Tourism has suffered its first shock this year when in March foreigners visiting the country fell by 2.7% compared to the same month in 2024.

Despite this slight decrease, the trend of the figures confirms that Albania remains an unconsolidated destination in terms of tourism, something that emphasizes the care that must be shown regarding sectoral management, Monitor reported on Friday.

Official data from the INSTAT report show that in March there were over half a million foreigners who visited the country. "During March 2025, 1,154,288 Albanian and foreign citizens entered the territory of the Republic of Albania. This indicator has increased by 0.3%, compared to March 2024,” the report noted.

On the other hand, some 1,182,728 Albanian and foreign citizens have left the territory of Albania, marking an increase of 0.6%, compared to the same period of the previous year.

“The number of Albanian citizens who entered the territory in March totaled 604,523, increasing by 3.3%, compared to March 2024. The number of foreign citizens who entered the Albanian territory was 549,765. This number has decreased by 2.7%, compared to the same period of 2024," the INSTAT publication states.

Regarding departures, INSTAT confirms that in March, 621,777 Albanian citizens are counted as having left the territory of Albania, marking an increase of 2.9% compared to March 2024. The departures of foreign citizens from the territory of Albania during March 2025 are 560,951. Compared to the same period a year ago, this indicator has decreased by 1.9%.

In March 2025, 95% of the entries of foreign citizens in Albania are from the European region. Southern Europe accounts for 80% of the entries of foreign citizens from the European continent, followed by Western Europe with 7%.

Meanwhile, tourism during 2025 is expected to have a positive performance with a similar growth as in 2024.

A slight drop in March is probably related to unfavorable weather conditions, something that has discouraged weekend arrivals and last-minute bookings, according to accommodation structures. However, tour operators have previously called for caution regarding service and sector management, citing as an example June of a year ago when a sudden increase in prices in some regions created confusion and caused cancellations.

Albania remains a destination of interest and is widely promoted both for its competitive prices and for the natural assets and culinary interest it has aroused among foreigners, but this must be accompanied by quality service and investments in infrastructure that make the tourist experience easier for visitors.