“Virgin California” surges ahead with impressive 27.9% growth in tourism according to latest UN Report
- 27.9% increase in tourists visiting “Virgin California” (Albania) from 2011 to 2012 (UN World Tourism Organization Report 2014)
- Increase of 3.6% in tourists to Europe in same period (UN World Tourism Organization Report 2014)
- Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa offering range of luxury properties on Albanian coast
It was the German politician Franz Josef Strauss who claimed the South-Eastern European country of Albania to be like “Virgin California” when he visited in 1984, in awe of its natural beauty and untapped potential. Now, exactly thirty years on, it has been revealed that Strauss’ claims were true to the mark, with the release of new figures revealing the growth of Albania as a hot tourist destination.
The UN World Tourism Organization Report 2014 shows an increase of 12.6% in the number of visitors to Albanian shores from 2010 to 2011 (the latest official UN data available, from 2,191,000 to 2,468,000) which, when compared to growth in visitors across Europe of just 6.4% in the same period, is undeniably notable. Yet, more recent figures are even more impressive.
The year of 2012 saw 3,156,000 international tourist arrivals for Albania, an outstanding increase of 27.9% from 2011, set within the context of a mere 3.6% growth in visitors throughout Europe in general terms during the same period, proving that with the advancement of the years comes the advancement of Albania’s tourist industry.
And it is not difficult to see what is drawing the attentions of these overseas visitors. Blessed with over 200 days of sunshine annually, Albania is a year-round destination that boasts the wild beauty of striking mountain ranges, golden beaches with azure waters, and bustlingly vibrant city life. Yet Albania is also just 45 miles across the waters from Italy, has a low cost of living and is only a 2 and a half hour direct flight from the UK.
With thousands more people discovering Albania’s charms year-on-year, there is also a marked increase in the numbers of people looking to buy property within the country, as either a base to explore Albania’s wonders themselves or from an investment standpoint – or both.
Peter Walshe, Marketing Director for Albania’s first high-end resort Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa explains,
“Albania has all the charms of other enduringly popular Mediterranean destinations, yet is more untouched and far better value. It is fantastic that tourism has taken a marked upward turn in recent years as this latest UN Report reveals, with increasing numbers of visitors discovering this hidden gem of Europe. I would say that now is certainly the time to take advantage of that growth and future potential by investing in property in the country.”
Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa is situated on the beautiful Albanian coast, just 30 minutes from the international airport of Tirana, and features a host of 5 star facilities including a beach club, selection of top restaurants and bars, tennis courts and boutique shops.
With a nod to Franz Josef Strauss’ claims, the resort is today bringing the flavour of “Virgin California” to the luxurious properties of Lalzit Bay, with villas designed to make the very most of the warm climate and inspired by California’s elegant and modern beachfront houses. Each boast spacious indoor and outdoor living, optional private swimming pools and the very best fixtures and fittings.
1 or 2 bedroom apartments to 3 or 4 bedroom villas are available, with properties ranging 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.