Foreign visitors’ arrivals to Albania reached 4.5 million in the first half of 2024, up from 3.4 million in the January-June period of 2023, Prime Minister Edi Rama claimed.

In June alone, foreign visitors’ arrivals rose 19% year-on-year, to 1.2 million, according to a statement posted by Rama on Facebook. “We have entered the peak of tourist flows, where together with private operators who present the Albanian offer every day, but also with the extraordinary responsibility of providing quality service, as well as with municipalities and all public institutions, we are in coordination for the smooth running of the summer season,” Rama said.

“In the meantime, to some who struggle with the facts and keep writing that the beaches are empty, I say do not be afraid to be happy for Albania because of the anger for the government, because Albania belongs to everyone,” Rama said.

In 2023, total foreign visitors’ arrivals in Albania totaled 10.1 million, a 35% increase from the previous year, the tourism ministry has said.

From 2019 to 2023, international tourist arrivals increased by a substantial 61%, reflecting Albania's growing allure. This significant percentage increase underscores the country's resilience and its appeal as an emerging tourism hotspot. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, although resulting in a temporary setback, highlights the sector's ability to recover and adapt.

In 2023, Albania stands out as one of the best-performing destinations compared to 2019, emphasizing its remarkable recovery and positioning the country as an attractive destination for potential investors seeking opportunities in a tourism sector that demonstrates both growth and adaptability.