Albania will allocate 848.5 million lek to tourism development in 2027. The funding will support international promotion, new tourism products, destination management and digital services. The government also aims to extend the tourist season, diversify its offer and improve service quality.

The Tourism Development Programme will use the budget to support tourism businesses, local organisations and projects across the sector. In addition, it will promote Albania in international markets and strengthen the country’s competitiveness. The government also seeks to improve visitor experiences and increase tourism’s contribution to the national economy.

Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja highlighted the sector’s growth over the past decade. Foreign visitor arrivals rose from 3.26 million in 2013 to around 12.5 million in 2025. Moreover, Albania recorded approximately 10.7 million arrivals between January and September 2026, marking a 4.9% increase year-on-year.

The country has also expanded its tourism, cultural and sports calendar. Gonxhja reported 2,107 events during the first nine months of 2026, compared with 1,707 in the same period of 2025 and 1,413 in 2024. These figures represent increases of 23.4% and 49.1%, respectively.

International promotion will remain a key priority in 2027. Albania plans to participate in major tourism fairs, including World Travel Market in London and ITB Berlin. Through these events, the country aims to build partnerships with international tour operators, attract new business contacts and promote itself as a year-round destination.

At the same time, the government will support projects that develop cultural, mountain, rural and nature tourism. This approach aims to expand the country’s offer beyond traditional coastal destinations. It will also create new economic opportunities for local communities.

Meanwhile, the National Coastal Agency and regional agencies will oversee and monitor coastal areas. The National Tourism Agency will continue promoting Albania and its festivals, holidays and tourism events through platforms such as the TEA application.

Digitalisation will also play a central role in the sector’s development. Gonxhja announced that Albania will introduce the national eVisitor platform in 2027. The system will allow accommodation providers to register visitors electronically and in real time. It will also collect unified data on tourist arrivals and overnight stays, helping authorities improve planning and formalise the sector.

The government also plans to launch a mobile application for tourists. It will provide information on destinations, agritourism, hiking trails, tourist guides and upcoming events. In addition, users will be able to purchase event tickets online, access audio guides and interactive content, scan QR codes and use a virtual assistant.

Furthermore, authorities will introduce electronic ticketing at museums, archaeological parks and cultural heritage sites. The system will enable online purchases, digital ticket verification and revenue reporting.

Albania will also continue the “Friendship Routes” project under the Montenegro–Albania Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2021–2027. The initiative aims to develop joint tourist routes and promote the cultural and natural heritage of both countries.

Another strategic initiative, the Integrated Tourism Ecosystem Development Project, will focus on improving destination planning and management. It will also encourage private investment and diversify the tourism offer.

To prepare the project, the World Bank plans to provide a grant of up to $3 million. The funding will support an integrated tourism plan, identify priority investments, finance feasibility studies and strengthen institutional capacities. The Albanian Development Fund will oversee its implementation, Gonxhja said.