Friday, July 18, 2025
Watching Albania move from an isolated, communist-era state to a hot tourist destination has been quite extraordinary. Once a spot seen as being on the outer edge, it is increasingly a darling of the travel industry. With a great deal of history and varied terrain—and relatively lower costs—Albania has enticed global tourists and travelers seeking to get away from the main-beaten-path destinations. But the influxes of tourists have resulted in some unexpected impacts, like over-tourism, water shortages, and environmental damage.
Tourism’s Explosive Growth: From 5,000 to 11 Million Visitors
Under communist rule, Albania’s tourism sector was practically nonexistent, receiving only about 5,000 foreign tourists per year. The country’s capital, Tirana, had just two hotels catering to international guests, while restaurants outside the city may have served little more than basic canned tuna with spring onions. However, by 2014, the country had welcomed around 3.4 million foreign visitors. Fast forward to recent years, and the numbers have skyrocketed, with an official count reaching 11 million visitors in 2024.
This surge in numbers is partially attributed to the Albanian diaspora, who visit regularly, often multiple times a year. Despite the figure’s potential overstatement, it’s clear that Albania’s tourism sector has experienced explosive growth. This surge has prompted the rapid development of hotels, villa complexes, and other tourist infrastructure, especially along the picturesque coastline.
A Thriving Coastal Scene: Development and Challenges
The Albanian coastline, once sparsely developed, now sees new hotels and villa complexes mushrooming at a rapid pace. The addition of a new airport in Vlora, a popular southern beach destination, is expected to further drive tourism in the region. As the Albanian diaspora returns to their homeland, they are purchasing holiday flats and enjoying the coastal amenities just like any other tourist. Albania’s tourism sector has also attracted investments from foreigners, with Russian agencies advertising in the local market. Meanwhile, Italians flock to Albania not only for its natural beauty but also for affordable dental procedures.
The once-quiet coastal resorts of Saranda and Ksamil, however, have started to show signs of over-tourism. These once-hidden gems have seen a significant increase in visitors, with overcrowding becoming an increasingly worrying issue. Furthermore, the influx of tourists has exacerbated the region’s labor shortages, with many hotels turning to foreign workers, particularly from the Philippines, to fill hospitality roles.
Water Scarcity: A Growing Concern Amid Unchecked Development
One of the most pressing issues resulting from Albania’s rapid tourism growth is the strain on its water resources. Despite the country having plentiful natural water supplies, years of underinvestment in infrastructure have led to severe water shortages in urban areas. As new developments spring up along the coast, the demand for water has skyrocketed. Pipes are being laid to divert water from the country’s interior to satisfy the growing needs of the coastal resorts. Locals from the interior regions are increasingly voicing concerns that their already limited water resources are being siphoned off for the luxury developments serving foreign tourists.
One notable case is the Shushica River, which is being redirected to the resort region of Himara. The river flows through a national park, and environmental activists warn that diverting its water would not only disrupt local ecosystems but also contribute to the ongoing effects of climate change. With rising temperatures and shrinking water sources, the risk of long-term ecological damage grows with each new luxury development approved by the government.
Protests and Discontent: Locals vs. Government
The situation has sparked a number of protests, with locals clashing with police and blocking construction efforts aimed at diverting water for tourism projects. In Dukat, a village near Vlora, villagers recently halted work on a €9 million project to redirect water to luxury seaside resorts. Similarly, residents of Tragjas, a neighboring village, clashed with law enforcement over the same issue in March. Critics argue that the government is prioritizing the interests of wealthy investors over the well-being of its own citizens.
Prime Minister Edi Rama has assured that Albania has enough water to accommodate everyone’s needs. However, environmental groups and concerned citizens assert that the government’s focus has been short-sighted, emphasizing the need for long-term planning to ensure sustainable growth for the country’s tourism sector. Many feel that the Albanian government’s eagerness to profit from tourism has led to a disregard for environmental preservation and the needs of local communities.
The Case of Jared Kushner: Luxury Developments and Legal Battles
Adding to the complexity of Albania’s tourism boom is the involvement of high-profile foreign investors, such as Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Kushner has plans to invest €1.4 billion in developing a luxury resort on the island of Sazan, located off Albania’s coast. While the development promises significant economic benefits, it has raised alarms among environmentalists and local residents.
Kushner’s plans, which were approved shortly before Trump’s inauguration, include developing both the island of Sazan and the Zvernec area, an unspoiled beach between the Adriatic Sea and the Narta lagoon, a known habitat for flamingos. However, the Zvernec area is part of a protected zone, and environmental activists, including the organization EcoAlbania, are challenging the government’s approval of such developments in these sensitive areas. The legal battle over the new laws permitting luxury constructions in protected zones continues, with local residents and activists seeking to prevent further environmental degradation.
The Future of Tourism in Albania: Balancing Growth and Sustainability
With tourism on the rise in Albania, the country is trying to find its footing in a sector that offers economic potential, but all amid a delicate balance between the long-term sustainability of nature and local communities. Challenges like water shortage, over-tourism, and a growing presence of foreign investors are the key challenges ahead. Many natives, environmentalists, and even some government officials are pushing for better planning and regulation to make sure Albania’s conversion into a tourist hotspot does not mean the destruction of its landscape and local culture.
Sure, a tourist rush can still oil the engine of growth in Albania, but clearly this is a nation that needs to act faster and more constructively in relation to the problems that this rapid recovery is creating. Whether that’s through better infrastructure, more controlled use of resources, or tighter regulations against luxury developments, there simply must be a way for the government to preserve the very things that make Albania such a big draw for visitors in the first place.
References: Albanian Ministry of Tourism and Environment
