TIRANA, Sept 19 /ATA/ Albanian tourism continues to see a positive season, confirming the growing interest of foreign visitors and the country’s potential to further consolidate its position as a key destination in the international market.
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said today that more than 9.4 million foreign visitors entered Albania during the first eight months of 2026, marking a 5.3% increase compared with the same period in 2025.
According to Minister Gonxhja, in August alone Albania was visited by more than 2.4 million foreign tourists, 2% more than in the same month last year. He stressed that the priority is to translate this momentum into sustainable development through quality investments, an events‑driven economy, the revitalisation of heritage and the expansion of year‑round tourism offerings, aimed at boosting employment, strengthening local economies and improving the well‑being of Albanian families.
Albania continues to attract growing interest, and our responsibility is to translate this interest into sustainable development, investment and prosperity for citizens. Culture and heritage are central to this effort. Through projects to revitalise cultural monuments such as traditional houses in Gjirokastër, monasteries and other heritage sites, the restoration of northern towers, and thousands of tourism and cultural activities nationwide, we create more reasons to visit Albania in every season,” states the video released by Minister Gonxhja.
Breathing new life into heritage creates opportunities for small businesses, artisans, young people and families living in these communities.
“This work also extends beyond Albania’s borders, through promotional activities and participation in international fairs, where the country showcases its tourism offer as well as the opportunities it provides to foreign investors. We need investments that raise standards, broaden the offer and create jobs. Meanwhile, the addition of year‑round and seasonal air routes, connecting to new destinations, makes Albania more accessible and brings us closer to new markets,” highlights the promotional video.
The government’s objective is to turn the growing interest in Albania into tangible benefits for its citizens — more tourism, more jobs, higher household incomes and broader development across the country.
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