Tourism accelerates in May, foreign arrivals increase by about 16%

2026-06-25 13:27:00, Ekonomi CNA

Tourism marked an acceleration in growth during May, reflecting operators' expectations for increased flows from cultural tours, individual visitors, and the launch of organized summer tourism, mainly in Golem accommodation structures.

In May, the number of foreigners increased by 15.86%, while for the five-month period the increase reached 8.2%.

"During the month of May 2026, 1,880,161 Albanian and foreign citizens entered the territory of the Republic of Albania. This indicator has increased by 12.2%, compared to May 2025. Also, 1,802,626 Albanian and foreign citizens have left the territory of the Republic of Albania, marking an increase of 8.9%, compared to the same period a year ago.

Entry into Albania: Albanian citizens: 736,566 (6.9% increase) Foreign citizens: 1,143,595 (15.9% increase)

Departures from Albania: Albanian citizens: 735,795 (increase by 3.6%) Foreign citizens: 1,066,831 (increase by 12.9%)

Regions of entry of foreign nationals: Southern Europe contributes with 70% and Western Europe with 12% of entries from Europe.

The purpose of entry into Albanian territory of foreign citizens, in 98% of cases, is for personal purposes. In May 2026, this indicator has marked an increase of 16.4%, compared to May 2025.

"The entries of foreign citizens, for business and professional purposes, have decreased by 5.6%," states the INSTAT publication of the Citizens' Movement.

Sector expectations

Expectations for this year remain optimistic, with the sector anticipating continued steady growth at levels similar to the previous year. The start of the year was limited by slower performance, influenced by weather conditions, while March marked a return to double-digit growth.

Summer is expected to have a positive performance, also referring to guaranteed contracts, which are the first signal of appreciation and have resulted in growth. A positive contribution is also expected from the shift of part of the demand towards Albania, following the conflict in the Middle East, which affected last-minute visitors who canceled trips to destinations near war zones.

Despite positive expectations, tour operators estimate that the main challenges of the sector this year will remain infrastructure, quality of service, and a more measured approach by hotels, bars, and restaurants to prices.

In recent years, Albania has lost some of its advantage as a cheap destination, approaching the levels of Greece, which has recently been more aggressive with tourist packages./ Monitor