New Slovenian flights to boost Albania’s accessibility as tourism thrives
- 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 Walshe, Marketing 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.