Tourism in Albania has grown rapidly in recent years, especially in cities like Tirana, where thousands of foreign visitors book apartments through global platforms such as Booking.com. While most experiences are positive, occasional incidents highlight the risks faced by Albanian property owners. One such case has recently been reported to JOQ, involving an alleged scam by an Italian tourist who left an apartment in Tirana without paying for his stay.
This incident has sparked concern among Albanian hosts, particularly those who rely on short-term rentals as a primary source of income. The case serves as a warning and an important lesson for property owners across Albania who host international tourists.
Details of the Alleged Booking.com Scam in Albania
According to the apartment owner, a citizen of Tirana and the legal owner of the property, the Italian tourist identified as Vito Calcagnino, originally from Bari, Italy, made a reservation through Booking.com on January 3. The booking was for a six-night stay, from January 15 to January 21, with a total value of 235 euros.
Everything appeared normal until the guest checked in. On January 16, the tourist reportedly contacted the owner requesting a delay in payment. He claimed that he had unexpected expenses related to a hair transplant procedure at a clinic in Albania. Trusting the guest and acting in good faith, the apartment owner agreed to postpone the payment until the following day.
However, the situation escalated on the morning of January 17, when the Italian tourist informed the owner that he did not like the apartment and intended to leave immediately. Demonstrating understanding and professionalism, the owner accepted the request and asked only for 70 euros, covering the two nights the guest had already stayed.
Alleged Deceptive Behavior Caught on Video
What followed is described by the owner as a blatant act of deception. The tourist allegedly claimed that he would leave 8,000 Albanian lekë (approximately the agreed amount) on the table. He even recorded a video suggesting that the payment had been made.
However, according to the denunciation, the guest then took the money back, placed it in his pocket, returned the apartment keys to the lockbox, and left the premises without paying anything. The owner states that the video footage clearly shows the individual acting nervously immediately after the alleged theft.
The incident has since been reported to the police in Tirana under accusations of fraud and theft. The owner has also stated his intention to pursue the full amount owed under Booking.com’s reservation terms.
A Rare Case Among Hundreds of Italian Tourists
Importantly, the apartment owner emphasized that this is not a case of discrimination or generalization. Over the years, he has hosted more than 500 Italian tourists without experiencing similar problems. He describes this incident as an unfortunate exception rather than the norm.
This distinction is crucial, especially in the Albanian context, where Italian tourists are among the most frequent and welcomed visitors. Albania and Italy share close cultural and historical ties, and tourism plays a vital role in strengthening this relationship.
Concerns for Albanian Hosts and the Tourism Industry
This alleged scam highlights several broader issues affecting short-term rental hosts in Albania:
- Payment security on international platforms
- Delayed or offline payments
- Limited protection for hosts in certain scenarios
- Challenges in cross-border legal accountability
While platforms like Booking.com offer convenience and global exposure, incidents like this raise questions about safeguards for property owners, particularly in countries where tourism is still developing its regulatory framework.
For many Albanian families, renting out apartments is not a luxury business but a necessary source of income. A single incident like this can represent a significant financial loss.
Lessons for Apartment Owners in Albania
Although the investigation is ongoing, this case serves as an important reminder for hosts in Tirana and across Albania:
- Insist on platform-based payments whenever possible
- Avoid delaying payments without written confirmation
- Document all interactions with guests
- Install security cameras in common areas where legally permitted
- Report suspicious behavior immediately
By taking preventative measures, hosts can reduce the risk of falling victim to similar situations.
As Albania continues to grow as a tourist destination, trust between hosts and visitors remains essential. Most tourists respect local rules and fulfill their obligations. However, isolated incidents such as this alleged Booking.com scam in Tirana underline the importance of awareness and accountability.
The case has now been formally reported to the police, and further legal steps are expected. Albanian hosts hope that sharing such stories publicly will encourage better protection mechanisms and prevent similar incidents in the future.