Albania welcomed 12.47 million foreign visitors in 2025, more than double the 5.69 million recorded in 2021. Against this backdrop, Protecting Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism in Albania, published by CRCA/ECPAT Albaniaon 22 August 2026, looks at developments between 2022 and 2026 and considers how the tourism sector can contribute to safer environments for children.
The report notes that tourism does not itself cause sexual violence or exploitation. However, factors such as seasonal employment, informality, short-term accommodation, anonymity, and digital platforms can create additional opportunities for exploitation and make cases harder to identify.
“Child protection cannot be a seasonal promise or a voluntary act. It must be a non-negotiable condition of safe, responsible and sustainable tourism in Albania. Tourism cannot develop through the sexual exploitation of children,” said Altin Hazizaj, Director of CRCA Albania.
The report presents several figures illustrating the wider context:
According to the report, Albania has legislation addressing sexual offences against children and a broader child protection framework. However, tourism legislation could provide more specific guidance and responsibilities for businesses on prevention, identification and reporting.
CRCA/ECPAT Albania recommends that tourism businesses take practical steps to strengthen safeguards across the sector. These include:
CRCA/ECPAT Albania calls on the Council of Ministers, Parliament, the Ministry of Tourism and other responsible ministries, municipalities, the State Police, the justice system and the travel and tourism industry to translate these recommendations into measurable, funded and time-bound measures ahead of the next tourism season.
