TIRANA, Nov 18 /ATA/ – Albania’s 2026 draft budget for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sports (MTKS) aims to strengthen sustainable tourism, preserve cultural heritage, and develop creative and sports capacities.
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, announced Tuesday that the total budget for the ministry will reach 7.4 billion lekë, marking a 20% increase compared to 2025.
“The budget reflects our strategic priorities for long-term development and increased cultural, economic, and social impact,” Gonxhja said. “The largest investment is dedicated to culture, with significant funds also allocated to tourism, sports, and youth policies.”
Under the proposed budget, the cultural sector will receive 4.95 billion lekë, 67% of the total budget and a 19.4% increase from 2025. Tourism will receive 919 million lekë to support sustainable development, while sports will be allocated 834.6 million lekë, a 32% increase. Youth programs will receive 285.8 million lekë.
Gonxhja emphasized that the budget will support infrastructure development, increase access to culture and tourism, and promote Albania internationally as a cultural and tourism destination.
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