LEGAL ALERT

Amendments to Albania's Tourism Law

WHAT CHANGED

Law No. 83/2026 requires a preliminary categorisation certificate before a construction permit is approved for an accommodation structure and revises operating classification duties. Accommodation operators must electronically register specified guest data, while accommodation and food-and-beverage operators must follow municipal waste-collection rules.

The Council of Ministers may impose seasonal construction suspensions in tourist zones; permit periods must account for the suspension. Beach-station operators must keep public access to the shoreline unobstructed. Breaches carry fines of ALL 2,000,000 for the construction criteria and ALL 200,000 for blocking beach access.

WHO IS AFFECTED

Hotel, accommodation and agritourism operators, tour operators and travel agencies, and investors in tourism development. Also relevant to owners of coastal and rural property considering accommodation use, and to anyone whose tax position depends on a tourism certification.

WHAT TO DO

• If a client's reduced tax rate depends on agritourism certification, confirm the certification criteria are unchanged.
• Review classification and certification obligations for existing accommodation businesses.
• Assess whether any new obligation or incentive affects a development currently in planning.
• Note the parallel amendment to the tourist ports legislation published in May 2026, which may be relevant to coastal developments.