Albania set a historic record last year with around 10 million tourists. But leaders of the association of tourist operators say that the main problem remains the lack of employees in hotel services.

Albania is getting ready for the summer season, but just like last year, the lack of labor continues to be the main problem for entrepreneurs.

“For 7 years, the accommodation capacity has tripled, while there are almost 30-40 thousand employees who leave every year”, said Zak Topuzi, head of the association of tourist operators.

Limited tourism and the lack of a salary throughout the year is the main reason why these employees choose the countries of the region to be employed.

“It does not give employees the opportunity to be qualified and stabilized, fiscal policies are needed to stimulate them. We qualify them and they leave for the countries of the region”, – Zak Topuzi.

The number of tourists expected to come to Albania during the summer season has doubled. On online booking platforms, there is a 30% increase in foreigners who have chosen to spend their summer holidays in Albania.

“For the summer season there is an increase of 20-30%, this is positive, but we should not aim to increase the number of tourists but the quality”, said Topuzi.

Tourism provides 22% of the total gross production in Albania and 43.6% of Albanian exports. For the head of the association of tourist operators, in order to have satisfied customers and loyal employees of Albania, the tourism industry should have more attention.