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