Around 1 billion euros from tourists at the beginning of the year/ The net balance of tourism expanded to over 360 million euros in the first three months of 2026
Tourism continues to be one of the strongest engines of the Albanian economy in 2026. Balance of payments data show that during the first quarter of the year, foreign tourists spent about 1 billion euros in Albania, crossing the threshold for the first time in a first quarter.
Compared to the same period in 2025, when spending reached 874.4 million euros, tourist revenues increased by about 14.8%, while compared to 2024 the increase is over 27%. In just two years, the Albanian economy has earned nearly 215 million euros more from foreign visitors during the months of January-March.
On the other hand, Albanians have also continued to travel abroad at a high rate. In the first quarter of 2026, they spent 640.9 million euros, up from 579 million euros a year earlier, registering an increase of about 10.7%. However, the pace of growth in foreign tourist spending has been significantly faster than that of Albanians' trips abroad.
As a result, the net tourism balance remained positive at 362.9 million euros, increasing by nearly 23% compared to the first quarter of 2025. This is one of the highest results ever recorded for the first months of the year and shows that tourism is bringing more and more foreign exchange to the Albanian economy.
The data suggests that Albania is consolidating itself as a destination that attracts a growing number of visitors and spending, not only during the summer season, but also outside of it. Meanwhile, even though Albanians are spending more and more on travel abroad, the income generated by foreign tourists remains significantly higher, maintaining a positive balance for the economy.
The increase in tourism revenues also has a direct impact on the foreign exchange market. The inflow of over 1 billion euros from foreign tourists in the first quarter alone increases the supply of foreign exchange in the economy and exerts pressure on the lek to strengthen against the euro. The phenomenon has become increasingly visible in recent months, especially during the tourist season, when high foreign exchange flows from foreign visitors have contributed to the depreciation of the euro in the domestic market.
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