Tourism in traffic, when roads undo success

Anyone who has tried traveling to the coast in recent weekends has probably "regretted" the choice they made.

The traffic returning from the south towards Tirana started near Kavaja. It took more than an hour to get from the secondary road of Golem beach to Plepa.

The return from Shëngjin or Velipoja was again a torture, lasting for hours. And this is just the beginning of the season…

Traffic is also a bitter surprise for tourists, who often risk missing their plane when flying to Rinas Airport.

In various forums, they express concern about busy urban roads, the condition of secondary roads, poor signage, lack of pedestrian infrastructure, public transportation, with old, overcrowded buses without air conditioning, and schedules and stations that are difficult to find.

Tourism is the most positive development that the Albanian economy has seen in recent years. Interest in the country grew even before the pandemic and has been increasing in recent years. In 2024, Albania saw a record entry of 11.7 million foreign citizens, up from 5 million in 2018.

This year, their number is expected to increase by at least 10%. Albania has become a magnet for tourists, attracted by the variety of natural, cultural and historical elements, as well as the cheap prices of accommodation and bars and restaurants, competing in the Mediterranean, while Croatia, Greece, Spain are becoming increasingly expensive.

In a country that is increasingly feeling the consequences of emigration, tourism has not only been a shock absorber for the decline in consumption by locals, but is also driving a chain of businesses, from well-known hotel chains, taxis, rental cars, souvenirs, and many other services in response to their demand.

Bank of Albania data revealed that in the first three months of this year alone, foreigners spent a record 874 million euros in the country, an increase of 11% on an annual basis.

The government has also stated its ambition to reach 30 million foreign visitors by 2030. The country is also attracting elite projects, such as the development of Sazan Island, or the construction of 5-star hotels in government villas in Vlora and Velipojë, in addition to numerous private investments.

Imagine an elite tourist who has to travel over two hours from Rinas Airport to the elite project in Velipojë.

All this potential for tourism development in the country risks remaining hostage to infrastructure. And it's not that there's a lack of funds.

Official data from the Ministry of Finance show that in the last two years (2023 and 2024) around 800 million euros have been invested in roads, mainly from domestic funds.

These investments, which were mostly concentrated in the South, have failed to solve the infrastructure bottleneck in the country's main hubs, as this season is showing.

Even a recent OECD report on the EU convergence process ranks Albania last in infrastructure out of the 6 Western Balkan countries, citing that rail transport is almost out of order, with little investment and minimal use, and road networks have lagged behind regional standards, especially in rural areas.

At a time when tourism has become one of the main pillars of the Albanian economy, the quality of road infrastructure and traffic organization remain visible obstacles that threaten the visitor experience and, ultimately, the reputation of the destination.

Public transportation, which could play the role of an environmentally friendly solution and reduce costs for tourists, today offers little more than an irregular minibus network, with unclear schedules and vehicles that do not even meet minimum comfort standards.

Without a general reorganization — which includes systematic road maintenance, the installation of comprehensive signage, and the development of urban and intercity lines with modern means.

Without a clear national plan for infrastructure and public transport, with concrete deadlines and well-defined responsibilities, the country risks losing the reputation and natural and cultural advantage it has gained as a rapidly growing tourism destination.

At this stage, infrastructure is no longer a matter of convenience, but the great test of the state's ability to keep up with tourism.

Without functional roads, dignified public transportation, and modern organization, Albania risks turning the influx of tourists from a blessing into a burden.

Roads that should today be development corridors are at risk of becoming obstacles, which tarnish the image of a country that promises much, but fails to meet expectations./ MONITOR