While many people in Germany are cutting back on everyday expenses in the face of inflation and economic uncertainty, vacations remain an exception: according to a recent analysis by the German Research Association for Holidays and Travel (FUR), around 61 percent of Germans plan to take at least one major trip in 2025. Spending on vacations has risen again compared to the previous year – despite higher prices for flights, hotels and meals. This was reported by the Tagesschau on Sunday.

Tourists discover new destination

But not only classic travel destinations such as Spain or Italy are benefiting from this – an entirely different country is increasingly becoming the focus of German holidaymakers: Albania.

As reported by the Frankfurter Rundschau, the small Balkan country is now one of the fastest growing holiday destinations in Europe. Especially along the Albanian Riviera – in places like Dhërmi, Ksamil or Himara – the number of bookings is increasing rapidly. This is due in no small part to affordable prices, unspoilt nature and authentic hospitality, which many travelers miss in established holiday destinations.

“A real Balkan boom”

The Swiss news portal Blick.ch is also reporting a real “Balkan boom” in tourism. In addition to Albania, Bosnia and Montenegro are also attracting more and more international guests – many of whom are looking for new experiences away from the overcrowded Mediterranean coasts.

Tourism experts expect this trend to intensify in the years to come. Albania is investing heavily in the expansion of its tourism infrastructure, for example with the new Vlora International Airport, which is scheduled to open in 2025. In addition, the government and private providers are specifically promoting sustainable forms of travel that are particularly appealing to young holidaymakers.