Blendi Gonxhja announced that Albania welcomed more than 3 million foreign visitors between January and May 2026.
Speaking at Tirana International Airport, Gonxhja said connectivity drives tourism growth. He described the arrival of the first direct flight from Canada to Tirana as a historic milestone for both civil aviation and tourism.
He said the new route creates a direct link between Albania and North America. In addition, it connects Albania with an important international market and creates new opportunities for tourism, trade, and investment.
Furthermore, Gonxhja stressed that stronger international connections bring more visitors, support businesses, and attract investment. Therefore, connectivity remains one of the key pillars of tourism development and economic growth.
The minister noted that Albanian tourism is experiencing one of its strongest growth periods. In 2025, Albania welcomed about 12.4 million foreign visitors. At the same time, tourism generated around 24% of the country’s GDP.
Moreover, the first figures for 2026 confirm the positive trend. Albania recorded more than 3 million foreign visitors during the first five months of the year.
In May alone, the country welcomed 143,595 more foreign visitors than in May 2025. This represents a 16% increase year-on-year.
As a result, Albania continues to gain the trust of international travelers and strengthen its position as a leading destination with strong tourism potential.
/a.c/
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