Rebranding Albania: Europe’s hot new destination?

Rebranding Albania: Europe’s hot new destination?

Albania
  • Albanian government launch ‘Branding Albania’ competition to promote country as a top tourist destination
  • StrawberryFrog announced as winning agency with their ‘Go Your Own Way’ campaign
  • Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa destination of choice, working hard to dispel myths surrounding Albania and host top journalists

For many decades, Albania was not considered a tourist destination. Although situated just 45 miles from the eternally-popular coast of Italy, this South-Eastern European country was considered a world away. With a recent history peppered with the restrictions that come from living under communist rule, travel to Albania has been limited in recent years and its shores have remained largely undiscovered by the wider world.

General opinion of the country wasn’t high: it was a world of unknown, looked upon somewhat negatively and not considered a to-visit destination. Yet it is clear that this tide is now turning.

In April this year, the Albanian government launched ‘Branding Albania’, a national competition that would see organisations competing to come up with a winning logo, slogan and, importantly, a strategy for the future, to promote the country to a wider audience and place it firmly and confidently on a worldwide stage,

“This is a project that will change the image of our country in a radical way, in a way that will reflect the energy and vitality of our people, the great potential our country has to develop, Albanians’ hospitality, our rich culture and extraordinary historical heritage, our amazing places and landscapes… Our intent is to launch a new image of Albania and its touristic potential: Albania as a gateway for foreign investments in the Balkans, Albania as a factor of stability, security and peace in the region, Albania as a European country.”

This positive move by the country’s leadership for “Next Generation Albania” showed recognition of the untapped potential and the importance of tourism to Albania’s future, a bold move that received a great response. Eventual winners of the competition were StrawberryFrog, becoming Albania’s newly appointed global creative agency, tasked with the job of building the brand.

Scott Goodson, Founder of StrawberryFrog, expresses their delight at being chosen,

“We are excited to be working with the government and people of Albania to help build its brand and in the process propel it to the forefront destination among the world’s travellers and those seeking the world’s most extraordinary, most pristine, most authentic European destinations. There is nothing else like Albania. As one of the world’s most respected agencies, we are in the process of finalizing a disruptive strategy and brilliant creative work that will help Albania be recognized for all the wonderful and inspiring experiences.”

As StrawberryFrog have expressed, there is a large amount of untapped potential within Albania’s previously-veiled treasures, and from a rich history to unspoilt beaches to expansive mountains, Albania’s untamed beauty is beginning to turn heads.

Peter WalsheMarketing Director for Albania’s first high-end resort Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, agrees,

“Albania truly deserves the title of ‘the hidden gem of the Adriatic’, with so much to offer visitors and investors alike. However the rebranding of the country by StrawberryFrog marks an exciting time in developing the country’s currently greatly untapped potential and the agency’s winning slogan of ‘Go Your Own Way’ encapsulates the concept of the many and varied reasons people will fall in love with Albania if they visit. As part of the movement to overthrow common misconceptions about modern day Albania, through developing the country’s first high-end resort, I am proud to say that the future is certainly bright for this beautiful country.”

Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa has actively worked over recent years to dispel the myths surrounding Albania and open the eyes of the wider world to the country’s bounteous charms. Hosting national and international journalists, inviting them to see ‘behind the iron curtain’ and featuring in a wide variety of media, the development has made considerable progress.

Helped by the recent announcement that Albania has been granted EU candidacy, following their original request to join the European Union in 2009, interest is today being piqued in holiday homes and investment properties in the country, with the 5 star Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa being top of the wishlist.

Situated just 30 minutes from Tirana’s airport on a beautiful sandy beach, Lalzit Bay offers a range of 1 or 2 bedroom apartments and 3 or 4 bedroom villas with private pools, inspired by California’s elegant and modern beachfront houses. Properties are built at low density and to the highest of standards, and all have access to first-class facilities, including a beach club, range of top restaurants and bars, tennis courts and boutique shops.

Prices range from €35,000 to €360,000. For more information contact Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa on +44 845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.

