TIRANA, July 28 – Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja said protecting Albania’s tourism industry remains a shared responsibility beyond any temporary political agenda.

Gonxhja published visitor figures from cultural sites and said June data showed a slower growth rate linked directly to the protest period.
He said Albania remained in positive territory, with 617,907 visitors recorded at cultural sites from January to June 2026. The figure marked an 89% increase compared with the same period in 2023.

However, Gonxhja noted that growth slowed in June. The January-May 2026 period recorded a 9.9% increase compared with the same period in 2025. Meanwhile, June 2026 recorded a 4.8% increase compared with June 2025.

According to the minister, tourism depends heavily on trust, stability and the perception of safety. He warned that tensions, fear or public clashes could damage Albania’s image and affect tourism development.

Gonxhja said the country must protect the image of a peaceful and welcoming Albania through joint efforts.

Cultural sites attracted 617,907 visitors during the first half of 2026. Archaeological parks led with 276,080 visitors, followed by museums with 192,567 visitors and castles and cultural monuments with 149,260 visitors.

The most visited sites included Butrint National Park with 114,084 visitors, Gjirokastër Castle with 110,156 visitors and Shkodër Archaeological Park with 84,472 visitors.

/a.p./