Albania is emerging as a captivating tourism destination that seamlessly combines natural beauty with rich cultural heritage. From its pristine beaches to the rugged Albanian Alps, and with numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the country offers a diverse range of attractions that cater to travelers seeking history, adventure, and relaxation.

The Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Albania has made significant strides in aligning the country’s tourism industry with sustainability goals.

As part of this commitment, Albania joined the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), underscoring its dedication to preserving the environment while boosting tourism. Albania’s tourism strategy integrates environmental concerns with local community engagement, ensuring that sustainable practices guide the country’s tourism growth.

In October 2024, Albania’s Minister of Tourism, Mirela Kumbaro, unveiled the National Tourism Strategy 2024-2030. This ambitious plan outlines the country’s approach to sustainable tourism, aiming to enhance tourism’s year-round appeal and elevate Albania as a diversified destination. The strategy is based on six core pillars, including infrastructure investments, fiscal policies, destination management, product development, marketing, and workforce training. By focusing on these areas, Albania seeks to boost tourism revenues and reduce the seasonality of the industry, creating a more stable economic foundation.

Additionally, the strategy divides Albania into six tourism regions to foster tailored tourism development: the Adriatic Coast, the Northern Interior, Tirana, the Ionian Coast, and the Southern Interior. These regions will help refine tourism offerings, from eco-tourism experiences to cultural and historical tours, contributing to a broader and more sustainable tourism landscape.

Albania’s commitment to sustainability is further supported by its partnership with the United Nations. In 2022, the UN and Albania signed a Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework that aligns Albania’s tourism and environmental goals with the broader objectives of the European Union and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The cooperation is aimed at helping Albania’s tourism industry grow in harmony with its environmental and social priorities.

“The UN Tourism Barometer shows Albania leading Europe in the rise of international visitors. Meanwhile, we’ve designated over 21% of our land as a protected area, with national and natural parks offering beautiful opportunities for ecotourism such as Vjosa, the last wild river in Europe. I am confident that GSTC will help us even more towards our objectives for sustainable tourism that respects the environment,” said Minister Kumbaro.

In a strategic move to further enhance sustainable tourism, Albania’s Ministry of Tourism and Environment has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and RisiAlbania/Helvetas in August 2024. This agreement aims to foster collaboration between the parties, promoting the adoption of the GSTC Criteria and advancing sustainable tourism practices in the country.

The partnership will help establish a National Framework for Sustainable Tourism, encouraging local businesses to pursue certification through GSTC-Accredited Certification Bodies. This framework is designed to provide clear guidelines and support to Albania’s tourism sector as it works towards achieving internationally recognized sustainability standards.