New Slovenian flights to boost Albania’s accessibility as tourism thrives

New Slovenian flights to boost Albania’s accessibility as tourism thrives

Albania
  • Adria Airways to launch routes connecting Tirana, Albania with Paris and Brussels
  • Slovenian-Albanian relations strengthen with meeting between country ministers
  • Albanian Visitor Exports up 6.4% in 2014, heralding tourism growth (World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) ‘Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2014’ report)

Increasing numbers of visitors are likely to be setting their sights on the hidden gem of Albania from next year following the announcement that accessibility will be further improved from key European destinations.

Slovenian national carrier, Adria Airways, recently announced plans to expand its flight plan with the addition of new routes from 2015 that will connect the capital of Tirana with the popular, and populous, north European capital cities of Paris and Brussels.

The announcement comes as part of the company’s wider strategy to continue the expansion of routes to and from the Albanian destination that is increasingly becoming top of many to-visit lists. This spring already saw Adria Airways launching direct flights linking Tirana with Frankfurt, making the very most of its relatively recent launch of a base in the Albanian capital.

And this is not the only way in which Slovenia-Albania relations are looking to strengthen in the near future. Just this month Albanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ditmir Bushati, met with Karl Erjavec, his Slovenian equivalent, to discuss ways to develop economic cooperation between the two European countries. As part of the visit Erjavec was heard to express that the relationship between the two countries was flourishing, also backing Albania’s EU accession plans.

Peter WalsheMarketing Director for Albania’s first high-end resort Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, reiterates this view,

“Albania has worked really hard as a nation to meet the conditions for accession into the EU and it is hoped to be firmly on the cards for this wonderful Balkan nation, especially following the news of EU candidacy having been confirmed. Becoming part of the EU will not only help with the country’s economy as a whole, it is sure to also draw more and more people to Albania’s sun-drenched shores to discover the wealth of natural treasures the country has to offer: from unspoilt beaches with golden sands and azure waters, to breathtaking mountain ranges and a fascinating history just waiting to be discovered, there is something for every visitor.”

It certainly seems that increasing numbers are visiting the picturesque country that sits just 45 miles across the waters from Italian shores. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) ‘Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2014’ report for Albania showed that spending within the country by international tourists (known as Visitor Exports) is forecast to grow by 6.3% in 2014, showing that tourism is becoming an increasingly important sector within the country.

This positivity is not set to be a flash in the pan either with the report also predicting growth in Visitor Exports of 5.6% annually until 2024, heralding a prosperous future for Albania, one which many are beginning to realise they too can take their part in. Investing in property in the country is a key way that is allowing people to make the most of the climate of growth, whilst also taking advantage of the beauty of Albania for themselves.

The luxurious Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa is a 5-star resort just 30 minutes from Tirana’s airport, capitalising on the growing connecting routes, and offering the spectacular combination of a stunning location and first-class facilities. Situated on a beautiful sanded beach, properties are built at low density and to the highest of standards, with access to a beach club, range of top restaurants and bars, tennis courts and boutique shops.

Ranging from 1 or 2 bedroom apartments to 3 or 4 bedroom villas with private pools, properties are inspired by California’s elegant and modern beachfront houses. Prices range from £35,000 to £290,000. For more information contact Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa on + 44 845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.

Albania granted EU candidacy spelling good news for country’s tourism and property markets

Albania granted EU candidacy spelling good news for country’s tourism and property markets

Albania

Today it was announced by the European Union that Albania has been granted EU candidacy, an extremely positive sign for the future of this south-eastern European country.

Announced on Twitter by EU Enlargement Commissioner, Stefan Fuele, following a meeting in Luxembourg, the newly appointed status sets Albania on the road to full EU membership in the coming years. The announcement also recognises the hard work put in by the Albanian government, newly elected in September, to reach this point, as recognised by Fuele,

“Albania congratulations on candidate status just agreed by Ministers: acknowledgement of reform efforts, encouragement for more.”

Such efforts continue to establish the country as a major player in the region, in line with its Balkan brothers of Croatia and Bulgaria who have already been granted EU membership, and along with Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia who have also been granted candidacy.

