A significant part of Albania's national income derives from tourism.
In 2014, it directly accounted for 6% of GDP, though including indirect contributions pushes the proportion to just over 20%.
Albania welcomed around 4.2 million visitors in 2012, mostly from neighbouring countries and the European Union.

In 2011, Albania was recommended as a top travel destination, by Lonely Planet.
In 2014, Albania was nominated number 4 global touristic destination by The New York Times.
The number of tourists has increased by 200% for 2014 as well.

The bulk of the tourist industry is concentrated along the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea coast.
The latter has the most beautiful and pristine beaches, and is often called the Albanian Riviera.
The Albanian coastline has a considerable length of 360 kilometres (220 miles), including many lagoons.
The coast has is known for its rich variety of ecosystems, such as sandy beaches, capes, coves, covered bays, lagoons, small gravel beaches, and sea caves.
Some parts of this seaside are very clean ecologically, which is a rarity in the Mediterranean area.

The increase in foreign visitors has been dramatic.
Albania had only 500,000 visitors in 2005, while in 2012 had an estimated 4.2 million – an increase of 740% in only 7 years.
Several of the country's main cities are situated along the pristine seashores of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas.
An important gateway to the Balkan Peninsula, Albania's ever-growing road network provides juncture to reach its neighbouring countries.
Albania is in close proximity to all the major European capitals with short two- or three-hour flights that are available daily.
Albania is also known for its history and traditional culture.

A report from the United States Agency for International Development (USAid)
in October 2015 indicated that the direct contribution of tourism is becoming a significant part of the country's Gross Domestic Product, a full 4.8 percent of it in 2013.
The total contribution to the GDP was about 17 percent "including wider effects from investment and the supply chain".
This is expected to increase in future.
A significant part of Albania's national income derives from tourism. In 2014, it directly accounted for 6% of GDP, though including indirect contributions pushes the proportion to just over 20%. Albania welcomed around 4.2 million visitors in 2012, mostly from neighbouring countries and the European Union. 
In 2011, Albania was recommended as a top travel destination, by Lonely Planet. In 2014, Albania was nominated number 4 global touristic destination by The New York Times. The number of tourists has increased by 200% for 2014 as well.
The bulk of the tourist industry is concentrated along the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea coast. The latter has the most beautiful and pristine beaches, and is often called the Albanian Riviera. The Albanian coastline has a considerable length of 360 kilometres (220 miles), including many lagoons. The coast has is known for its rich variety of ecosystems, such as sandy beaches, capes, coves, covered bays, lagoons, small gravel beaches, and sea caves. Some parts of this seaside are very clean ecologically, which is a rarity in the Mediterranean area.
The increase in foreign visitors has been dramatic. Albania had only 500,000 visitors in 2005, while in 2012 had an estimated 4.2 million – an increase of 740% in only 7 years. Several of the country's main cities are situated along the pristine seashores of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. An important gateway to the Balkan Peninsula, Albania's ever-growing road network provides juncture to reach its neighbouring countries. Albania is in close proximity to all the major European capitals with short two- or three-hour flights that are available daily. Albania is also known for its history and traditional culture.
A report from the United States Agency for International Development (USAid)
in October 2015 indicated that the direct contribution of tourism is becoming a significant part of the country's Gross Domestic Product, a full 4.8 percent of it in 2013. The total contribution to the GDP was about 17 percent "including wider effects from investment and the supply chain". This is expected to increase in future.
Economy of Albania