Economic Monitor Albania
The tourism boom in Albania is positively impacts macroeconomic developments. GDP growth remained stable at 3.8% in 2025. The IMF growth forecast for 2026 was revised downward from 3.6% to 3.4% due to the Iran conflict. Rising service exports and high FDI inflows led to an appreciation of the Albanian lek.
WA 4 | April 2026
Macroeconomic Analyses and Forecasting
Overview
- Albania experiences a tourism boom since 2021
– Tourist arrivals more than doubled (2021: 5.2 m, 2025: 11.0 m)
– Hotel overnight stays tripled (2021: 3.2 m, 2025: 9.7 m) - The boom positively impacts macroeconomic developments
- Stable and relatively strong GDP growth; 2025 (INSTAT): 3.8%; 2026f (IMF): 3.4%; downward revision due to Iran conflict only 0.2pp
- Services exports increased sharply due to tourism; surplus in services balance contributes to a significant reduction of the current account deficit (2025: 0.7% of GDP)
- Persistently high FDI inflows (2025: 6.0% of GDP); the share of FDI in real estate sector
increased because of the tourism boom - The favorable external position led to an appreciation of the domestic lek; 22% since Jan-21
- Appreciation of the lek contributes to a decline in inflation; Mar-26: 2.6% yoy
Special issues
- FDI attraction. Focus on tourism, IT & BPO, plastics industry, and medical products
- SEPA. SEPA payments available in ALB since Oct-25; expected savings: approx. EUR 71 m p.a.
