Albania is currently enjoying its most prosperous year in tourism since the transition period. From the northern regions to the southern shores, from mountain landscapes to historic city centers, and even in bars and restaurants, tourists from a multitude of nations can be spotted everywhere.

Data compiled by the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) reveals that foreign tourist arrivals for the first eight months of this year reached a remarkable 7.2 million individuals (7,190,410), marking a significant surge of 26.9% compared to the same period the previous year.

During the peak tourist season in August, approximately 2 million foreign visitors graced the country’s borders, reflecting an impressive 18.3% increase when contrasted with August of the prior year.

Starting from June, the nation has been welcoming over 1 million foreign visitors, with this number escalating to 1.77 million in July and crossing the 2-million-threshold for the very first time in August.

Based on INSTAT’s data, in August 2023, the European region held the highest number of foreign entrants into Albania, with a staggering 1,951,489 individuals, trailed by arrivals from the Americas and Eastern Asia/Pacific, comprising 40,106 and 12,335 nationals, respectively.

Comparing August 2023 to August 2022, foreign arrivals surged:

• for personal reasons by 18.2%;
• for leisure, family visits, and similar purposes by 22.5%;
• for business and professional motives by a remarkable 34%.

Supplementary insights from the Ministry of Tourism indicate that citizens from Kosovo continue to represent the largest share of arrivals in Albania, constituting nearly one-third of the total. This year, Italians secured the second position for the first time, contributing approximately 10%, followed by neighboring countries such as Montenegro and North Macedonia.

Furthermore, Albanians themselves are embarking on travels abroad in increasing numbers. INSTAT reported that in August 2023, a total of 842,940 Albanian nationals exited the country.

In comparison to August 2022, this figure marks an impressive 8.9% increase. For the first eight months of 2023, the number of Albanian nationals leaving the country totals 4,577,753, showcasing a substantial 18.9% rise in comparison to the same period the preceding year.