Albania is rapidly emerging as a top tourist destination, ranking fourth globally for tourism growth. With 14 million visitors expected next year, the country is balancing infrastructure investment with environmental concerns. The show explores the impact of luxury resorts funded by prominent investors, and a new airport aimed at enhancing access to stunning locations. Discussions also highlight the pressure on local ecosystems and the challenges of maintaining natural beauty amidst a booming tourism economy driven by social media buzz.
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Quick takeaways
Albania's rapid tourism growth, ranking first in Europe, has led to a significant surge in investment for new infrastructures like luxury resorts and airports.
Environmental concerns arise from this tourism boom, as infrastructure development threatens local wildlife and disrupts community needs and natural landscapes.
Deep dives
Albania's Tourism Boom
Albania has experienced significant growth in tourism, currently ranking first in Europe and fourth globally, with expectations of 14 million visitors this year. This surge is attributed to the country's rich, untouched landscapes, which have been highlighted by social media platforms, attracting tourists before potential overdevelopment. The country's capital, Tirana, has seen increased flight routes added by airlines like Wizz Air to cater to this growing demand. This rapid growth has resulted in a 13-fold increase in passenger numbers, highlighting Albania's rising status as a desirable holiday destination.
Investment and Infrastructure Development
Investment in Albania's tourism sector is evident through the construction of new hotels, luxury resorts, and airports, including a new facility in Vlora expected to open for the summer season. The local government promotes these developments to improve the economy, with initiatives like the One Euro Programme designed to attract investors by leasing state-owned land cheaply. However, this influx of investment raises concerns regarding the sustainability of rapid growth and the potential for overdevelopment in pristine areas. Critics argue that while this progress can boost short-term economic growth, it may pose long-term risks to the country's natural beauty and local communities.
Environmental and Community Concerns
The construction of new tourist infrastructures, such as airports, poses significant environmental risks, particularly for local wildlife and biodiversity. Observers note that many vulnerable species, including flamingos, could be threatened by the rapid development taking place in wetland areas traditionally seen as habitats. Moreover, locals express worries that the fast-paced tourism growth may overshadow their needs and disrupt their communities, leading to issues such as parking shortages and increased traffic. Public sentiment reflects a desire for sustainable tourism that balances economic benefits with the preservation of Albania's natural landscapes.
As many countries and cities around the world rally against over tourism, we're in Albania which is investing huge sums in growing its infrastructure to welcome visitors in.
The UN ranks Albania 4th globally for tourism growth and it places top spot in the European list of countries.
Around 14 million visitors are expected in 2024 but with a tourism boom comes huge investment, construction and a changing economy, but at what cost to the environment?
We hear about plans to build a luxury resort - funded by Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner - and travel to a construction site for a new airport serving the coastal resorts.
Produced and presented by Daniel Rosney
(Image: Aerial view of a crowded sand beach with umbrellas and lots of people at sunset in Ksamil, southern Albania. Credit: Getty Images)
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