The draft budget for 2026 for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports of Albania aims to strengthen sustainable tourism, protect cultural heritage, and develop creative and sports capacities in the country.

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, has said that the total budget of the MTCS for next year is projected at 7.4 billion lekë (around 76.5 million Euro), which is an increase of 20% compared to 2025.

“This draft budget reflects our strategic priorities for long-term development and increasing cultural, economic and social impact in the country. The largest investment is dedicated to culture, but tourism, sports and youth policies also get significant funds for development and improvement of capacities,” he said.

The distribution of funds for the main sectors foresees 4.95 billion lek (about 51.2 million euros) for culture, which is 67 percent of the Ministry’s budget, or 19.4 percent more funding compared to 2025.

For the tourism sector, the 2026 draft budget provides a fund of 919 million lek (about 9,5 million euros), to guarantee the sustainable development of the sector.

834,6 million lek (about 8,62 million euros) have been allocated for sports, with a 32 percent increase compared to last year, and 285,8 million lek (about €2,96 million) will be financed for youth support.

As for the ministry’s internal expenditures, the draft budget provides for: 21,5 million euros for salaries and insurance and 27,3 million euros for operating expenses. 27,5 million euros for capital investments.