Albania cruising to increased tourism in 2011
Durres in Albania has joined the likes of Castries in St Lucia, Hong Kong in China and Madeira in Portugal as a destination of choice for P&O Cruises.
As part of their 175th birthday celebrations, P&O have added 13 new ports to their extensive worldwide destination list including this historic city nestled on the Adriatic Coast.
Durres is Albania’s second largest city; it is also one of the oldest and most economically important cities in the country. It has long been the preferred holiday destination for the capital’s residents who enjoy basking in the hot summer sunshine but it is a popular destination for foreign tourist alike with an estimated 600,000 tourists in total hitting the beaches every year. According to the Albanian Border and Migration Police figures, 63,525 Brits visited Albania between 1st April 2009 and 31st March 2010.
The beaches aren’t however the only attraction. Durres is home to the largest amphitheatre in the Balkans and this first century construction is currently under consideration for inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are also several modern theatres in the cultural centre as well as museums which are well worth visiting.
As well as by sea and air, visitors can easily find their way to Durres with the new road connecting Durres to Tirana and on to the northerly Kosovan border. This important infrastructural development has further boosted tourism and economic growth to the ‘gateway to western Europe’ which has a positive knock on effect for the rest of the country in time for EU accession.
To accommodate the increasing number of tourists the Albanian government is actively encouraging property and hotel development in prime locations along the coast. Just north of Durres, Lalzit Bay is one such destination which is benefitting from foreign direct investment and a property drive.
Ravin Maharajah, Director of Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa comments,
“Now is an exciting time for Albania in terms of both tourism and economy. Albania is being recognised by the likes of P&O Cruises as an up and coming hot spot for visitors and it has already been voted as the No1 European destination for 2011 by the reputable Lonely Planet Guides.
“At Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa we are responding to this increased demand by offering investors the opportunity to become a part of this growth economy. Investors can purchase studios, one or two bedroom apartments or villas in a divine Mediterranean location from as little as €29,000, a fraction of the cost of buying a home in one of the more established European resorts. Owners also have the benefit of a fabulous holiday resort to enjoy with family and friends or to rent out to holiday makers.”
For more information contact Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa on 0845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.
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Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa, Albania
A luxurious 5 star village in what will become the most exclusive beach community in Albania.
The resort will benefit from a beach club, sports and tennis club. A spa and wellness centre will include numerous steam rooms and full range of thermal treatment room. An indoor hydrotherapy pool as well as more traditional indoor and outdoor infinity pools situated around the resort. Shops and boutiques catering for all tastes and an excellent selection of restaurants offering a range of different cuisines.
Apartments available – studio, 1 or 2 bedrooms from €29,000. Villas available – 3 or 4 beds – from €234,000. For more information contact Lalzit Bay on 0845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.