TIRANA, June 16 /ATA/ – More than 424,000 people visited Albania’s cultural heritage institutions and sites during the first five months of 2026, underscoring the sector’s growing appeal among domestic and international tourists, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said on Tuesday.

Gonxhja described culture as one of Albania’s standout success stories, citing sustained growth in visitor numbers and revenues generated by the country’s heritage attractions.

Between January and May, cultural heritage institutions and centres welcomed 424,082 visitors, including both Albanian and foreign tourists. National museums received 143,086 visitors, while archaeological parks attracted 188,437 and castles and cultural monuments recorded 91,559 visitors.

Visitor numbers rose by 95.7% compared with the same period in 2023, while revenues generated by heritage sites increased by 147.4%, according to official figures.

Compared with the corresponding period a year earlier, visitor numbers were up 9.9% and revenues increased by 7.3%.

“Our heritage is more than history; it is a source of energy and national pride, and a magnet drawing an ever-increasing number of visitors from Albania and around the world,” Gonxhja said.

The figures highlight the growing role of cultural tourism in Albania’s visitor economy as authorities continue efforts to promote and preserve the country’s historical and archaeological assets.

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