Albania’s tourism sector is at a historic crossroads. In 2024, the nation achieved a record-breaking 11.7 million international arrivals—a 15.2% increase that has established us as a leading Mediterranean destination. The International Monetary Fund projects our GDP growth to average 3.5% through 2029, largely driven by this tourism boom. However, this macroeconomic success masks a growing “people shortage” that threatens the very heart of our hospitality. As the country opens EU accession negotiations, the urgency to professionalize our local workforce has never been higher.

The greatest challenge Albania faces today is the demographic vacuum created by a persistent youth exodus. Since 2011, Albania’s 0-29 age group has shrunk by a staggering 44%. In the last year alone, nearly 23% of our educated youth left the country in search of better opportunities abroad . This “migration rush” has left our hotels and restaurants struggling to find qualified staff, leading to a massive shift in our labour market. To keep the sector running, businesses are increasingly recruiting workers from countries like the Philippines and India . While this global talent is welcome, there is a vital need to ensure that Albanian nationals are equipped with the high-level skills necessary to lead and manage our own industry.

The Circular Tourism Albania project aims to support the local workforce by providing the knowledge required for a “Twin Transition”—helping businesses become both more digitally capable and environmentally responsible. Our project focuses on:

✔ Capacity Building for VET: Strengthening the curriculum of Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutions to better reflect the modern needs of the tourism industry .

We are now developing a comprehensive training course for VET institutions and tourism SMEs in Albania! This practical programme will soon be available online via our project website and includes a planned face-to-face component in Reus, Spain, in the second half of 2026. The course is available for Albanian nationals. Stay tuned for the launch and learn how to apply!

By participating in these initiatives, local professionals can better navigate the challenges of the current market. This project is not about changing national trends overnight, but about providing the concrete education necessary for individuals to succeed at home. We invite you to join this effort to build a tourism sector that is professional, efficient, and prepared for the standards of tomorrow.