The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) has highlighted a landmark year for Albania’s Travel & Tourism sector, which in 2023 contributed more to the national economy and supported more jobs than any previous year on record.
According to the WTTC’s latest findings, the sector’s contribution to Albania’s GDP reached nearly L565 billion last year, marking a significant 37% increase over the previous peak in 2019. This surge underscores the sector’s critical role in the Albanian economy, where Travel & Tourism accounted for one in every four lek.
Employment within the sector also saw impressive growth, with nearly 269,000 jobs supported in 2023, a 10% increase from 2019 levels, representing one in five jobs across Albania. This growth reflects the sector’s expanding influence on the labor market and its importance in sustaining the country’s economic health.
Additionally, international visitor spending in Albania soared to over L464 billion, a remarkable 45% rise from the 2019 peak. Domestic visitor spending also surpassed previous records, reaching over L100 billion.
Looking ahead, WTTC forecasts continued growth for the sector, predicting that its GDP contribution will reach almost L608.5 billion in 2024, with an expected addition of nearly 10,000 jobs. International visitor spending is projected to rise to more than L493 billion, a 55% increase from 2019 levels, while domestic spending is anticipated to exceed L107 billion.
This robust growth trajectory underscores Albania’s emergence as a significant player in the global tourism industry, driving economic development and job creation across the country.
