Albania’s Surging Tourism Boom: Why Sarandë, Ksamil, and Durres Are Struggling to Balance Flourishing Appeal with the Fragile Beauty of Europe’s Most Affordable Coastal Paradise
Check out the impact of Albania’s tourism growth on its economy and environment, focusing on the challenges and opportunities in destinations like Sarandë and Ksamil.
A Growing Wave of Tourism in Albania
In the last few years, Albania has emerged as one of Europe’s most talked-about travel destinations, attracting millions of visitors with its budget-friendly travel, crystal-clear waters, and rich cultural experiences. By 2023, the travel and tourism industry had contributed close to $565 billion to Albania’s GDP, marking a sharp 37% increase from 2019. The industry has also generated jobs for more than 269,000 people, making tourism one of the key employment sectors in the country.
Looking ahead, forecasts suggest that by 2034, more than 314,000 Albanians could be working in tourism– representing a quarter of the entire population. The challenge now is to maintain that uniqueness while navigating the powerful tide of modern tourism.