Afghanistan tourism Profile 2012

25/11/2010 The economic depression is pressurising arrivals

The global economic crisis has raised awareness amongst consumers as to how they spend their disposable income. Threats of unemployment are leading tourists to be more cost-conscious when choosing travel destinations. This economic context is restricting travel and tourism in Albania, as fewer arrivals were recorded in 2009.

H1N1 virus has no impact

European fears of the H1N1 virus remained fairly high in 2009; however, the virus is much more of a concern in Latin America, where it is believed to have started, than in Europe. Albania is not particularly well known for having the best hospitals or health infrastructure, but the mechanisms in place seem adequate enough not to alarm tourists.

Strengthening travel accommodation infrastructure

The number of travel accommodation outlets constantly increased over the review period and recorded four new outlets in 2009, despite the economic crisis. The number of hotels in the country has almost doubled in the last 10 years, while the number of other travel accommodation outlets has increased from six to 44 in the same period. Growth is expected to continue in the number of travel accommodation outlets, albeit at a more modest 2% volume CAGR over the forecast period.

Airport investments expected to boost air arrivals

Comprehensive modernisation and a new terminal at Tirana International Airport are supporting efforts to increase air arrivals in Albania. Strong growth was registered earlier in the review period due to a number of investments that are due to be completed by the end of 2009. Operating in a safe and friendly environment, Tirana International Airport is expected to sustain this performance early in the forecast period and further increases in air arrivals are expected.

Government plans to invest in travel and tourism

Ahead of the elections in 2009, the main candidates for the role of Albanian Prime Minister all appear to recognise the potential benefits of the further development of travel and tourism in the country. With a large Mediterranean coastline with perfect white sand and a beautiful countryside with three sites listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the government authorities are planning to invest more resources into the development of travel and tourism, which is expected to result in a 6% volume CAGR in arrivals during the forecast period.