This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.
Last Published: 6/25/2019

Overview
 

The Albanian government has identified tourism as a key economic sector, touting its potential to spur development of the entire country. Located in the Mediterranean region, Albania could well represent Europe's last tourism “secret.”

Albania has a diverse topography, including mountains, valleys, forests, rivers, lakes, and beaches. The country offers many opportunities for exploration of cultural heritage and archaeological sites that date back to pre-Roman and Greek times. Amphitheaters, castles, Roman cities, monasteries, and ancient churches are among the archeological points of interest that Albania has to offer, some of which are UNESCO protected sites.

Albania’s 450-km-long Adriatic coastline is one of the country’s best assets and offers numerous investment opportunities. The coast, which stretches from the Adriatic Sea in the north to the Ionian Sea in the south, is underdeveloped and generally lacks Western-standard beach resorts. Given the rising influx of Western tourists, demand is growing for high-end resorts, particularly in the south. Albania also holds great potential for mountain tourism.

The number of tourist arrivals to Albania reached nearly 6 million in 2018, a 15% increase over 2017, many of whom were visitors from neighboring countries. A growing number of U.S. citizens also visit Albania, particularly the southern coastal region, as part of day-excursions from Corfu, Greece.

In 2018, 117,000 U.S. citizens entered Albania, up from 96,000 in 2017.

According to the 2019 World Travel and Tourism Council Report on Albania, travel and tourism receipts in 2018 reached $4.27 billion, or 27.3% of GDP. Tourism service exports generated $2.15 billion in 2018, or 48% of total exports.


Leading Sub-Sectors
 

•              Marinas
•              Leisure Boats
•              Hotel franchises
•              Upscale hotel accommodations
•              Design, architectural, and, engineering services
•              Construction materials.


Opportunities
 

The government aims to support development of tourist resorts, especially along the southern coastline. Hotel franchise opportunities are also present, particularly in tourist areas.
The sector also offers opportunities to develop marinas. Exports of boats and small yachts also represent promising opportunities.


Web Resources


Ministry of Environment and Tourism  
Albanian Construction Portal
The National Coast Agency
Albanian Tourism Agency

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