At the same time that the positive figures for him in Greece are published, showing a new arrival record this year, next to us, there is a rise in arrivals, but a real “explosion”. One clue says it all: Between 2019 – 2023 , tourist arrivals in Albania 4fold, reaching in 2023 the 10.1 million compared to 2.5 million in 2019. In other words, during this period, arrivals increased by 7.6 million ECU. The big “bump” for tourism in Albania, even, took place between 2022 – 2023, as tourists increased by 6.8 million! And that’s only within a year. Albania, last year, hosted more than three times as many tourists as its population, which does not exceed ECU 3 million. This means that the proportion of locals and tourists is 1 to 3. The difference is that Greece has never experienced as much growth in the period 2019-2023 as in neighbouring Albania. According to the data of the Hellenic Tourism Association, the number of tourists in Greece increased by just 4.4%, reaching 32.7 million compared to 31.3 million in 2019 last year. Here is the development of tourist arrivals in Albania in 2019 – 2023: The increase in Albania’s revenues from tourism is impressive as there was a triple increase in the period 2019-2023. Specifically, the tourist turnover amounted to 6.8 billion euros last year compared to 2.3 billion euros in 2019. According to the branch report (for tourism in Albania) of the Greek embassy’s economic and commercial affairs office in Tirana, the steady increase in foreign arrivals has marked Albania’s noticeable upgrading in recent years as a tourist destination, both from neighbouring Western Balkan states, where the Albanian element is strong (Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro), and from others (mainly EU Member States). The temporary reduction in flows from abroad due to the pandemic was accompanied by a total decline in the tourism sector, where major losses were recorded, due to the restrictive measures applied to movements and border crossings. As noted by the available data, however, the industry in a short period of time recovered and as early as 2021 arrivals doubled (115.3%) compared to the previous year, while the upward trajectory was confirmed in both 2022 (an increase of 33.9%) and 2023 (a 35% increase). In fact, it is noted that Albania noted the fourth largest increase in foreign arrivals (53%) in 2023 compared to 2019, after Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the Turks and Caicos Islands! More generally, 2023 was the most successful year for the Albanian tourism industry, as according to INSTAT figures, foreign arrivals reached 10.1 million thus surpassing the previous year’s record (7.5 million). This undoubtedly created a euphoria climate for 2024 which is expected to be particularly promising, given the increasing flows. This upward trend is attributed to a combination of factors, such as the proper promotion of the country abroad, the creation of an attractive business-investment climate, the comparatively low cost of holiday, and the reorientation of the preferences of foreign tourists to young and “unknown” destinations after the end of the pandemic. In particular, it is noted that arrivals in Albania now come not only from neighbouring Balkan countries but also from other European countries (e.g. Poland, the Czech Republic, Nordic countries, etc.), which are mainly attracted to the impressive mountain landscapes, the natural beauty of the Adriatic and Ionian beaches and a thriving capital, Tirana, which moves them to become acquainted with each other. It is indicative, based on relevant data from INSTAT, that among the criteria that led foreign nationals to visit the country in 2023, by an overwhelming majority (85%) was recreation, with a great difference in terms of the other reasons (professional, cultural, health, etc.). The increase in interest to get to know the country and its culture is also shown by the increase in the country’s time of residence on average at 3.7 days, compared with 2.6 days respectively in 2022. In addition, in 2023 overnight stays in tourist accommodation in Albania increased significantly compared to 2022 (56.8%) and 2019 (84.7%), i.e. before the start of pandemic restrictions. This is particularly important since in EU Member States. the corresponding change was only 6.1% compared to 2022 and 2019 (1.4%). It is also noted that in the same year Albania was in first place (81.7%), in terms of foreign visitors’ nights, and in the second (90.3%), in terms of local visitors’ nights after Iceland (109.3%). According to data from the Albanian Ministry of Tourism and the Environment regarding the countries of origin of arrivals from abroad in 2023, Kosovo was ranked first in the list with 4.4 million and 43% in total, which could be attributed to the national and cultural affinity between the two countries, such as that the number of Kosovars visiting Albania increased dramatically (67%) in 2023 compared to 2022. Furthermore, according to the same data, Italy is in second place, with about 1 million tourists and 9% of the total, followed by two other countries which traditionally have close economic and political relations with Albania, North Macedonia and Greece, which were in third and fourth place, with an increase of 10% and 38% respectively compared to 2022. It is also worth noting that in fifth place on the list, Montenegro, another neighbouring country, arrivals increased by 44% in 2023, while in sixth place Germany followed by 312,000 and 3% on all arrivals, with an impressive increase (66%). It should also be stressed that in 2023, among the countries with the biggest increases in their entry into Albania, China (177%), Turkey (110%) and Finland (105%) are included. Finally, as regards the origin of arrivals based on the continent, 9,727.538 were recorded by Europe (about 91%), 240,985 from America (5%), 122,459 from Asia (3%) etc. The increase in tourist flows in the country from abroad in 2023 can be seen through the recorded arrivals at Tirana International Airport (TIA), the country’s only international airport at present, where an increase of 40% was recorded compared to 2022, reaching a total of ECU 7.25 million. According to the TIA data, the highest passenger rates were Italy (44%), Germany (13%), Great Britain (8%), Turkey (6%) and Greece (4%). In particular, Italy with over 3.1 million passengers was in first place, confirming the traditional close links between the two countries, followed in second place by Germany with 1 million, reflecting the high demand for travel between the two countries, while in third place with over 500 thousand found the United Kingdom. These figures undoubtedly demonstrate the strategic importance of Tirana Airport, as a hub of Albania’s association with abroad, given its location in the centre of the country and its proximity to the port of Durres, the main maritime transit centre for travellers and products. It is noted that the increasing number of flights forced the Tirana Airport Management Authority to proceed in 2023 in the preparation of major intervention projects, such as the expansion of the terminal, the maintenance of the runway and the increase in both aircraft parking spaces and passenger arrivals and departures by 37%, reaching a total of 4.2 million in 2023 compared to 3 million in 2022. This has made it easier for low-cost airlines, such as Kuwaiti Jazeera, Hungarian Wizz Air, Irish Ryanair and others, to start in 2023 direct routes between Tirana and popular European destinations (e.g. London, Brussels, Rome, Paris, Stockholm, Bucharest, Prague, etc.) thereby creating the conditions for Albania’s connection even with more distant destinations. In conclusion, it is clear that the Albanian tourism industry has shown resilience during the pandemic period and has overcome the challenges it has faced very quickly, recovering in a short time and having significant growth over the last three years (2021-2023). In addition, the impressive increase in arrivals from abroad also creates many prospects for upgrading the country as an investment destination, since entrepreneurs active in the industry are always looking for a friendly environment with advantageous economic returns and added value, elements Albania can undoubtedly offer them on the basis of its strategic advantages (geographical location, mild climate, low labour costs, political stability etc.).