• Influx of Swiss tourists rising from 6,000 in 2005 to over 40,000 in 2012 (Swissinfo)
• Over 80,000 Britons visit Albania each year (Gov.uk)
• Albanian economy expected to grow by 3% in 2013
• Another low cost airline opens a route to Tirana 

The biggest recorded increase is from Switzerland, rising from about 6,000 visitors in 2005 to more than 40,000 last year, followed closely by visitors from Albania’s neighbours – Kosovo, Macedonia and Montenegro.

But visitor numbers from other further afield European nation such as Greece, Italy, Germany and Poland are also increasing with over 80,000 Britons alone descending on this undiscovered jewel of the Balkans each year.

In an attempt to capitalise on the lucrative ‘holiday buck’ Albania has been investing heavily in building and improving the infrastructure in tourist areas over the last few years. One such destination is Lalzit Bay on the Adriatic coast which has seen foreign direct investment improve the road network, water systems and cleanliness of the beach amongst other things.

And it is this commitment to improve the former communist nation’s infrastructure, boost tourism and levels of FDI which is driving forecasted GDP growth of 3% for 2013.

Peter Walshe, Marketing Director of Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, the luxury residential developer responsible for the majority of infrastructural improvement in the area, comments,

“Albania’s economy has benefitted substantially from a decade of increased openness and flexibility and has weathered the immediate impact of the global economic crisis unlike many of its European neighbours. Rising tourism levels are not only due to new regional transport infrastructure (road and air) but a greater global awareness about what Albania has to offer in terms of beaches and scenery.

“The weakened euro has also meant that we have seen an increase in not only holiday makers but potential property buyers, both European and as far afield as the US, Canada and China, wanting to take advantage of the amazing value that can still be found on a frontline European development such as ours.”

Indeed, the rising number of foreign investors heading to Albanian shores is set to continue as more and more airlines increase their routes to Tirana, Albania’s thriving capital.

Low cost Turkish airline , Pegasus, has joined the ranks of a growing number of new carriers announced its latest route to Tirana and will launch on 2nd September 2013 operating five times a week from Istanbul´s Sabiha Gokcen airport. Travellers Guests from London can fly to Tirana via Istanbul at fares starting from just £78.65 including taxes and charges making it even cheaper to visit your bolthole in the Balkan sunshine.

For those thinking about tapping into Albania’s property market, Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa offers a premium, exclusive product to investors who want the benefits of second home ownership including private gardens,  and terraces, exclusive services and more privacy as well as a range of facilities including private swimming pools, a BBQ area, tennis courts and superb restaurants for as little as €350,000. For more information please contact Lalzit Bay on +44 845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.