Albania aims to increase international tourism revenue to around €8.5 billion by 2030. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj announced the target at the Future Hospitality Forum 2026 in Tirana.

Ibrahimaj said the next stage of tourism development should focus on creating more value from each visit. She also called for a longer tourism season. International tourism revenue reached €5.7 billion last year, up from €2.8 billion three years earlier. Albania also welcomed 12.5 million tourists last year.
Between 2023 and 2025, foreign visitor arrivals increased by 23%. Tourism revenue rose by more than 40% over the same period. Meanwhile, overnight stays outside the peak summer season increased by almost 80%.

The minister said a longer season would improve the use of hotel capacity and infrastructure. It would also create more stable jobs and improve investment returns. She highlighted Albania’s combination of coastline, mountains, cities, cultural heritage, gastronomy, vineyards and rural tourism as an advantage for year-round tourism.

Ibrahimaj said the next phase should focus on higher-quality hospitality rather than simply building more rooms. She highlighted brands, management, service, technology and tourism experiences as key areas.

According to Ibrahimaj, tourism currently supports around 294,000 families in Albania and contributes an estimated 28% of gross domestic product directly and indirectly. She said international travel revenue could reach around €8.5 billion by 2030 if visitor numbers and spending per visit continue to grow.

/a.p./