billion in tourism revenues during the first nine months of 2024. It reflects Albania’s successful efforts to consolidate key markets in Western Europe, such as Italy, Germany, and France, while also expanding into new regions, including Asia and the Americas.
What Kumbaro said: “The consolidation of Western European markets like Italy, Germany, France, and Spain, along with growing regional tourism and an increase in visitors from Asia and the Americas, shows that our vision is becoming a reality. Prestigious promotion and positive travel experiences are building Albania’s reputation year by year,” the minister stated.
She also emphasized the improvements in accommodation standards across the country, which have contributed to the rising number of international visitors.
Context: Minister Kumbaro referred to 2024 as a “trial by fire,” following the successes of 2023. The year showed a stable increase in both visitor numbers and economic growth, supported by data from the Bank of Albania. According to Kumbaro, Albania’s tourism sector has not only sustained its momentum but also demonstrated resilience and adaptability in an increasingly competitive market.
Next steps: With tourism playing a pivotal role in the country’s economy, Albania will continue to invest in infrastructure, promotion, and services to maintain its upward trajectory in global travel markets.
Go deeper
Albania establishes Administrative Office for Vjosa River National Park
Published on December 15, 2024
Why is this important: The Vjosa River is a unique ecological treasure, flowing freely across 272 kilometers from Greece to Albania’s Adriatic coast. Spanning 12,727 hectares, the park encompasses the river’s water surface, shoreline, and adjoining areas, as well as tributaries like the Drino, Bënçë, and Shushica rivers. It is Europe’s first wild river national park, home to over 1,100 species of fish, birds, and plants, including the critically endangered Balkan lynx, otters, and Egyptian vultures. This designation elevates Albania’s profile as a destination for eco-tourism while safeguarding a vital natural habitat against urbanization and other threats.
UNESCO calls for urgent action to protect Lake Ohrid
Published on December 14, 2024
Why is this important: Lake Ohrid has become a focal point for international concern due to increasing environmental and urban pressures. The site’s degradation threatens its outstanding universal value, recognized globally. UNESCO has stressed the need for Albania and North Macedonia to deepen their dialogue and jointly implement measures to prevent irreversible damage. The issue has also become a test of the two countries’ commitment to environmental preservation and the enforcement of legal frameworks.
Albania’s Hospitality-Tourism High School adopts Swiss-certified curriculum
Published on December 12, 2024
Why is this important: The sharp rise in tourist numbers over the past five years has highlighted a pressing need for skilled workers in Albania’s hospitality and tourism sectors. While demand for high-quality services remains unmet, business owners in accommodations, bars, and restaurants face labor shortages. To address this, the government has been promoting vocational education as a career path for youth, encouraging them to join professional schools to fill this gap.