TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – Tourism will remain a key priority for Albania’s economic development in 2027, with a focus on increasing competitiveness, diversifying the tourism offering, extending the tourist season and improving the quality of services.
For 2027, the “Tourism Development” program is supported by a budget of 848.5 million lekë. This funding will support initiatives related to international promotion, the development of new tourism products, support for sector projects and stakeholders, destination management and the digital transformation of tourism services.
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja noted that, “The growth of tourism over the last decade is reflected in the number of foreign visitors. From 3.26 million arrivals in 2013, Albania reached approximately 12.5 million in 2025; meanwhile, during the January–September 2026 period, about 10.7 million arrivals were recorded—an increase of 4.9% compared to the same period last year.” The calendar of tourism, cultural, and sports activities has also expanded.
“During the first nine months of 2026, 2,107 activities took place—up from 1,707 in the same period of 2025 and 1,413 in 2024—representing increases of 23.4% and 49.1%, respectively,” said Gonxhja.
One of the priorities for 2027 will be the international promotion of Albania through participation in major tourism trade fairs, including the World Travel Market in London and ITB Berlin.
In parallel, the National Coastal Agency and regional agencies will support the management, monitoring and administration of coastal areas, while the National Tourism Agency will continue to promote Albania as a destination—along with its calendar of holidays, festivals and tourism activities—including through the TEA application. Minister Gonxhja noted that, “An innovation for 2027 is the digital transformation of the sector through the national platform ‘eVisitor,’ which will enable the electronic, real-time registration of visitors in accommodation facilities. The platform aims to create a unified data system for tourist flows and overnight stays, thereby supporting the formalization and planning of the sector.”
“As part of this transformation, there is also planned an application for tourists; it will provide information on destinations, agritourism, trails and tour guides, as well as a calendar of activities and the option to purchase event tickets online. The application will also feature audio guides, interactive content, QR code technology, and a virtual assistant. Furthermore, an electronic ticketing system will be developed for museums, archaeological parks and cultural heritage sites, facilitating online purchases, electronic ticket verification and revenue reporting,” Gonxhja emphasized.
Regarding international cooperation, the “Friendship Routes” project—part of the Montenegro–Albania Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2021–2027—will continue. This initiative aims to create joint tourist itineraries and promote the cultural and natural heritage of both countries. Another strategic project is the Integrated Tourism Ecosystem Development Project, which aims to improve destination planning and management, encourage private investment, and diversify the tourism offering. /a.f/r.e/p.s./
