Tourism
In 2024, Albania welcomed over 11 million tourists – a record. With generous tax incentives and a growing hospitality sector, the country offers an attractive investment climate.
🏖️ Why invest in Albania’s tourism sector?
- 0% corporate tax for 10 years
- 99-year land lease agreements for just €1
- 6% VAT for hotels, resorts, and agritourism
- Exemption from infrastructure and construction taxes
- Access to state-designated “priority development zones”
- Fast-track permits through a “One-Stop-Shop” model
- Opportunity to obtain “special status” for large projects
- Support from the Ministry of Economy and AIDA
📈 Market Data & Development Potential
Over 11.7 million tourists in 2024 (+15% compared to 2023)
1,503 registered accommodation structures, 65% of which are hotels
17 international hotel brands present (e.g., Melia, Maritim, Hyatt)
250,000 new tourism-related jobs (2022) – about 20% of total employment
Main tourist origins: EU countries, especially Italy, Poland, Germany, and Switzerland
🗺️ Priority Tourism Development Zones
The Albanian government has identified four key regions for priority investment:
Albanian Alps – nature and adventure tourism (hiking, rafting, camping)
Southern Coast & Riviera – luxury resorts, beach holidays, new international airport project
New marinas and ports – development of cruise and yacht tourism
Tirana & surroundings – MICE tourism (conferences, events), urban travel
Land parcels in these zones are available for investment through the Ministry of Tourism under simplified procedures.
Special Legal Benefits for Investors
- Projects valued over €5 million and creating ≥80 jobs may be granted a special status.
- The status includes:
- Accelerated permitting
- Access to public land
- Tax incentives
- Legal guarantees (possibility of contract ratified by Parliament)
- Dedicated support from AIDA
Interested in a tourism investment project in Albania?
We are happy to assist you in making initial contacts with relevant institutions, potential local partners, or AIDA.
Prof. Dr. Thomas Druyen, in his article for FOCUSonline, describes how Albania has transformed from an isolated communist state into one of Europe’s emerging tourist destinations.
At the ITB tourism fair in Berlin, Albania presented itself as the host country and impressed with its diverse landscapes and cultural openness.
Political and economic reforms – including progress in the rule of law and anti-corruption efforts – have brought the country closer to the European Union. Druyen emphasizes Albania’s extraordinary tourism potential, which can only be fully realized through targeted investments and modernization.
He particularly highlights the need for infrastructure development and service quality assurance. He also recommends expanding Albania’s tourism offerings beyond coastal and cultural tourism – toward nature-based, health, and educational tourism. According to Druyen, Albania could become a true tourism magnet in Europe, provided it continues its reform path with determination.
Islands.com, a renowned international travel platform, recently published an in-depth article on Gjirokastër, calling it one of the most charming travel destinations in Albania.
They praise the cobblestone streets, Ottoman-influenced architecture, and the impressive castle overlooking the city. Cultural events like the National Folklore Festival, along with historic landmarks such as the Zekate House and Ali Pasha’s Bridge, are also highlighted. The authors emphasize the authentic local cuisine, including specialties like Qifqi (rice balls) and homemade Dhallë (a yogurt-based drink).
Gjirokastër is described as a “hidden gem” for culture lovers and explorers seeking history, tradition, and authenticity. Islands.com especially recommends visiting in autumn, when the weather is mild and the atmosphere particularly enchanting.
