Although there were expectations for an increase in tourism by about 15%, official data predicts that the 2025 summer season will be weaker compared to 2024.
Bookings for the months of July and August are down, mainly in the area from Vlora to Saranda. The absence of tourists from Kosovo is noticeable, with the only stable category being organized tourism, which is based on contracts with guaranteed reservations. It is noted that despite the investments and measures, the tourism sector continues to face problems related to infrastructure, traffic congestion, garbage, noise and active construction sites in tourist areas.
At the same time, other key problems such as water shortages have recently emerged, mainly in the Golem region. According to official data, in May there was an increase of only 1.9% in the number of foreign visitors compared to the same month in 2024, while in the first 5 months of the year the increase was 3.9%. The President of the National Tourism Association, Mr. Rrahman Kasa, stated characteristically that: “June did not perform well. Reservations were fewer than last year, except for organized tourism which is on the rise due to prepaid contracts. In areas such as Sh?ngjin and Velipoja, dominated by tourists from Kosovo, there is some stability, but on the coastline from Durres to Vlora and Sarand?, bookings are lower than in June 2024.” The American Chamber of Commerce in Albania (AmCham) also expressed concern about problems affecting the tourist season, such as: lack of drinking water poor wastewater management waste burning in landfills continued construction work during the tourist season
Finally, it stressed that the above issues affect not only the operation of tourist accommodations, but also the quality of life of citizens and tourists, especially in coastal areas.
(*) The information comes from the Office of Economic and Commercial Affairs in Tirana.
