Albania ranked first in Europe and third in global range for the increase of tourists according to data from the World Tourism Organization.

Even in the early hours of the morning, numerous tourist groups can be spotted throughout the capital city, Tirana.

“I come from the US, it is my first time here and everything looks amazing. People are kind. I am very impressed,” says an American tourist when asked by Euronews Albania.

“We are touring in the Balkans. I’m impressed by Tirana, knowing what you have gone through and how it transformed today. I had heard that Albania continues to preserve its tradition and originality,” says another American tourist.

“We had heard so little of Albania and not good things. But everything is different. The people are friendly, they are smart. Even if they don’t speak our language, they greet us,” says a Scottish couple to Euronews Albania.

Tour guides who accompany the groups of foreign visitors say they are mostly interested in the culture, history and traditions of Albania.

“I would give 7-8 tours a year before, but now I have 20-25 tours. Foreigners are attracted to cultural tourism. Tirana, Berat, Gjirokastra and Kruja are some of the main attractions,” says Ilir Hidri, a tour guide in Tirana.

According to data from the Institute of Statistics, 614,256 foreigners entered Albania in April, a 52.8% increase compared to the same month in 2022. Meanwhile, in the first four months of the year, 1,684,820 foreigners entered the country, a 57% increase compared to the same period of the previous year.

Most of the tourists come from European countries, followed by the United States and East Asia/Pacific region.