Albanian tourism facing global challenges - Hila: There is increased interest, but uncertainty about closing reservations
Tensions in the Middle East are also reshaping tourism. Europeans are now looking for other alternatives to vacation, and one of these destinations is Albania. Although most reservations were closed before the escalation of the situation, last-minute independent tourists are again booking their vacations in our country.
"Reservations are primarily from independent tourists, despite the increase we have compared to a year ago. These are tourists who choose small hotel structures, or B&Bs. There is also an increase in demand for long holidays, in All Inclusive hotels, but Albania does not have enough structures to cope with the increase in need. We cannot become a replacement country for Egypt, because we do not have enough similar structures to meet the demand. Even large resorts have not been prepared for the increase in demand. These resorts have been booked earlier by Europeans. We are limited, so the tourists we can absorb are independent ones. The market is dynamic ," says Aneo Hila, Tour Operator.
However, another factor affecting tourism is the fuel crisis. Many airlines are warning of flight cancellations. Hila says the consequences are starting to be felt and individuals are more uncertain as they consider booking their vacations.
"Despite the fact that airlines are protected by fixed prices, contracts fall. This is where the problem begins. We have seen the first effects of it. Increasing costs can have an effect. It is not that demand or desire falls, but routes can be closed.
If fuel costs continue to rise, flights will be reduced, or prices will increase, resulting in a reduction in supply, not demand.
"There is a very high demand, but a reluctance to close holidays. We have seen this throughout April. They are very careful with the money they spend. There will be more last-minute bookings, rather than early ones like in previous years ," says Hila.
Instat data for March shows that tourists choosing Albania continue to be dominated by European markets such as Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom, while strong growth is also coming from the Nordic countries, especially Denmark, Norway and Sweden.
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