The rental of apartments, villas or rooms for short periods is expected to be subject to new rules. The draft law on tourism provides that every unit offered through platforms such as Airbnb, Booking or directly must be registered on e-Albania.
Before starting the activity, the owner will be required to obtain a unique registration code, which must also be displayed in advertisements or offers published online. The aim is to identify units operating in the short-term accommodation market.
Changes are also foreseen for travel agencies. In the event of bankruptcy, payments for unrealized services to tourists are expected to be covered by a special fund. Operators will also be obliged to take out third-party liability insurance.
The draft law also sets new rules for beach stations, which must guarantee free and uninterrupted access for citizens to the sea, without fences or barriers.
Fines of up to 400,000 lekë are foreseen for violations. The absence of a lifeguard may be punished with 200,000 lekë, while in case of repetition the fine rises to 400,000 lekë.
The draft law is still in the public consultation phase and is not yet a final law in force.