Albania reveals top coastal, mountain destinations for tourists

Tourism in Albania has seen steady growth in recent years, with an increasing flow of foreign visitors choosing the country as a destination for holidays and travel, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

According to official data from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT), in August the number of foreign visitors increased by nearly 10%, reaching 2,381,864 entries.

In total, entries into Albanian territory, including Albanian citizens, reached 3,368,104, marking an increase of 8.4% compared to August of last year. Meanwhile, departures from Albania rose by 12.1%, reaching 3,335,824, of which 994,573 were Albanian citizens, with an increase of 10.3%.
By region, 97% of foreign visitors come from Europe, with Southern Europe ranking first with 77% of the total, followed by Western Europe with 9%, and Central/Eastern Europe with 8%, writes ATSh.

The purpose of entry for foreign citizens in 99% of cases is personal reasons, including tourism and visits to relatives. However, entries for business and professional purposes have recorded a significant increase of 23.3%.

The most popular destinations remain the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, with the cities of Sarandë, Durrës, Vlorë, and Himarë attracting thousands of visitors from Europe and beyond. Besides beaches, mountainous and historical areas are also seeing considerable growth, enriching the tourist offer and attracting a wider range of visitors throughout the year.