Koçiu said in a post on the social media on Saturday the country offers “365 days of destinations” alongside “365 days of commitment” to building a resilient and sustainable tourism industry, as Albania continues to strengthen its profile as one of Europe’s emerging travel hotspots.

She attributed the steady rise in visitor numbers to structural reforms and a clear strategic vision aimed at transforming the country’s natural and cultural assets into a lasting driver of economic development.

“Albania is one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Mediterranean, where nature blends colors and contrasts in every season,” Koçiu said, adding that preserving this authenticity while ensuring sustainable development remains a key responsibility for authorities.

Tourism revenues reached a record 5.72 billion euros in 2025, according to official data, underscoring the sector’s growing contribution to the economy and reinforcing Albania’s appeal to international travelers.

The figures confirm the country’s increasing competitiveness both regionally and across Europe, with tourism playing an expanding role in economic growth.

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Albania was among a handful of countries invited to address the Assembly session, attended by representatives from 160 nations. The country’s growing international visibility and cooperation prospects in the tourism sector were noted during the event, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture said.

In his address, Gonxhja outlined Albania’s efforts to improve the visitor experience, extend the tourist season and diversify destinations beyond the coast by promoting rural areas and empowering local communities.

He highlighted the adoption of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) standards and the creation of “smart destinations” using real-time data to manage visitor flows and protect resources.

The minister also underlined the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on global tourism, saying it enables a shift “from tourism volume to tourism quality” by improving data management, preserving cultural and natural heritage, tackling informality and boosting overall sector efficiency.

Gonxhja said Albania’s public services are increasingly accessible through the “e-Albania” digital platform, ensuring transparency and standardized governance. He noted that this approach is reinforced by the work of the world’s first Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Diella, who oversees integration of AI across key strategic sectors, including tourism.

The minister also emphasized investment in human capital through training programmes for hospitality professionals, artisans and cultural workers, alongside greater use of technology to enhance quality, efficiency and innovation within the industry.

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