Providing a sense of reassurance that Albania will continue to surge forward in terms of its economy, political stability and fight against crime and corruption, today’s announcement is good news for residents and tourists alike.

Peter WalsheMarketing Director for Albania’s first high-end resort Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa explains,

“What fantastic news that Albania has today been officially recognised as a candidate for the EU! It does, however, come as no surprise to me as there have been prodigious efforts made in recent times to achieve this longed-for goal, with the country making great leaps forward.

“This announcement will certainly pave the way for a bright future for beautiful Albania, bringing much-deserved recognition within the wider European community and encouraging more people to discover all that this hidden gem has to offer.”

2014 was already predicted to see an increase of 5.5% in the direct contribution of travel and tourism to Albania’s GDP (according to the World Travel & Tourism Council’s ‘Travel & Tourism Economic Impact’ report for the country) and the news of candidacy to the European Union can only add to this growth further still. This, in turn, heralds an optimistic future for the Balkan country, of prosperity and popularity, as a to-visit destination.

The reassurance that today’s announcement gives will also inspire erudite buyers to see that now is the time to invest in Albania’s property market. The luxurious Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa offers a stand-out Albanian property option, with 5-star facilities and homes built by award-winning architects, whilst also keeping in line with Albania’s affordability.

A range of 1 or 2 bedroom apartments and 3 or 4 bedroom villas with private pools are available, with properties inspired by California’s elegant and modern beachfront houses. Prices range from £35,000 to £290,000. For more information contact Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa on + 44 845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.

Booming Balkans: Savills report shows signs of improvement as Albanian villas register at one third of the price of Croatian equivalent

Booming Balkans: Savills report shows signs of improvement as Albanian villas register at one third of the price of Croatian equivalent

Albania
  • The Balkans tipped to be a hot market for property investment in 2014 (Savills Prime Residential Retreats report)
  • Typical 4 bedroom property in Croatia is €750,000 (Savills)
  • Whilst 4 bedroom luxury Villa Sophia in neighbour Albania is available for third of the price, €232,600

In recent years the Balkans, an expansive region of South-eastern Europe, has become a firm favourite for those looking for a wise investment opportunity, with property affordable, climate favourable and scenery breathtakingly beautiful.

Yet it is no secret that the crisis in the Eurozone hit the Balkans hard, with Croatia one country affected by the decline of the Euro. However with the dawn of 2014, the market has begun to show important signs of improvement. The Prime Residential Retreats report by Savills has shown that property prices in the country have shown stability in the previous year, with a 1% rise in the value of coastal apartments being recorded in January 2014 when compared to figures of 2013.

This growth registers positive reverberations in the region’s property markets, marking signs that the Balkans will be hot news in 2014. This positive outlook does not only cover the ‘traditional’ investment options of Croatia and Montenegro, for example, interested eyes are now beginning to look towards Balkan neighbour Albania too and resorts such as Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa.

Albania is an alternative option for those looking to invest in the Balkans and capitalise not only on the ongoing up-turn in the property market in the region but also to take advantage of the untamed beauty and stunning scenery of the surroundings for themselves.

With all the benefits that other Balkan countries such as Croatia have become synonymous with – historic charm, excellent year-round climate, easy access via short, regular, direct flights, and a low cost of living – yet at a fraction of the price, taking a step across the Albanian border when looking for a property can pay real dividends.

With the Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama, recently expressing his optimism in the country’s economy following on from positive statistics from The Bank of Albania, saying “it lays the basis for real change we expect in the future”, prospects looks bright for Albania’s property market.

Peter WalsheMarketing Director for Albania´s first high-end resort Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa explains more,

“Albania is a truly enchanting country with much to offer tourists and investors alike: deserted beaches and wild mountains, vibrant cities, over 200 days of sunshine a year, and a low cost of living just a few of the country’s attributes.

“Somewhat untapped currently, yet growing in popularity for those looking to make a savvy investment, Albania’s property industry is certainly on the up. And with this wealth of appealing features, combined with EU accession on the cards for 2015, it is no surprise that Albania is looking increasingly attractive to potential investors. In fact 25% of all buyers in Lalzit Bay Resort are from the UK compared to just 15% a year ago, proving that Albania is becoming more and more attractive to UK investors.”

