Tourism in Albania
has been a key element to the economic activity in the country, and is
one of the country's most significant sectors. The bulk of international
tourists going to
Albania are mostly from
Europe as well as from
Asia and the
United States.
[1][2] It is characterized by the rich archaeological heritage from
Illyrian,
Greek,
Roman and
Ottoman times,
unspoiled beaches,
mountainous topography, delicious traditional
Albanian cuisine,
Cold War era artifacts,
unique traditions and hospitality, low prices, and the wild and
peculiar atmosphere of the countryside.
With a total of 3.8 million visitors, Albania is the 25th (out of 47 countries) most visited country in Europe.
[3] Lonely Planet ranked
Albania as the number 1 destination to be visited in 2011.
[4] The
New York Times ranked
Albania fourth among 52 destinations to be visited in 2014.
[5] Although still underdeveloped, Albania is set to prime its debut on the world scene as it celebrates a century of independence.
[6] A
Huffington Post article outlined 10 reasons for visiting Albania in 2013.
[7] Recently, Albania has been officially dubbed as
Go Your Own Way. Previously, it was dubbed as
A New Mediterranean Love.
[8] According to the Polish Tour Operators Association,
Albania is the 10th most visited country by the Poles.
[9]