Global InformationTourism in Albania information
 Official logo used to promote tourism in Albania. | |
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Tourism in Albania has been a key element to the country's economic activity and is constantly developing. Albania is characterized by its rich archaeological and cultural heritage dating back to the classical period when Illyrians and Ancient Greeks inhabited the region. Over the course of history, the territory of Albania was occupied and populated by Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and Ottomans. Notably the country features unspoiled beaches, mountainous landscapes, traditional cuisine, archaeological artifacts, unique traditions, low prices and the wild atmosphere of the countryside.
The country lies in Southeastern Europe bordering Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, North Macedonia to the east and Greece to the south. The Mediterranean Sea with the Adriatic and Ionian Sea make up the entire west border of the country. The country's coastline length is about 481 km (299 mi) composed of both sandy and rocky beaches, bays, caves, cliffs, capes and lagoons.[1] Although the country features notable diversity with the landscape ranging from the snow-capped Albanian Alps, Sharr, Skanderbeg, Korab, Pindus and Ceraunian Mountains to the sunny Albanian Adriatic and Ionian Sea Coasts.
The country has a distinctly Mediterranean climate.[2] Across the country's territory there is a wide range of microclimates due to differing soil types and topography. The warmest areas of the country are found at the coasts where the climate is profoundly impacted by the sea, while the coldest parts at the northern and eastern hinterlands, where snowy forested climate is prevalent.
With a total of 3.8 million visitors, Albania is the 25th most visited country in Europe.[3] Lonely Planet ranked Albania as the number 1 destination to be visited in 2011.[4] The New York Times ranked Albania 4th among 52 destinations to be visited in 2014.[5] Although still underdeveloped, Albania is set to prime its debut on the world scene as it celebrates a century of independence.[6] A Huffington Post article outlined 10 reasons for visiting Albania in 2013.[7] Recently, Albania has been given the official slogan "Go Your Own Way". Previously, it had the slogan "A New Mediterranean Love".[8] According to the Albanian Institute of Statistics, around 4.73 million foreign citizens have visited Albania in 2016.[9] Foreign tourism in the country has boomed since 2019.[10]
A number of renowned international hotel chains are making their presence known in Albania, including Mariott, Hyatt, Maritim Plaza, Hilton Garden Inn, MK Hotels, and Best Western in Tirana, as well as Melia Hotels International in Durrës, while others are awaiting the green light to start operations mainly in Tirana, the Albanian Alps, and along the Albanian Riviera.[11][12]
- ^ Sustainable Development of Sea-Corridors and Coastal Waters: The TEN ECOPORT project in South East Europe (Chrysostomos Stylios, Tania Floqi, Jordan Marinski, Leonardo Damiani ed.). Springer. 7 April 2015. p. 85. ISBN 9783319113852.
- ^ Ministry of Environment of Albania. "Albania's Second National Communication to the Conference of Parties under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change" (PDF). unfccc.int. Tirana. p. 28. Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 April 2019. Retrieved 20 December 2017.
- ^ Mark Hillsdon (27 February 2017). "The European capital you'd never thought to visit (but really should)". telegraph.co.uk. Archived from the original on 4 May 2018. Retrieved 5 April 2018.
- ^ "400,000 More Tourists Visited Albania in 2008". balkantravellers.com. 5 September 2008. Archived from the original on 21 November 2008. Retrieved 18 December 2008.
- ^ "52 Places to Go in 2014". The New York Times. 10 January 2014. Archived from the original on 22 March 2019. Retrieved 3 May 2019.
- ^ Richardson, Whit (22 October 2012). "The Place: Albania Steps Into the Spotlight". National Geographic. Archived from the original on 26 November 2012. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
- ^ Giray, Leyla (27 December 2012). "10 Reasons 2013 Is The Time To Visit Albania". The Huffington Post. Archived from the original on 31 December 2012. Retrieved 30 December 2012.
- ^ Auzias, Dominique; Labourdette, Jean-Paul (2009). Albanie. ISBN 978-2746925335. Retrieved 16 June 2015.
- ^ "Arrivals of foreign citizens by Lëvizjet e shtetasve shqiptarë dhe të huaj and Month". databaza.instat.gov.al.
- ^ Borrelli, Silvia Sciorilli; Bell-Davies, Camilla (16 August 2023). "'Little Italy': tourists flock to Albania's low-cost resorts". Financial Times. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
- ^ "Spain's Melia Group starts construction of 90 mln euro tourist complex on Albanian coast - PM". seenews.com. Archived from the original on 12 September 2018. Retrieved 12 September 2018.
- ^ "Hilton to open its first hotel in Albania in June 2018". seenews.com. Archived from the original on 12 September 2018. Retrieved 12 September 2018.