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| In Skanderbeg Square in Tirana |
In 2024, Albania has seen a notable surge in Italian visitors, with Italians becoming the leading group contributing to the country’s record-breaking tourism numbers. For the first 11 months of 2024, nearly 1.2 million Italian citizens visited Albania, marking an impressive 33.2% year-over-year increase. Italians represented 20% of the 1.5 million additional tourists who visited Albania during this period, placing them as the second-largest group of visitors after Kosovars.
A Steady Increase: Italians as Key Contributors
The most striking growth has been among Italian tourists. In November 2024 alone, more than 73,000 Italians visited Albania, marking a 22.7% increase from the same month in 2023. This trend shows how Albania has become an increasingly popular destination for Italian travelers, further solidifying the bond between the two countries.
Italian tourists are particularly drawn to Albania’s coastal areas, historic sites, and cultural heritage. Their proximity to Albania, coupled with the growing allure of Albania's natural beauty and cultural offerings, contributes to the ongoing upward trajectory in Italian arrivals.
Italians as Albania’s Largest Growing Tourism Group
Italians have outpaced other nationalities in terms of growth. This year, they surpassed all other foreign visitors with their significant contribution to the overall increase in tourism. Despite a range of other nationalities visiting Albania, Italians have emerged as the most consistent and rapidly growing group year on year.
This ongoing growth in Italian arrivals reflects the increasing popularity of Albania as a travel destination among Italian tourists. The number of visitors from Italy is expected to continue to rise, with more direct flights and travel packages making Albania an easily accessible and attractive choice for Italians.
Italian Tourists’ Impact on Local Economy
The influx of Italian tourists has had a substantial positive impact on Albania’s tourism economy. Hotel occupancy rates, particularly in the coastal regions, have seen notable increases, as have revenues from travel-related services. Italians also favor organized tours, contributing to growth in the package holiday sector, particularly in regions like Golem, where infrastructure for organized group tourism has been expanding.
Looking Ahead: Continued Growth from Italy
Tour operators are optimistic about the future, with early bookings for 2025 showing a continuation of this trend. Italians are expected to remain the largest international group visiting Albania, and travel agencies are already preparing for an even greater influx in the upcoming year. Increased contracts and guarantees from Italian travel agencies signal that 2025 will likely be another record year for Italian tourism in Albania.
Conclusion: Italy’s Vital Role in Albania’s Tourism Sector
Italians have undeniably become a cornerstone of Albania’s tourism success in 2024. With their steady growth and strong presence, they are helping to drive the Albanian tourism industry forward. As Albania continues to strengthen its ties with Italy, the Italian market will likely remain a key factor in the country’s continued tourism growth and economic prosperity in the years to come.