Tourism revenue records, foreigners spent in Albania nearly 4 billion euros in nine months

We are all witnesses to the influx of foreign tourists entering Albania”, said Blerina Ago, a tourism expert.

From January to September, a total of about 9.6 million foreigners visited the country. On average, each tourist turns out to have spent less than 400 euros, including travel and accommodation, thus repeating the paradox of the “bum free vacationers”.

“Albania should not be oriented on figures. The report we want is that of expenses. We need spend tourists. There are many studies showing that there are categories of tourists who spend up to 58 percent of their vacation income. These are the ones we need in”, the expert said.

The tempting <x0th) holiday page, with little spending in Albania”, acknowledges the Polish Jan, who has come to Tirana on vacation.

The return to Albania more is curiosity. We found free tickets and we thought we'd come. Home rent prices are also free. About 40 euros a day is enough. Even food is not very expensive. We don't go to restaurants because it costs a lot of”, a Polish tourist said.

In line similar to the expense of foreign tourists have gone to Albanian vacationers who preferred to spend their days on work permits. Central Bank data shows that from the beginning of the year until September, Albanians have spent over 2 billion euros on holidays abroad. In a report with January-September of a year ago, the figure has increased by 326m euros or 19.1 per cent.

“Albanians are wanted vacationers as they are of those who spend. They are not spared as some tourists coming to Albania”, said Nundman Kasa, head of the Albanian tourist union.

However, data from the Bank of Albania shows that, on average, an Albanian who goes abroad on vacation spends 349 euros. That figure is about 50 euros less than that foreign tourists on average spend when they come to Albania.