TIRANA, June 5 – Albania welcomed 1,143,595 foreign visitors in May 2026, up 16% from the same month a year earlier, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said. He said the figures confirm the continued growth of the tourism sector and reflect rising confidence in Albania as a travel destination.

According to Gonxhja, public and private investment in tourism infrastructure has supported this trend. He also pointed to expanded accommodation capacity, continued international promotion and a growing calendar of events throughout the year. Meanwhile, Lithuania recorded the strongest growth among source markets, with visitor numbers rising by 273%. Denmark followed with 253%, while Finland rose by 83%, Poland by 80% and Ireland by 63%.

At the same time, Kosova remained the largest source market with 321,714 visitors. Italy ranked second with 120,344 visitors and made one of the largest contributions to overall foreign arrivals. In addition, visitor numbers increased by 48% from Israel, 37% from both the United States and Canada, 32% from the United Kingdom, 26% from Sweden, 25% from the Czech Republic, 24% from Belgium and Italy, 21% from France, 19% from Portugal and 15% from Kosova.

As a result, Gonxhja said growing interest from key European and overseas markets confirms Albania’s rising appeal among travellers seeking nature, culture, authentic experiences and hospitality.

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