Business representatives say that although the number of tourists is rising, the economic impact on restaurants and local businesses remains limited. According to them, tourists who choose all-inclusive packages spend very little outside the accommodation facilities where they stay, preventing the benefits from being distributed across the wider local economy.

“Most tourists are on all-inclusive packages, and even when they go outside those packages, their spending is not high but rather moderate. Consumption will not increase by 8–10%; the increase will be reflected only in the number of beds occupied,” said Neritan Golja, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce.

Restaurants and small businesses appear to be the most affected by this tourism model. Although they see more tourists in the city, they are not experiencing a corresponding increase in customers or revenue.

“Tourists arrive with limited budgets and have already paid for their all-inclusive package. Restaurants in the area feel this situation the most because they see many tourists, but there is not enough spending,” said Blerim Norja, a representative of accommodation facilities in Durrës.

According to industry experts, Durrës remains a destination primarily focused on family and mass tourism. Transitioning toward a more upscale tourism model will require long-term investments, a more diverse tourism offering, and the development of services beyond hotel facilities.

Industry representatives estimate that it will take more than ten years to create the conditions necessary for Durrës to attract high-end tourists and compete with similar destinations in the region.

Although the number of visitors continues to grow year after year, the main challenge remains converting this influx into tangible income for local businesses and the local economy. Durrës continues to be a mass-tourism destination, while the path toward elite tourism remains a long one.