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Amidst chaos and abuse, is Albania ready to offer sustainable tourism?

B.Z 2025-06-18 13:01:56
Amidst chaos and abuse, is Albania ready to offer sustainable tourism?
Illustrative photo

While the Albanian government proudly declares that it expects over 10 million foreign tourists this year, the reality on the ground speaks differently. This year's tourist season has begun with the same old wounds that have haunted the sector for years: lack of infrastructure, numerous abuses, chaotic construction on the coast and systematic usurpation of public spaces.

In many areas of the Albanian coast, especially in the south, public spaces have almost disappeared. Once free beaches are surrounded by sunbeds set up by private entities that do not even possess legal use contracts. Local citizens and foreign tourists are forced to pay up to 3,000 lek per day for a place in the sun while state control remains non-existent.

Meanwhile, another concern remains illegal construction. From Velipoja to Ksamil, illegal and substandard construction has concreted the Albanian coast. In Dhërmi and Jalë, multi-story hotels have been built without even respecting the minimum distances from the sea. Construction permits are quickly issued by local governments, often in collaboration with local oligarchs who dictate urban development, without transparency and without public consultation.

Another problem remains the dilapidated roads. While we invite foreign tourists to discover the beauties of the country, many of the roads leading to these destinations are in a scandalous state. Some of them are unpaved and lack signage, thus becoming a source of danger for many foreign and domestic visitors.

Another concern worth mentioning is the abuse of arbitrary prices, which are set in the absence of state control. A plate of seafood can be sold for 4,000-6,000 lek, while water and coffee have prices that rival Western European countries.

But despite all these concerns, the government continues to promote Albania with optimistic slogans and luxury spots on social media. Although the Ministry of Tourism has been accused of inaction by various political representatives and activists regarding the abuses taking place on the Albanian coasts, there is still no response or action taken. 

So instead of exploiting its extraordinary natural potential, Albania risks turning into a “chaos zone” for foreign tourists. Without immediate measures to stop concreting, free up public spaces, and control price gouging, the 2025 season may be remembered not for the number of tourists, but for the government’s failure to deliver a dignified tourist season.

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