Tourists stay in Tirana, very few foreign vacationers in the south, empty rooms in Himare and Saranda

Tourists are coming, but the "boom" of foreign vacationers is not including the south of the country. Last month, 1.2 million foreigners entered the country, 200 thousand more than a year ago, but a good part of them stayed only in Tirana.

"This year, foreign tourists are coming mainly for 3-4 days and you don't have time to go to the south because of problems with transportation. Also, the increase in prices in the south has caused many to stay in Tirana or in Durrës and the surrounding cities", said Fjorida Zani, tourist operator.

"Even foreign tourists feel the high prices. The prices of accommodation and gastronomy this year fluctuate from average to high. On average, they have become more expensive by 30 percent over the years ", said Lejla Peqini, tourist operator.

Unlike a year ago when the capacities were almost exhausted, this summer on AirBNB and Booking platforms you can find apartments for daily rent or a room in hotels in almost the entire south of the country.

"Tirana offers more convenience and lower prices in both accommodation and gastronomy. I say that this month the panorama will change ", said Zani.

"So far we have had more tourists with bags on their backs, they are not for the beach, but for curiosity. I say the numbers of tourists are real, as much as the perception that there are not many vacationers in the south", said Peqini.

Data from the Ministry of Tourism and Environment show that by June, 4.5 million foreigners entered the country, compared to a year ago, the numbers have increased by 1.1 million or 32.4 percent./A2CNN