Tourism in Albania

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Tourism in Albania is still in its infancy. The former communist regime did not allow tourism to become established for a long time. Groups of Western tourists were first permitted to visit starting in the 1980s. It is a country of great natural beauty which includes sandy white Mediterranean beaches, rocky mountains, fertile plains, big and small lakes, natural monuments, and remote, pristine areas.

Albania has an old history dating to the Illyrian and Greek civilization and there are many old ruins and other treasures reflecting the old civilizations. Due to its history, Albania is home to many different styles of architectural, religious and cultural influence.

Some of the most visited cities include:

• Butrint - a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Durrës - the old port city of Dyrrhachium
• Krujë - the balcony over the Adriatic sea
• Tiranë - the capital

Some of the problems keeping foreign tourism from flourishing in this beautiful country stem from the political instability. Pollution from illegal construction is ruining some of the most popular areas. Its proximity to Kosovo in the northeast means that unexploded ordinance may be hazard for unguided tours about the countryside. At present the security situation in Albania is thought to be improving [1].

Furthermore, poor infrastructure greatly limits tourism. Electrical brownouts are still fairly frequent. Albania only has one true highway (connecting the capital city of Tiranë to Durrës) and most of the other roads, while improving, are in very poor condition. Independent bus and minibus (furgon) operators provide inexpensive transport between most large communities, but schedules and prices are not fixed. Train service is also limited and sporadic.

Despite the above problems, Albania is making progress. Foreign tourists are not unknown. International hotel chains are established in Tirana and organised day trips are available from Corfu to Saranda and nearby Butrint. Club Mediteranee has proposed a development between Vlores and Saranda but this lacks local support as it takes little care of villagers' rights.

South of Durres, there is a long, uncoordinated beach development popular with Albanians. There are other, off-the-track beach areas, locally popular, with acceptable food and toilet facilities.

Tourist guidebooks rapidly become out of date in a changing situation.

[edit] See also

• Geography of Albania
• List of cities in Albania

[edit] External links

• Ministry of Territorial Planning and Tourism (official site)
• Albania at Lonely Planet