With visitor numbers at record levels, Albania’s tourism budget is set to grow nearly 8% in 2025, supporting efforts to welcome even more travelers and protect the country’s natural beauty.
TIRANA, Nov 8, 2024 — Albania has announced a 3.9 billion lek ($37 million) budget for tourism in 2025, marking a 7.9% increase from this year, as the country builds on its growing popularity as a travel destination. Tourism Minister Mirela Kumbaro, presenting the budget to lawmakers, said that the funds would support visitor infrastructure, shore up environmental protections, and promote Albania internationally.
Tourism has grown rapidly in Albania, with 9.7 million foreign visitors arriving this year—a 17% jump over the same period in 2023. Revenues from tourism reached 2 billion leks in the first half of 2024, outpacing 2023 by roughly 500 million euros.
“The season is getting longer, and more areas across Albania are welcoming tourists,” Kumbaro noted. She added that more than 4.5 million people visited Albania’s protected nature areas this year, while cultural sites saw record-breaking attendance with over 1 million visitors.
The government’s increased budget for 2025 will go towards better facilities in natural and cultural sites, as well as expanded resources for the National Agency for Protected Areas, which will help with the management and conservation of popular destinations. Coastal cities will also receive support to keep beaches clean during the summer season.
Albania will take its place as host country at the ITB Berlin travel fair in March and at Spain’s Fitur expo, aiming to attract more international visitors. With a focus on sustainable growth, the government’s new National Tourism Strategy 2024-2030 is expected to guide future tourism efforts.
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