The figures for January-August underline the port’s role as a key hub for Albania’s maritime transport and trade, linking the country with regional and international markets.

More than 2.7 million tonnes of goods were processed during the period, reflecting sustained activity in cargo handling and maritime freight transport.

A total of 1,432 vessels were recorded at the port during the eight-month period, according to data published by the Port of Durres.

/e.xh/j.p/r.e/u.sh/

According to air transport statistics published by the National Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) on Thursday, a total of 2,162,098 passengers flew between January and March 2026, compared with 2,083,050 in the same period a year earlier. This represents an increase of 3.8% year-on-year.

During the period, 21 foreign airlines operated in Albania’s air transport market, while 74,329 aircraft movements were recorded in the country’s airspace.

Of the total aircraft movements, 82.6% were overflights. In the first quarter, there were 12,898 flights and 61,431 overflights recorded.

Air cargo and mail traffic also rose over the period. Total cargo volume reached 571 tonnes, of which 74.2% consisted of inbound shipments and 25.8% outbound.

Air freight volumes increased by 3.8% compared with the same period of 2025, reflecting an expansion in trade and logistics activity.

/r.e/a.f/u.sh/

According to figures from the General Directorate of Road Transport Services (DPSHTRR), a total of 89,654 vehicles were registered for the first time between January and November 2025, up 96% compared with the same period in 2019.

Passenger cars accounted for 73,066 of the total, or 81.5%, underscoring the dominance of this segment in the country’s road fleet.

Vehicles originating from South Korea led registrations, representing 21.4% of the total.

Italy and Germany followed with 15.4% and 15.6%, respectively, highlighting the continued strong presence of European manufacturers in the market.

Registrations of vehicles originating from China also rose markedly, accounting for 9.1% of the total, while Switzerland represented 8.4%. The United States followed with an 8% share, maintaining a stable position in the market.

/j.p/u.sh/

According to official data from the National Institute of Statistics (INSTAT), foreign tourist arrivals to Albania reached 2,381,864 in August, recording an increase by around 10% compared to the same month last year.

INSTAT data show that overall entries into Albania, including Albanian nationals, totaled 3,368,104, marking an 8.4% increase compared to August of last year. Meanwhile, departures from the country increased by 12.1%, reaching 3,335,824, of which 994,573 were Albanian citizens – a 10.3% rise.

Regionally, 97% of foreign visitors come from Europe, with Southern Europe leading at 77% of the total, followed by Western Europe at 9% and Central/Eastern Europe at 8%.

In 99% of cases, the purpose of entry for foreign nationals is personal, including tourism and visiting relatives. However, entries for business and professional reasons have shown a notable increase of 23.3%.

The most popular destinations remain the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, with cities like Sarandë, Durrës, Vlorë, and Himarë attracting thousands of visitors from Europe and beyond. Besides beaches, mountainous and historic areas are also experiencing significant growth, enriching the tourism offer and drawing a broader range of visitors throughout the year.

/j.p/u.sh/

According to Regional Culture Heritage Directorate, a total of 262 972 tourists visited the site, learned about the city’s history and enjoyed the 360° surround view.

The medieval Gjirokaster castle, one of the biggest in the region, is a popular destination for visitors to the museum city.

The castle, perched on a 370-meter high hilltop in the picturesque town, is mentioned for the first time as a citadel and a castle in 1336. Situated on the hilltop overlooking the city, the castle extends across the 1100-foot-high hillside, like a giant ship made of stone.

Gjirokaster is a very important historical and cultural town that is known for its extensive use of stone in building the houses, which resemble small fortresses, and cobblestone streets, which is how it got the name “The City of Stone”

The old citadel and the domineering 4th century Gjirokaster castle and fortress granted Gjirokaster the UNESCO World Heritage Site status because it’s a rare and wonderful example of a very well-preserved Ottoman town.

The castle often hosts cultural events, concerts, cultural fairs and exhibitions and the site not only offers an insight into the architectural prowess of its time but also provides stunning panoramic views of the town below and the surrounding Albanian mountains.

/u.sh/

Data from tourist accommodation facilities including hotels, short-term rentals, camping, and campsites, published by the National Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) on Monday, show a 32% year-on-year increase in the visitor number in August 2024.

