Albania To Become Next Ecotourism Hot Spot In 2023

While other European countries took time to drop their strict COVID-19 restrictions, Albania opened up to the world, welcoming travelers. This led to a boost in tourism as travelers found out how much the country has to offer. In fact, it has the same beautiful beaches and quaint towns and villages as other destinations. However, it is more budget-conscious and is pushing ecotourism with its friendly farm stays and beautiful landscapes.

Albania becoming a popular Eastern European destination

After being shut off from the world due to its Stalinist dictatorship, Albania has broken free and is transitioning to democracy. Meanwhile, having recently been discovered as a great tourist location, the country is working hard to recast itself as an alternative travel destination. While its beaches are beautiful and unspoiled, the country is focusing on ecotourism, friendly farm stays and pristine nature.

After being closed off to the world for so long, Albania wants to set itself apart from its competitors in Europe after its popularity recently soared. In fact, in 2022, the small Baltic nation attracted 7.5 million visitors, a huge increase from its 2019 figure of 6.4 million travelers.

The Guardian quotes Albanian Minister of Tourism and Environment, Mirela Kumbaro, as saying, “It’s another country compared with 10 years ago,” while pointing out that the country more than made up for losses incurred during the pandemic. Kumbaro added that things are changing so quickly, and “the Albania of 2023 is full of positive energy.”

Meanwhile, the country expects the tourism rebound to continue due to post-pandemic demand and the fact that it offers incredible value for money.

A shift to high-end ecotourism

Meanwhile, Kumbaro also noted that beaches aren’t unique, but the attractions of Albania are its untouched, virgin and undiscovered wonders. The minister pointed out that the country is moving away from the traditional beach model offered by Greece, Croatia, Spain and more while moving to rebrand the country as a “quality” destination.

Kumbaro did note that they made mistakes after the move from Stalinism, talking of what she termed the unregulated “ugly hotels and buildings” in the prime resorts on the Albanian Riviera, including Sarandë. Also, while she is proud that the country received 7.5 million tourists, she isn’t actually asking for more, saying:

I am asking for quality, for people to stay longer than the average three to four nights, and to come all year round. Beaches aren’t unique. What’s unique [about the country] is virgin, untouched, undiscovered.

The minister added that the country will not be promoting package beach holidays, but rather an agritourism and ecotourism destination. Meanwhile, this aspect would draw on Albania’s remarkably diverse landscape of coastline, forests and mountains.

In fact, Kumbaro explained that they want to attract tourism that is friendly to the environment, responsible and sustainable. Albania will focus on gastronomy, cultural heritage, nature, hiking and rafting. It will also focus on the many small farms where visitors can stay over and enjoy everything the country has to offer.

A visit to Albania’s official tourism website reveals a wealth of information about the country. Among the worthy activities on offer are hiking, trekking, sailing, horseback riding, fishing, bird watching, camping and astrotourism. Its new motto is “Albania, Go Your Own Way”