Tourism, the Future of Economy in Albania

• Author: Arjana Kadiu - Ikbale Tepelena
• Pages: 297-300

ISSN 2410-3918

Acces online at www.iipccl.org

297

IIPCCL Publishing, Tirana-Albania

Academic Journal of Business, Administration, Law and Social Sciences Vol. 2 No. 1

March 2016

Tourism, the Future of Economy in Albania

Arjana Kadiu

Ikbale Tepelena

Abstract

Tourism is one of the main pillars of economy for many countries in the world. It influences

the economy and offers more employment possibilities every year. Mediterranean countries

have a favorable, geographical position and climate to develop tourism. Most of these countries,

have obtained higher incomes from this industry, and as a result, more prosperity and economic

development.

Today, about 30 % of the world’s tourists spend their vacations in the Mediterranean Region.

Albania is one of these countries and it has great possibilities for the future.The nature of

Albania, it’s geographical position and its panorama, the climatic and physical diversity of its

territory, represent some of its rich resources and strengtheness.

Previously, Albania’s economy depended in agriculture and small industries. After the 90-s,

when many citizens left the country, the situation changed and even that source of income

became inconsiderable. Heavy or textile industry, were hardly developed. Tourism was hardly

developed too. Only few investments were made in this sector.

In October 2012, EU Commission recommended Albania to be granted the EU candidate status.

Therefore, Albania’s economy has to be developed according to EU standards. In this paper

we would like to assess, which may be some important and effective inovative management

strategies for Albania’s tourism. What are some of the steps to follow in this direction? The

article aims to make a comparison with Greece and Montenegro, as reference points, in order

to understand these countries’ touristic strategies and try to adapt some of them or think

about new effective ones. It aims to provide a profile that shows; strengths, weaknesses,

opportunities and threats. The study will be based in official statistics and scientific literature.

The study concludes that the economic benefits of tourism are considerable, immediate and

there are many new ways to activate the natural sources of Albania.

Keywords: geographical position, diverse resources, tourism, inovative managemnt strategies,

economic development.

Introduction

Tourism is an industry that is developing very quickly in the 21-st century. According

to the Tourism National Organisation of the United Nations, the number of tourists

all over the world has increased from 438 million in 1990, to more than its double

until 2015 and it is estimated to triple in 2020. This industry represents an important

branch of the economy, and its income may be not only high but also immediate.

Regardless of the economic situation all over the world, Europe has had an increase

in visitors, outside forecasts. Central and East Europe had a 7 % increase in tourists

number, South Europe, including Albania, 6 % increase. This is an important indicator

that defines that tourism is a factor that affects directly Albania’s ecomomy, increases