# Tourism trends in Albania and North Macedonia > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tourism-trends-in-albania-and-north-macedonia > Updated: 2026-09-08T09:15:21.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. Tourism in Albania and North Macedonia has shown significant activity, though the sector faces varied operational and economic challenges. In Albania, cultural tourism has experienced substantial growth, with over 1.06 million visitors recorded at sites such as Gjirokastër Castle and Butrint National Park between January and August 2026. This represents a 65% increase compared to 2023. However, the region also faces safety and infrastructure concerns, exemplified by a search and rescue operation by the Albanian Air Force to evacuate a fractured tourist from a ravine in Shkodër. In North Macedonia, visitor numbers remain high, with more than 518,000 tourists recorded in the first half of the year. Despite this volume, the industry faces difficulties. Infrastructure in popular areas like Matka Canyon is reportedly in disrepair, with residents citing deep potholes and inadequate parking. Additionally, merchants in the Skopje Old Bazaar have reported decreased profit margins due to global economic pressures and reduced spending from key demographics. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-08: Balkan tourism sees high visitor numbers despite economic challenges Tourism in Albania and North Macedonia shows high visitor numbers for cultural sites, though North Macedonian merchants report lower sales due to economic pressures. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/balkan-tourism-sees-high-visitor-numbers-despite-economic-challenges ### 2026-09-01: Tourist rescued in Albania as infrastructure concerns rise in North Macedonia A tourist was rescued by an Albanian Black Hawk helicopter after falling into a ravine in Shkodër, while in North Macedonia, poor road infrastructure is impacting tourism at Matka Canyon. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tourist-rescued-in-albania-as-infrastructure-concerns-rise-in-north-macedonia --- Cite as: Tourism trends in Albania and North Macedonia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tourism-trends-in-albania-and-north-macedonia