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Tourism in the country also recorded a 0.03% increase in February after a decline in January

2026-03-25 13:54:00, Ekonomi CNA

Tourism in the country also recorded a 0.03% increase in February after a

Tourism has not managed to catch up with the positive growth rate even in the second month of the year, after the decline in January.

Official data from the Citizens' Movement show that foreigners entering Albania were only 0.03 percent more than in the same month a year earlier, thus indicating a "stagnation" in the sector's performance.

Like January, February was generally defined by unstable weather, something that, according to tour operators, has had a direct impact on foreigners visiting Albania.

This period mainly includes organized groups interested in cultural tours, but also individuals who make last-minute reservations thanks to low-cost airlines, but for none of them, February has been seen as favorable.

Movements of citizens

INSTAT estimates that during February 2026, 1,100,681 Albanian and foreign citizens entered the territory of the Republic of Albania.

"This indicator has increased by 3.9%, compared to February 2025. Also, 1,090,650 Albanian and foreign citizens have left the territory of the Republic of Albania, marking an increase of 2.2%, compared to the same period a year ago.

Regarding entries into Albania, Albanian citizens are 584,450 (an increase of 7.6%), while foreign citizens are 516,231 (an increase of 0.03%).

Exits from Albania: Albanian citizens 572,854 (increase by 5.3%), foreign citizens 517,796 (decrease by 1.0%). Regions of entry of foreign citizens: Southern Europe contributes with 85% and Western Europe with 5% of entries from Europe,” says the INSTAT publication.

Expectations for 2026

Despite a negative start in the first two months, tour operators expect 2026 to be another good year for tourism, driven by the continued interest that foreigners are showing in the country.

Promotional articles continue to resonate, while social networks, although at a slower pace, continue to have Albania as a destination mentioned in large numbers. Another development that could increase the arrival of foreigners to Albania is the recent conflict between the US and Israel against Iran, something that has caused visitors to stay away from countries close to the conflict.

Overall, the expectation is that growth this year will be at the same levels as in 2025, but the emphasis is on taking measures to improve the problems of the previous year, thus maintaining the sustainability of interest in Albania as a destination./ Monitor Magazine