Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said Albania recorded strong tourism growth during the first months of 2026, but growth slowed significantly in June.
In a television interview, Gonxhja said tourist arrivals increased by 16% in May compared with the same month last year. The first five months of the year recorded overall growth of 8.2%.
However, growth fell to just 1.3% in June compared with June 2025.
“Tourism grew by 16% in May, but only 1.3% in June. June’s growth was about 12 times lower than May’s. This slowdown reflected instability and a lack of security, which affected foreign visitors,” Gonxhja said.
He added that the situation particularly influenced German tourists and visitors from the region, who chose alternative destinations such as Montenegro, Greece and Türkiye.
According to the minister, some Albanians also reconsidered their holiday plans during June. At the same time, tourism businesses adopted defensive strategies that affected bookings and pricing.
“This situation weakened June’s performance. It slowed tourism growth and left us with figures well below our expectations for this year,” he said.
Gonxhja stressed that Albania’s tourism offer remained unchanged.
“Albania is the same. The conditions are the same. Prices remained the same. Those who did not travel here in June were concerned about instability,” he said.
He called for addressing disputes through institutional channels to avoid damaging the tourism sector.
“We must resolve problems through institutions and protect tourism. If tourism loses, everyone loses,” Gonxhja said.
The minister also outlined measures taken to improve the tourist season. Authorities focused on reducing noise pollution, improving waste management, promoting environmental awareness, upgrading wastewater systems and drainage networks, and addressing pricing and beach access.
He said the government also introduced a new model for managing public beaches. Municipalities now operate designated beach areas with free or affordable umbrellas and sunbeds to help regulate prices alongside privately managed beaches.
In addition, authorities strengthened coastal safety by installing buoys, pontoons, piers and designated navigation corridors for boats and other vessels, he said.
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