Tourism in Albania

Tourism in Albania is still in its infancy because the former communist regime did not allow tourism to become established. Groups of Western tourists were first permitted to visit in the 1980s. It is a country of natural beauty which includes sandy white Mediterranean beaches, rocky mountains, fertile plains, lakes, natural monuments, and remote areas. The country receives approximately 400.000 visitors per year and it is growing by 15% every year.Fact|date=November 2007

Visitor attractions

Albania has an old history dating to the Illyrian and Greek civilizations and there are ruins and other treasures reflecting these ancient civilizations.

Some of the most visited cities include:
* Durrës, the old port city of "Dyrrhachium"
* Krujë, the balcony over the Adriatic sea
* Tirana, the capital
* Vlorë, beach city of Vlora
* Lezha, the diplomatic capital of Albania
* Pogradec, the poet's city
* Sarande, the honeymooners' city

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Albania is home to two World Heritage Sites:
*Butrint, an ancient city
*Gjirokastër, a well-preserved Illyrian town

Issues affecting tourism

As being the second poorest country in Europe. Some of the problems holding back foreign tourism stem from political instability. Pollution from illegal construction is ruining some popular areas. Its proximity to Kosovo on the northeast border means that unexploded ordnance may be hazard for unguided tours into the countryside of that border region. At present the security situation in Albania is thought to be improving.

Poor infrastructure greatly limits tourism. Electrical power outages are still fairly frequent. Independent bus and minibus (furgon) operators provide inexpensive transport between most large communities, but schedules and prices are not fixed. Train service is also limited and sporadic.

Despite the above problems, Albania is making progress. Foreign tourists are not uncommon. International hotel chains are established in Tirana and organised day trips are available from Corfu to Sarandë and nearby Butrint. Club Med has proposed a development between Vlorë and Sarandë.Fact|date=February 2008

South of Durrës, there is a long, uncoordinated beach development popular with Albanians. There are other, off-the-track beach areas, locally popular, with acceptable food and toilet facilities. There are several five star hotels along the beaches of Albania.

ee also

* Geography of Albania
* List of cities in Albania

External links

* [http://www.albaniantourism.com Official Albania tourism site]
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