Tourism impacts and trends; Albania in focus

The tourism industry is certainly one of the fastest developing industries in the world and it is ranked among the biggest, in terms of contribution to the economy. It offers huge employment opportunities in all its related sectors, such as construction, tele- communication, transport or others and has a great social and cultural impact. Especially over the last decades, tourism grew continuously and aimlessly. The growing number of new destinations had its significant impact in the socio- economic progress all over the world. For many world countries including Albania, which are in a developing phase, tourism represents one of the most important sources of income. But not only; compared to the oil exports, automobiles industry or food industry, the volume of tourism is equal and sometimes, in certain areas, it surpasses these important industries. Therefore, tourism is currently ranked among the leading industries, which have a crucial influence in the international commerce. The more tourism grows, the tougher the competition becomes. Hence, countries should work hard to improve their touristic offer. Obviously, the bett er the quality, the higher the revenue and the contribution to the conomy. According to studies from the UNWTO (the organization that supports countries to fi nd a sustainable position in the current national and international markets), particularly developing countries are in the position to benefit from sustainable tourism. But what is Albania’s position in the world map of Travel and Tourism? How big is the impact of tourism industry in the economy and employment of this developing country? What are the current trends and issues? Is it given priority to the development of this industry? Although its potential is great, its resources are very diverse and rare and now this country is recuperating all those missing years, issues related to globalization, must be considered very carefully. If resources are not properly and carefully preserved, the country may quickly lose its originality and natural beauty