Bookings in Greece by Albanian tourists hit an all-time high in 2024, marking cataclysmic shift from the pre-1990 era when the citizens of the Adriatic country were largely confined to their borders under a tyrannical regime.
A recent survey by the news outlet “Monitor”, conducted between June and July this year, reveals interesting trends in holiday preferences among Albanian travelers. Out of 659 respondents, 336 indicated they plan to spend their holidays in Albania.
However, rising costs in popular local resorts, like Ksamil and Saranda in coastal southwest Albania, have prompted many, particularly younger holiday-makers, to look for more affordable vacation options abroad.
Greece has emerged as the top choice for Albanian tourists, with 23% expressing a preference to the neighboring country. Italy and Turkey follow, each garnering 5% of the interest, largely due to the popularity of “all-inclusive” vacation packages.
Greece, too, has embraced similar packages in destinations like Corfu and Halkidiki, but its appeal to Albanian tourists is bolstered more by its close proximity, making it a convenient choice for short trips.
The survey also highlights that bookings for Greece and Turkey have reached unprecedented levels this year, despite a 10-15% increase in package prices for these countries compared to the previous year.
The soaring domestic costs and limited availability of accommodations in southern Albania have driven many tourists to opt for these international destinations, where they find more affordable deals and higher-quality services.