Latest INSTAT data from tourist accommodation facilities indicate that the number of resident visitors rose 1.2%, whereas the number of non-resident visitors surged 50.6% in August.

According to INSTAT, the number of overnight stays rose 11.3% compared to the same period of 2023, with the number of overnight stays of resident tourists increasing 0.2% and the number of overnight stays of non-resident visitors edging up 16.9% year-on-year.

Data show that the number of non-resident visitors who have been accommodated in the southern region has increased 38.2%, whereas this figure in the coastal areas has gone up by 75.6% compared to the same period of 2023.

The number of overnight stays of non-resident visitors accommodated in “hotels and similar accommodations” increased 92.7%.

According to INSTAT, the number of overnight stays rose 11.3% compared to the same period of the previous year.

/j.p/r.e/u.sh/

According to official data, the number of visitors to Gjirokaster, a popular destination in southern Albania, rose 19% year-on-year to 50,818 visitors in September.

Gjirokaster is a very important historical and cultural town that is known for its extensive use of stone in building the houses, which resemble small fortresses, and cobblestone streets, which is how it got the name “The City of Stone”.

The old town and the domineering 4th century castle and fortress grant Gjirokaster the UNESCO World Heritage Site status because it’s a rare and wonderful example of a very well-preserved Ottoman town. And it’s one of the prettiest towns in Albania.

The medieval Gjirokaster castle is one of the biggest in the region. Gjirokaster castle is mentioned for the first time as a citadel and a castle in 1336. Situated on the hilltop overlooking the city, the castle extends across the 1100-foot-high hillside, like a giant ship made of stone.

/a.f/r.e/u.sh/

The government head unveiled latest tourism statistics, saying that the international tourist arrivals in Albania represent a diverse expansion of originating countries, with an ever growing number of visitors from distant and non-typical countries, including Mexico, Brazil, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, as well as Azerbaijan, China and Japan.

“8.5 million foreign tourists visited Albania from January to August this year. The visitor number was not only higher compared to any previous year, but also the diversity of countries of origin, where the typical markets definitely continue to consolidate, but there are always more and more tourists from distant and non-typical countries such as Mexico, Brazil, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, but also Azerbaijan, China and Japan,” Rama said.

“The tourist year is still underway with a growing number of visitor groups experiencing the attractions from north to south, from the Alps to cultural sites, historic forts and UNESCO sites, without forgetting the tasty food and the Albanian hospitality that makes us proud,” PM Rama added in a post on the social media.

/u.sh/

According to INSTAT report, as many as 191 people were injured in car accidents in July.

Despite the higher number of accidents, the fatality rate has fallen with 9.2 deaths per 100 accidents, a significant drop from 16.8 during the same period in 2023.

The INSTAT report highlights driver behavior as the leading cause, with 91.1% of accidents attributed to actions at the wheel.

The most affected age group was 25-34-year-olds, who were responsible for 23.3 % of the total number of accidents.

The data also revealed that Wednesday was the most accident-prone day of the week, with 19.2% of the accidents occurring on that day, while Thursday had the fewest, at just 8.9%.

A significant portion of these accidents took place between 08:00 hrs and 12:00 hrs, with almost one in five incidents happening during these hours.

/u.sh/

Institute of the Statistics, INSTAT, reported Thursday that a total of 539.683 European tourists entered Albania in March alone, representing the largest number of foreign visitors during last month.

According to INSTAT, 14 267 visitors came from the America, 5 254 visitors from East Asia and Asia/Pacific region.

The number of visitors for personal purposes rose 45.2% year-on-year, for vacation or for other recreational purposes edged up 44.7 %, whereas the number of visitors for the purposes of visiting relatives and professional purposes increased 2.1 times.

INSTAT data show that a total of 1 535 113 foreign tourists visited Albania in the first quarter of 2024 or around 500,000 visitors more than during the same period of 2023, when 1 070 564 foreigners visited the country.

Leading international media are recommending Albania as a top tourist destination that should not be missed.

A total of 10.1 million foreign arrivals visited Albania last year, whereas authorities expect the number of visitors to Albania to surge to over 14 million in 2024.

/u.sh/