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Tourism slows down, foreigners grew by only 7.4% in February

Tourism slows down, foreigners grew by only 7.4% in February

The economy slowed down in February with an increase in the entry of foreigners into the country, by only 7.4 percent compared to the same month a year ago.

The Institute of Statistics recently published figures showing that during the second month of the year, over 1 million Albanian and foreign citizens entered the country.

This indicator has increased by 7.9%, compared to February 2024. A little more than one million Albanian and foreign citizens have left the territory of the Republic of Albania, marking an increase of 6.4%, compared to the same period a year ago, according to INSTAT.

"In February 2025, the number of Albanian citizens who entered the Albanian territory is 543,216, an increase of 8.5%, compared to February 2024. The number of foreign citizens who entered the Albanian territory is 516,058. This number has increased by 7.4%, compared to the same period in 2024.

In February 2025, 543,803 Albanian citizens are counted as having left the territory of Albania, marking an increase of 7.2%, compared to February 2024. The departures of foreign citizens from the territory of Albania during February 2025 are 523,151. Compared to the same period a year ago, this indicator has increased by 5.5%," the INSTAT publication states.

At least 96% of foreign nationals entering Albania are from the European region. Southern Europe accounts for 83% of foreign nationals entering from the European continent, followed by Western Europe with 6%.

According to INSTAT, the purpose of entry into the Albanian territory of foreign citizens, in 97% of cases, is for personal purposes, dominated by entries for holidays, visiting relatives, etc. In February 2025, this indicator marked an increase of 7.4% compared to February 2024. There was also an increase in the entry of foreign citizens for business and professional purposes in February, by 29.6%.

Tour operators expect 2025 to have a similar performance to 2024 in terms of the sector, linking this to the entry of a number of new markets with guarantee contracts, a growing interest in both traditional markets that operate this form but also interest from those who come individually. The continuation of promotion but also a more economical ratio in cost and service that Albania offers compared to other markets continues to keep it in the spotlight./ Monitor

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