Albania Tourism Revenue Surges in this Year, Generating More than Two Billion Euros and Reaching Nearly Twelve Million Foreign Arrivals, Boosting its Economic Impact

Published on December 11, 2025

Tourism in Albania During 2024, the tourism sector in Albania showed impressive development characterized by increasing revenues created by foreign tourists and increasing tourist arrivals. Foreign tourists generated revenue of 2.3 billion euros during the third quarter of 2024, according to the central bank’s quarterly payment balance report. This means an increase of 21.3% compared to the same period last year. Such revenue growth points to the increased importance of this industry sector within the country’s economy and further emphasizes Albania’s position as a significant destination for international travelers.

For the period January to September, 11.1 million tourists arrived in Albania-6.7% higher than in 2023-further revealing that the country was a bright tourist destination. The current positive momentum in tourism is one of the most vital sources of propagation in the economic growth of Albania, by which locals generate income, create jobs, and promote commercial concerns in the hospitality, transportation, and retail industries.

Record-Breaking Tourist Numbers in 2024

In 2024, Albania set a new record for foreign tourist arrivals, reaching 11.7 million visitors—a 15% increase from the previous year. This impressive growth reflects the country’s strategic focus on boosting its global tourism profile and enhancing its tourism infrastructure. Albania’s mix of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and affordable travel options has made it an increasingly attractive destination for international travelers, further positioning it as a rising star in the global tourism market.

The record growth in tourist numbers directly contributes to increased revenue and a more diverse economy, creating a multiplier effect for other sectors. As the tourism industry continues to thrive, it is expected to become an even more significant driver of Albania’s GDP, contributing to job creation and the overall economic diversification of the country.

Outbound Tourism Shows Growth as Well

On the outbound side, Albanian citizens have also increased their spending on international travel. Over the nine months through September 2024, Albanian citizens spent 2.3 billion euros abroad, a 10.2% increase from the same period in 2023. This uptick in outbound spending reflects the growing affluence of Albanian citizens, as well as the increasing demand for international travel. While this represents an outflow of revenue, it also highlights the economic growth and increased disposable income within the country, allowing its population to enjoy greater mobility and global connections.

Tourism’s Positive Economic Impact on Albania

The growth in foreign tourist arrivals and tourism revenue is providing a significant economic boost to Albania. The tourism sector is a key driver of the local economy, particularly for regions that rely heavily on tourism as a source of income. Cities like Tirana, Durrës, and Saranda have seen substantial growth in both tourist numbers and revenue, benefitting from the influx of international visitors who are eager to experience the country’s rich history, beautiful beaches, and unique cultural offerings.

As tourism revenue rises, the local economy benefits through job creation, with the tourism sector providing employment in a wide range of industries, from hospitality and transportation to food services and retail. This positive trend also boosts foreign exchange earnings, making tourism one of the most vital sectors contributing to the country’s economic stability.

The Future of Albania’s Tourism Sector: Sustainable Growth

Looking ahead, Albania’s tourism sector is poised for continued growth. The country is already seeing increasing interest in eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and adventure travel, which further enhances its appeal as a sustainable tourism destination. Albania’s government is expected to continue investing in tourism infrastructure, including the development of new accommodations, transport networks, and tourist attractions, to meet the growing demand.

Sustainable tourism will play a key role in ensuring that this growth benefits local communities while protecting the country’s natural and cultural heritage. As Albania focuses on enhancing eco-friendly tourism options and conserving its biodiversity, it will position itself as a leading destination for environmentally conscious travelers, aligning with global trends toward sustainable travel.

Tourism as a Key Pillar of Albania’s Economic Future

This increment in Albania’s tourism for 2024 is really a testimonial to the country’s strategic investment in its direction and appeal to international visitors in pursuit of a rich cultural experience and natural beauty. The growth of foreign tourism revenues and the rise in tourist arrivals show that tourism has turned out to be a vital economic sector that churns out valuable incomes, provides jobs, and fosters business at the local levels in every corner of the country.

Meanwhile, tourism in Albania, which is at a promising stage but still evolving as an international tourism destination, is foreseen to have far stronger growth during the coming years. Supported by the government and having a constantly developing tourism infrastructure, along with increasing interests in sustainable tourism, the tourism sector is poised to be involved with serious and continuous contribution to economic growth and job creation within the country. This means, tourism will be able to continue contributing as one of the bases for the Albanian economy for decades to come.