How will tourism workers be supported throughout the year? - Topuzi: Subsidy of up to 4 salaries, aimed at the return of emigrants
Extending the tourist season beyond the summer months remains one of the main challenges for the tourism sector. Beyond the need to increase activity during the other months of the year, the sector is also looking for a solution to retain employees during the off-season.
The head of the Hotel and Tourism Association, Zak Topuzi, says that discussions with the government on subsidizing the salaries of seasonal workers have advanced. According to him, the scheme provides financial support for a period of up to four months, with a minimum-average salary level.
"We are at an advanced stage with the government, thanks to the efforts of the association and the professional commitment and our experts, to subsidize the salary of seasonal tourism workers for up to four months with a minimum-average salary, which is what almost the entire region does. It is foreseen in the 2026-2030 tourism strategy. We are engaged with both ministries, both of Finance and Tourism, to finalize it this year. And if we achieve this, tourism will be one of the industries that will no longer need foreign workers, Albanian workers will return, a good part of them working in tourism in Greece, and we will have sustainable tourism."
The scheme aims to avoid employee layoffs after the end of the season and create more stability in the labor market.
According to sector representatives, wage support could encourage the return of some Albanians working abroad, while simultaneously reducing the need for tourism businesses to recruit foreign employees.
The subsidy of seasonal workers' salaries is foreseen in the Tourism Strategy 2026–2030, while the sector aims for the mechanism to be finalized and implemented as early as this year.
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