In 2023, Albanian travel saw a significant rise, with young people aged 25-34 leading the way. Many chose to visit family and friends, staying for an average of four days. According to the latest data from the Albanian Institute of Statistics, both domestic and international travel grew substantially throughout the year.
Rising Travel Trends
Travel for the purpose of visiting relatives and friends saw the highest increase in 2023, rising by 5.1% compared to the previous year. This surge reflects the strong value placed on personal connections as Albanians increasingly traveled to reconnect with loved ones.
Alongside family visits, travel for business and personal reasons also rose. Statistics show a 20% increase in personal trips abroad, while business trips held steady. The growth in international travel also pointed to a preference for neighboring countries, with Greece and Italy being the most visited.
Accommodation Preferences
While traveling, Albanians typically stayed for four nights. Relatives’ homes were the most popular choice for accommodation, followed by hotels and rented properties. However, a noticeable trend in 2023 was the rise of nature-based vacations, including stays in wooden houses, camping sites, and thermal baths, reflecting a growing preference for outdoor experiences.
Popular Travel Months and Destinations
July, January, and June emerged as the most popular months for vacations. As for domestic destinations, Tirana, Vlora, Korça, and Durrës topped the list. When it comes to international travel, Greece, Italy, and other European destinations such as Spain and the UK were the most frequently visited.
Road Travel Dominates
Road trips were by far the most common mode of travel, with nearly 3.88 million trips made by car in 2023—accounting for 88.1% of all travel. While air travel and bus journeys were also used, traveling by car remained the preferred option for many Albanians, offering flexibility and convenience.
With increasing opportunities for both domestic and international travel, Albanians are embracing new vacation trends. The rising popularity of family visits, along with the shift towards nature-based accommodations, suggests that Albanian tourism is evolving. As travel continues to grow, it’s clear that the preferences of Albanian travelers are changing, reflecting both lifestyle shifts and new travel opportunities.