With property notably more affordable than nearby Croatia, where a typical 4-bed property is €750,000 (according to Savills World Research), unearthing a property gem is easy in Albania.

The 4-bed, 2-bathroom Villa Sophia at Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa is priced at just €232,600 and offers spacious indoor and outdoor living, inspired by California’s elegant and modern beachfront houses. With a sea view, private garden and parking, as well as the option of a private swimming pool, this family villa has much to offer.

As part of the 5 star Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa, where properties are designed by award-winning architects, the resort boasts ranging grounds where properties are built at low density. There are also a wide array of facilities available such as a beach club, tennis courts, boutique shops and a range of carefully selected restaurants and bars.

For more information contact Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa on + 44 845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.

The sky’s the limit for Albania as British Airways announce extra flights to the capital, Tirana

The sky’s the limit for Albania as British Airways announce extra flights to the capital, Tirana

Albania
  • New British Airways summer schedule extends flights five times a week from Gatwick to Tirana
  • Growing tourism figures push talks for another new Albanian airport (Albanian Minister of Transport and Infrastructure)
  • Interest from international property investors and second home buyers steadily increasing (Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa)

Albania’s tourism market is set to fly high this year with the UK’s national flag carrier British Airways increasing the frequency of flights between London and the capital, Tirana.

The introduction of direct flights from Gatwick five times a week (up from the current thrice weekly flights) is thought to be due to an increase in passengers wanting to explore the increasingly popular Balkan country both for short-break holidays and as a second home location.

Peter Walshe, Marketing Director for Albania’s leading Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa comments,

“The future is looking bright for Albania. With an increasing number of tourists visiting each year combined with the new BA flights, the country looks set to explode as a tourist destination. One of Albania’s biggest attractions – aside from its cultural and historical charms, balmy Mediterranean climate and stunning beaches – is definitely its rock-bottom cost of living.

“Added to that is an ever-improving infrastructure. Indeed, Albanian Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Edmond Haxhinasto suggested recently that growing tourism figures are one of the key factors behind plans for a new airport. Tirana International Airport is currently Albania´s only international airport so it is important to construct another airport in the south of Albania in order to further realise tourism potential across the whole country.

“As an EU potential candidate country, Albania shows positive signs of following other Southern European countries such as Croatia and Montenegro in terms of their infrastructure and tourism development. And like their Balkan neighbours, interest from international second home buyers is also steadily increasing as people realise the superb buying opportunity in this hidden gem of a country.”

Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, a beautiful 5* beachfront development just 30 minutes from Tirana’s airport, is fast becoming one of the most anticipiated resort destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as an attractive investment choice for British and European buyers.

From as little as €35,000 for a studio, Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa provides holidaymakers with superb on-site facilities including a beach club, tennis courts and a wide choice of delicious international cuisines available in the resort’s numerous restaurants.

For more information contact Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa on 0845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com 

Albania is first port of call for travel through 2014 and beyond

Albania is first port of call for travel through 2014 and beyond

Albania
  • Thomson Cruises adds Durres port to its 2015 cruise destinations
  • Albania home to top travel attraction (Outside Magazine Travel Awards 2014)
  • 200 million euros to be spent in Albania throughout 2014 (Macedonia tour operators)

Thomson Cruises has announced it will be expanding its destinations for 2015 with 28 exciting new destinations, including the port of Durres in Albania. The leading cruise liner has announced that it will be offering a wider choice of destinations in some of the most up and coming European locations, as well as providing guests with the flexibility to cruise and stay away as part of their holiday, with more hotels introduced to the company’s collection.

But it’s not just cruise passengers who will want to investigate the wonders of the Balkans. Following double digit growth in traveller numbers last year and thanks to the Outside Magazine Travel Awards voting the mountainous, breath-taking Via Dinarica as the best new trail in 2014 for avid trekkers, an increasing number of holiday makers will be setting their sights on Albania this year.

