Circular Tourism

Albania

Why Albanian Hospitality SMEs Must Embrace Circular Tourism Now.

Albania’s tourism sector is booming, with 11.7 million visitors in 2024—a 35% increase compared to 2022 and officials expect that number to rise to 15 million by the end of 2025 — a figure nearly four times the country’s population. While this growth brings economic opportunities, it also presents critical challenges:

  • Overburdened waste management, especially in coastal and rural areas.
  • High energy and water consumption with limited renewable energy adoption.
  • Seasonal overcrowding, leading to resource strain and post-season waste.
  • Lack of circular business models, with many hotels and restaurants still following a linear “take-make-waste” approach.

Without sustainable practices, this rapid growth risks environmental degradation, rising operational costs, and long-term damage to Albania’s tourism appeal.

The Solution? Circular Economy for Tourism

The Circular Tourism Albania project is empowering hotels, restaurants, and VET institutions to transition to a zero-waste, resource-efficient model. Here’s why hospitality SMEs should act now:

1. Reduce Costs and Boost Efficiency

  • Energy and water savings through smart resource management.
  • Lower waste disposal costs by adopting recycling, composting, and upcycling.
  • Sustainable sourcing (local, seasonal, plastic-free) cuts expenses and supports communities.

2. Meet Growing Demand for Sustainable Travel

  • 73% of global travelers prefer eco-friendly accommodations (Booking.com, 2023).
  • EU Green Claims Directive (2026) will require proof of sustainability—certifications like GSTC, Green Key, or EU Ecolabel will be essential.

3. Future-Proof Your Business

  • Circular design (reusable amenities, zero-waste kitchens, upcycled decor) attracts conscious travelers.
  • Digital tools and training help track sustainability performance and improve operations.

How Albanian Hotels and Restaurants Can Start

  1. Audit Your Waste and Energy Use – Identify key areas for improvement.
  2. Train Staff on Circular Practices – Reduce food waste, optimise cleaning, and cut energy use.
  3. Partner with Local Suppliers – Source seasonal, unpackaged, and regenerative products.

Apply for Sustainability Certifications – Gain credibility and stand out in the market.

Join Circular Tourism Albania

The Circular Tourism Albania project offers training, tools, and best practices to help Albanian hospitality businesses thrive sustainably. For deeper insights into Albania’s circular economy challenges, download our Mapping of Circular Economy Challenges and Barriers (in the albanian tourism sector) report here.

🔗 Visit our website  to learn more about upcoming project results!