Albania launching Quality Rating for Tourism
Albania’s tourism is a major factor in helping to turn the country into a modern European country. A recent meeting, which included business heads for Albania and experts from overseas, has set into motion a plan to increase the country’s profile.
Captains of the tourist industry in Albania have created criteria for all business within this industry to work towards. These criteria are to be known as The Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria (GSTC) and are a set of 37 voluntary standards which should help local businesses increase their revenue and success.
Albania needs to work at protecting and sustaining the world’s natural and cultural resources; of which it is bestowed with many. It is very important that, as their tourist industry starts to build, a strategy is put into place so that tourist income coming into the country is channeled into poverty alleviation and protecting what will undoubtedly become a country known for its natural beauty, stunning beaches and hospitality.
Ravin Maharajah, Albanian resort developer, is thrilled with the news. “Albania’s tourist industry is crying out for some direction. For many Albanian’s who may not have been outside the country and will not have had the benefit of seeing how other tourist areas operate, these northern European influences are sure to be extremely beneficial. This set of criteria offers simple and useful advice to small businesses to help them up their game plan.”
Maharajah goes on to say: “At Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa we are very keen for all companies within the tourism and related sectors to make a success of their businesses. The better they are – the better we all look. We are keen for the whole country to work together in making Albania one of the must-visit places to visit in Europe.”
Albania’s tourism has grown significantly over the past year and expectations for 2011 are extremely high. Over 200,000 Albanians are currently involved in the industry and this figure will see a natural rise as the country becomes more popular.
Mirroring the thoughts of Ravin Maharajah is the Mission Director of USAID who remarked: “Tourism in Albania is at a critical juncture and choices being made today are important.” He went on to say “The Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria and Authentic Albania Quality Mark program are good ways to ensure that tourism in Albania is sustainable and based on international trends and best practices.”
These ratings will be launched in the next few months and will initially target accommodation businesses. Hotels and accommodation will be evaluated based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria and then be awarded a gold, silver, or bronze classification that will be published on travel sites and in brochures and publications for foreign tourists.
The Authentic Albania Quality Mark will become an important marketing tool for new and expanding businesses in the tourism sector as a mark of quality and customer service. It should serve as a guide for visitors to ensure they can maximise their visit.
The Prime Minister of Albania, Sali Berisha, recently met with the Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organisation and in a press conference the PM spoke of his hope that Albania would be able to set an inspiring model to other European countries. He said “We discussed at length about the extraordinary tourism potential of this country, the main directives of the government of Albania for development of this potential, the determination of this government to cooperate closely with the World Tourism Organization. A few years ago this country was not at all on the world map of tourism, but has managed to develop sustainable tourism with the green philosophy, to develop tourism of this century.”
Currently Albania has three world heritage sites listed but this is a drop in the ocean for the number of potential sites here. The country has a hugely diverse terrain, from beautiful beaches, to deep gorges and ravines, stunning mountain ranges and lush meadows. This county will become a play ground for adventurers and a haven for those looking for some R&R on a beach.
Maharajah spoke of his excitement for this up and coming Balkan country: “There is so much untapped potential in Albania and the opportunities are endless. I sincerely believe that the local and international communities will make the very best use of this and that we will build a place that tourists will want to visit for decades ahead.
Speaking of his own efforts to sustainable tourism, Maharajah continues: “Our development is situated in 20 hectares of frontline land with 300 meters of private beach. We are only building on 25% of the land to maintain a feeling of luxurious non-crowded surroundings. Lalzit Bay itself is 10km in length, boasting golden sandy beaches and surrounded by distant mountains. The sea is shallow, calm and gently sloping ensuring perfect conditions for families. This is a place where people will feel very proud to own property.
“The resort will benefit from a beach club, sports and tennis club and a wellness centre with fabulous facilities. We are also building shops, boutiques and restaurants catering for all tastes with a variety of cuisines.”
Apartments in Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa are available from just €50,400. Villas are priced from €234,000. For more information contact Lalzit Bay on 0845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.