The stunning, 600 mile stretch through the Dinaric Alps known as the White Trail, which stitches together old routes from Slovenia to Albania, boasts  8,000-foot stegosaurus spines, fairy-tale meadows and stone guesthouses. It is typical of the incredible and largely untapped natural beauty available in Albania.

Peter Walshe,Marketing Director for  Lalzit Bay Resort &Spa comments,

“Tourism is playing an ever more prominent role in the Albanian economy. Accounting for around 11% of the nation´s GDP in 2012, tourism brought in €1.2 billion in profit in 2011. With tourist numbers rising to more than 4 million last year, it is important that Albania establishes a long-term plan to capitalise on its growing popularity.

“Indeed the recently signed cooperation agreement between the Albanian and Macedonian national tourism agencies is a really positive step and just the kind of collaborative strategy that Albania needs to implement in order to boost visitor numbers in the future.”

Travellers from neighbouring Macedonia already frequently visit Albanian coastal areas such as Lalzit Bay for their summer holidays as around 30% of Macedonia’s population is ethnic Albanian with Macedonian tour operators predicting that their visitors will spend some €200 million while holidaying in Albania during 2014.

Part of the key to Albania’s charm for both Macedonians and many other nations alike is the relatively low cost of holidaying there. The country’s paradise-like beaches, many of which are still undiscovered by mass tourism, also play a key role in attracting those ‘in the know’ for their holidays.

Edi Rama, the Albanian Prime Minister, has singled out tourism as a sector in which investments are almost certainly guaranteed to be successful. He has also emphasised importance on fuelling growth in the energy sector, agriculture and Albania’s infrastructure. A 10 year plan, currently under development, will seek to knit together these various strands in order to produce a sustainable, long-term strategy for tourism in Albania. Mountain and beach tourism are expected to feature strongly in the plan.

The tourism accommodation sector is one in particular which has already seen increasing levels of foreign direct investment. High quality, luxury projects such as the 5* Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa have been welcomed by the government as they are meeting the demand from both domestic and international holidaymakers and second property owners alike.

Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa can provide the perfect investment opportunity for as little as €35,000, offering high-specification beachfront villas and apartments surrounded by superb on-site facilities. These include a beach club, tennis courts and a wide choice of gourmet restaurants offering international cuisines.

Lalzit Bay, currently under construction, is set to become one of the most desirable resort destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as an attractive and attainable lifestyle and investment choice for those wanting a superior second home in the sun or a buy-to-let property abroad.

For more information contact Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa on + 44 845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com .

Golden sands and blue flags are key to Albania’s tourism development – Lalzit Bay Resort is leading the way

Albania

According to the latest research report by ABTA, the UK’s leading travel association, beach holidays will remain the top choice with 44% of people considering packing their bags for this type of holiday in 2014.

From the early days of Mediterranean package tours back in the 1960’s, beach holidays have stood the test of time and remain popular with all age groups. This is particularly true for younger holidaymakers with half of 16-24 year olds (53%) taking a beach holiday in the 12 months to August 2013 and 44% of 25-34 year olds, ABTA findings reveal.

For any hotel or resort looking to attract this group of holidaymakers, the quality of the beach itself is paramount which is why the British developers behind, Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, are currently developing the 5* frontline resort on Albania’s Adriatic coast.

Wind back the clock some 25 years and behind the Iron Curtain you would find organised groups cleaning and maintaining the 370km Albanian coastline stretching from Greece in the south to Montenegro in the north. Unfortunately after the collapse of communism the weekly neighbourhood clean-ups lessened in frequency due to their association with the regime.

The tide has now turned however with Albania’s Council of Ministers approving a proposal to create a National Coastal Agency. This new 30-strong agency will set out to ensure that the development of Albania’s coastal zone will proceed in a sustainable manner.

Prime Minister Edi Rama and his fellow Albanians are acutely aware that tourism holds the key to development in coastal regions, and recognise that pristine beaches are key assets in bringing visitors to this emerging European destination.

