In September, positive trends in Albanian tourism persisted, as highlighted by the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). The report reveals a twofold increase in overnight stays for resident guests in accommodation facilities and an 81% surge for foreign visitors, accompanied by a substantial rise in overall visitor numbers.

Hotels have witnessed heightened activity, coupled with an increase in room occupancy rates. While the southern region attracted a larger influx of tourists, the northern region (Dibër, Durrës, Kukës, Lezhë, Shkodër) experienced the most significant growth in overnight stays.

Comparing September 2023 to the same month in the previous year, the total number of visitors rose by 70.1%. The breakdown is as follows:

• Resident visitors increased by 60.3%.
• Non-resident visitors increased by 76.0%.

Total overnight stays surged by 87.8% compared to September 2022, with the following increases:

• Overnight stays by residents doubled.
• Overnight stays by non-residents increased by 81.3%.

Key highlights:

1. Visitor numbers rise by 70%: September 2023 witnessed a 70.1% increase in the total number of visitors compared to September 2022. The highest growth in non-resident visitors accommodated occurred in the northern region, rising by 2.2 times. Coastal areas experienced a 93.3% increase, and “Hotels and similar accommodations” saw a 67.6% rise.
2. Overnight Stays increase in the north: The total number of overnight stays in September 2023 rose by 87.8% compared to the same month in 2022. Non-resident overnight stays in the northern region increased threefold, and coastal areas saw an 80.7% increase. Overnight stays in “Hotels and similar accommodations” rose by 76.1%.
3. Room utilization rate significantly increases: Net room utilization rates for “Hotels and similar accommodations” increased to 32.4% compared to 23.0% in September 2022. Bed utilization rates rose to 37.0%, up from 22.9% in the same month the previous year.

These optimistic indicators point to a robust recovery and heightened interest in various regions and accommodation types within the tourism sector.