The American Chamber of Commerce in Albania (AmCham) has raised concerns regarding several key problems that, according to them, are affecting the tourist season, including the lack of drinking water, mismanagement of wastewater, burning of waste in landfills, as well as the continuation of construction activities during the tourist season.

In a statement distributed to the media on Thursday, the Chamber emphasizes that these issues are affecting not only the functioning of accommodation structures but also the quality of life of citizens and tourists in coastal areas.

“We appreciate the positive impact of tourism activity on the Albanian economy, the increase in private investments in new accommodation structures, and the increasing trend in the flow of foreign tourists,” AmCham said in the statement.

However, in support of this sector, the American Chamber of Commerce highlights several challenges that its members are facing at the beginning of the season. According to the Chamber, timely addressing of these challenges is essential to maintain the success of promoting Albania as an increasingly attractive destination in the Mediterranean region.

“Information provided by our members speaks of coastal areas where the lack of drinking water, mismanagement of wastewater, burning of waste in landfills, and the continuation of construction activities during the tourist season are affecting the functioning of accommodation structures and the quality of life of communities,” the statement states.

Another concern raised is the lack of qualified labor in the tourism sector. The Chamber emphasizes the need for a long-term solution that focuses on the development, qualification, and motivation of staff to support tourism businesses.

“The lack of trained staff has put many tourism businesses in difficulty, jeopardizing Albania’s competitiveness as a tourist destination in the region,” the American Chamber of Commerce noted.

For this reason, the Chamber calls on the government, local authorities, and relevant institutions to take immediate measures to address these issues, helping not only businesses but also strengthening the positive momentum for Albania's image as a growing tourist destination.

Albania's tourism sector is experiencing strong growth in 2025, with increasing numbers of both domestic and international visitors. While the growth rate may be slowing slightly compared to previous years, absolute visitor numbers remain high, and the country is working to diversify its offerings and extend the tourism season beyond the summer months.

The country is experiencing a significant tourism boom, with projections of 15 million tourist arrivals by the end of 2025. In May alone, over 1.6 million visitors entered the country, continuing a trend of steady growth in the Albanian tourism sector.