With the support of the World Bank, the Albanian government has also embarked upon a new Integrated Coastal Zone Management and country-wide Clean-up Project. They are also planning to apply for international Blue Flag status which is awarded to beaches that adhere to strict water quality criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

These positive developments are very much echoed by Peter Walshe, Sales & Marketing Director Lalzit Bay Resort, who comments,

“Albania’s coastline is one of its greatest assets and its responsible management will be a major benefit to the local communities and foreign visitors.

“The Adriatic coast has an abundance of shingle and rocky beaches, yet this stretch of Albania’s coast is one of the few with a beautiful 200m wide, 14km long sandy beach. Its popularity is growing quickly and Lalzit Bay has become an extremely popular destination with visitors from all around the region and is in a prime location at just 35km from the capital. Every summer we see more and more foreign visitors from all over Europe visiting Albanian and Lalzit Bay, bringing their families and children and enjoying this stunning location.

“Accessibility is excellent with Tirana International is a 2.5 hour flight from London Gatwick with British Airways and a 30 minute drive from the airport into the resort on brand new roads. Our properties are finished to high standards and priced at a huge discount to Montenegro, Croatia and Greece. None of these destinations for sale can beat beach front prices from €1,000 per m2 and entry level studios from €35,000 m2.”

For more information on the unique online store opportunity to own a 5* home with a frontline beach location, contact Lalzit Bay today on +44 845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.

Fall in love with the sleeping beauty of romantic destinations – Albania

Fall in love with the sleeping beauty of romantic destinations – Albania

Albania

Albania is the sleeping beauty of romantic destinations. An undiscovered jewel and melting pot of rich culture and exotic influence; renowned for its natural beauty, this once well-kept secret of the Balkans is fast becoming one of the world’s most interesting romantic getaways.

This diverse Adriatic land consists of white sandy beaches, magical forests, freshwater lakes and an attractive mix of ancient culture and arts. Perfect for exploring with someone special, Albania even captured the heart of famous romantic poet Lord Byron whilst on his travels through Eastern Europe in 1809.

Furthermore, Yahoo recommended Durres a ‘must-go’ destination for romance. With ancient ruins and colonial style streets boasting bazaars and street markets, not to mention stunning Adriatic sea views, this coastal city is perfect for strolling hand in hand with a loved one.

Just 30 minutes south from Durres lies the luxurious Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa, a magnificent new collection of apartments and villas currently under construction. Boasting a rare frontline location with direct access to the wide, unspoiled sandy beach and crystal clear turquoise sea views, you’ll soon be falling for the magical charms of Lalzit Bay.

Taking resort development one stage further in Albania, this 5* resort offers luxury accommodation from as little as €35,000 for a studio, as well as deluxe apartments and fantastically romantic villas complete with beautiful marble interiors and swimming pools/Jacuzzis.

Villa purchasers at Lalzit Bay can choose from a number of differing styles and internal layouts with each property named after a stunning Hollywood leading lady such as Marilyn, Audrey, Brigitte, Sophia and Coco… names which exude elegance and beauty, mirroring the properties well-appointed design.

According to overseas property marketing expert, Peter Walshe, Marketing Director for Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa, “Today’s property buyers are looking for something more for their money – stunning second homes in locations that pull on their heartstrings!

“At first it might seem a surprising destination for a romantic holiday but being surrounded by unspoiled scenery you could only dream of, the undiscovered jewel of the Balkans, Albania provides the perfect setting for a second home where you can really disappear from the crowds and relax.”

So what are you waiting for? Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa provides the perfect opportunity to own your own slice of Balkan romance.

For more information contact Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa on +44 845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com

Tourism sector developments a top priority for Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama in 2014

Tourism sector developments a top priority for Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama in 2014

Albania

With its developing market economy, Albania offers many opportunities for investors.  The location alone offers notable potential, especially with EU markets, with the Balkan nation sharing a border with Greece and being located just 45 miles across the Adriatic Sea from Italy.

Albania has also entered into free trade agreements with all other Balkan countries with economic growth supported by improvements in infrastructure, technological innovations and developments in tourism thus boosting investor confidence further.

