Albania attracted 5 million foreign tourists in the first half of 2026, a 6.2% increase compared to 4.8 million tourists recorded in the same period of 2025, according to INSTAT data released by ALBANIA DAILY NEWS. In June 2026 alone, the country received 1.35 million visitors, marginally up from 1.33 million in June 2025.
Tourist Origins Concentrated in Southern and Western Europe
Tourists from Southern Europe accounted for the largest share of arrivals in the first half of 2026, comprising 71.9% of the total foreign visitors. Western European travelers represented the next largest group with 9.3% of arrivals during the same period.
Declines in Visitor Numbers from Select Countries in June 2026
Visitor numbers from Kosovo decreased by
51,190 in June 2026 compared to June 2025. North Macedonia contributed 15,223 fewer visitors, Germany saw a reduction of 13,165 tourists, Turkey experienced 11,062 fewer arrivals, and Montenegro’s visitor count fell by 6,212 over the same timeframe. Combined, these five countries sent 96,852 fewer tourists in June 2026 than in June 2025, representing a 13% decline from these markets.
Government Attributes Decline to Ongoing Protests
Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sports Blendi Gonxhja linked the drop in arrivals from several source countries to ongoing protests in Albania that began on May 30, 2026. The Albanian government said negative perceptions related to these protests influenced foreign tourists’
and international partners’ decisions. Gonxhja emphasized that perceptions of security, normality, and stability are critical for tourism in Albania.
The minister reported that tour operators, hoteliers, and travel agencies have noted a slowdown in bookings alongside increased cancellations stemming from these perceptions. Despite the declines in some markets, growth from other countries maintained modest overall increases in tourist arrivals during the first half of 2026.
Albania recorded a robust 6.6% rise in foreign tourist arrivals in 2025, totaling 12.47 million visitors for the year, according to INSTAT. The country’s population was estimated at 2.4 million in 2023.