Indeed the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, recently met with representatives of business and industry to discuss making developments in the tourism sector a priority in order to drive investment and protect Albania’s natural beauty.
Peter WalsheHead of Marketing at Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa, the new 5* luxury resort located on Albania’s Adriatic coastline, comments,

“Albania is undoubtedly still in its infancy when it comes to mass international tourism but that’s what makes it such an exciting time to be involved in the country. We are confident that Albania will be firmly established on the global tourism map in the near future, with those who invested early in this jewel of the Balkans reaping the greatest rewards.”

Indeed, the charms of Albania are not going unnoticed: The New York Times has recently ranked Albania as a top destination to visit in 2014; Rough Guides also lists Albania as one of its top value destinations.

From private commercial enterprises such as Lalzit Bay to government led initiatives, there’s no stopping the interest in Albanian tourism from all camps. The Stabilisation and Association Council (SA Council) between Albania and the European Union for example have devised a new deal committed to short term visa free travel which will no doubt assist with EU accession efforts as well as attract further foreign direct investment.

The tourism accommodation sector is one in particular which has seen increasing levels of FDI. High quality, luxury projects such as Lalzit Bay have been welcomed by the government as they are meeting the demand from both domestic and international holiday makers and second property owners alike as well as creating jobs and wealth for the local communities.

Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa can provide the perfect investment opportunity for as little as €35,000, offering high-specification villas and apartments surrounded by superb on-site facilities including a beach club, tennis courts and a wide choice of international cuisines on offer in the restaurants.

Lalzit Bay will soon become one of the most desirable resort destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean as well as an attractive and attainable lifestyle and investment choice for those wanting a superior second home in the sun or indeed a buy-to-let property abroad.

For more information contact Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa on + 44 845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com

Albania’s tourism market predicted to fly high into 2014 with new flights announced

Albania’s tourism market predicted to fly high into 2014 with new flights announced

Albania
Albania’s tourism market is set to continue to fly high in 2014 as Tirana International Airport has recently announced that four different airline carriers will between them launch an average of 140 direct flights per week to various international destinations across Italy.
Following the suspension of Belle Air flights, a number of European carriers have expressed interest in the lucrative Albanian to Italy  market. Indeed, thehis new introduction of daily direct flights from Italy is thought down to to be due to an increase in passengers wanting to explore this jewel of the Balkans.
This promising excellent news comes just days after the Albanian government announced significant steps in transportation infrastructure projects to improve travel and develop local economies, enhancing Albania’s holiday destination image for overseas visitors and boosting potential investor confidence.
Peter Walshe, Head of Marketing at Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa, a beautiful 5* beachfront development in Albania, just 45 minutes from Tirana, fast becoming a desirable resort destination in the Eastern Mediterranean as well as an attractive investment choice, comments:
“We feel that infrastructural developments such as these have played a crucial part in fuelling the incredible level of interest we have seen at Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa. The first 80 two apartment blocks which we are about to complete are already soldalmost sold out which is an incredible achievement in the current global economic climate. With this in mind, we are extremely excited to see the valuable outcomes for both Albania and Lalzit Bay once improvements are completed.
“The future is certainly looking bright for Albania. With high numbers of tourists already flocking to the country combined with the new daily flights from across Europe, Albania is set to explode as a tourist destination generating considerable revenue for the country. Albania’s biggest attractions, as well as its cultural and historical charm and as well as a warm Mediterranean climate, are undoubtedly have to be the extremely low cost of living and an ever improving infrastructurethe incredible coastline which amazes so many people on their first visit”
For those thinking about tapping into Albania´s property market, Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa offers a premium, exclusive beachfront product to investors who want the benefits of holiday home ownership including private gardens and terraces, exclusive services as well as a range of facilities including private swimming pools, a BBQ area, tennis courts and superb restaurants.
Investors in the resort can purchase studios, one or two bedroom apartments or a range of villas from just €35,000 each. with sea views. Buyers can use their property themselves or rent out to earn healthy revenues from the increasing numbers of tourists that visit the region each year.
For more information contact Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa on +44 845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com